The history of Murter

Discover the layers of islands' settlements

Ancient towns

How the story of Murter started

The island of Murter was most probably named after the word mortar, which means a hollowed piece of stone.

Sign with text "CO LEN TUM" on a stone post, next to a beach. The text is likely Croatian for Colentum, an ancient Roman city located on the island of Murter

Besides other explanations this name could be related to a part of the olive oil press, indicating the importance of olive oil production throughout the island's long history.

Town on Betina surrounded by the sea. Buildings climb the hillside behind the city.

Both Liburni and Romans lived in the area of today's archaeological park Colentum.

We highly recommend visiting this site to learn more about the island's fascinating history.

Town’s origins

Reveal the islands’ history

The towns Murter and Jezera have medieval origins, mentioned at the end of the 13th century as the island parishes. Residents were cultivating the land owned by several noble families.

Picturesque village with waterfront houses in Croatia.

In the later periods, they were buying off the land, not just on the island of Murter, but on the mainland and the Kornati islands, thus creating the need for developing shipyards and becoming more orientated to the sea.

Betina and Tisno were established in the 15th and 16th centuries when the Ottoman Empire was expanding towards the Croatian coastline. At that time, the island of Murter was under the rule of the Venetians

Over the following centuries, the history of Murter became intertwined with that of the neighbouring Dalmatian cities, with periods of turmoil and peace.

White building with a green door and two windows.

Each town of the island Murter has its own unique story for you to uncover. Enjoy revealing it!

Towns on the island

Connected with the Adriatic Sea

The towns of Murter and Betina are famous for their "kalafati", people who possess knowledge of traditional shipbuilding. You can learn more about it by visiting the Museum of Traditional Shipbuilding in Betina.

Entrance door to the Betina muesom.

Jezera and Tisno, towns closest to our Jezera Mobile Homes, also express the islanders' strong connection to the sea. Near Jezera, you can find a beautiful bay and the Church of St. Nikola, the protector of the sailors.

In Tisno, in addition to the famous Church of Our Lady of Karavaj, there is a modern sculpture of an octopus catching a crab close to the bridge that connects the island to the mainland.

Statue of an octopus leaning against a pier.

You can explore the islands' towns by bike or enjoy hikes and discover the island's fascinating sights, both ancient and modern ones.