The most remote Croatian island is steeped in myth
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Palagruža, Croatia’s most isolated island, captivates with its rugged beauty and rich, mythical history.
Although uninhabited, at the highest point of the main island stands a striking lighthouse which is home to staff.
Constructed in 1875 and at an elevation of 90 metres, the lighthouse not only serves as a guide for seafarers but also hosts a meteorological station.
Known in Italian as Pelagosa, a name derived from the Ancient Greek word Pelagousae (Πελαγούσαι, meaning ‘sea’), Palagruža’s nomenclature speaks volumes about its maritime significance.
The Croatian name is similarly evocative, with the term gruži meaning ‘ballast’, resonating deeply with the island’s nautical connections. The islands are also steeped in Greek mythology, often referred to as the Islands of Diomedes.
Historical finds and legends suggest that Palagruža may be the final resting place of one of Greece’s greatest heroes—Diomedes. An illustrious warrior in his own right, Diomedes earned his place among the most notable Achaean fighters during the Trojan War, second only to Achilles.
Palagruza (Photo credit: Adam Sporka/CC BY 2.0)
According to myth, he wounded the goddess of love, Aphrodite, which led to personal strife upon his return home. To escape his troubles, he founded a kingdom in Apulia and is said to have been buried on a small island off the coast of Apulia.
While Italians refer to these islands as the Tremiti, archaeological evidence hints at a different narrative. Dinko Radić, an archaeologist and historian, recounts a significant discovery made by a young boy named Jadranko Oreb, who unearthed a vessel filled with pottery.
Palagruza (Photo credit: Adam Sporka/CC BY 2.0)
Expert examination revealed that the artefacts were offerings dedicated to Diomedes. Radić explained to HRT that the Greeks believed Diomedes’ grave was located on Palagruža, where they left votive gifts in his honour.
The area has yielded hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of exquisite Greek pottery, dating from the 5th century BC to the time of Christ. This wealth of archaeological material underscores the belief in Diomedes’ enduring presence and significance in the region.
(Photo: Kyknos/CC BY-SA 3.0)
According to legend, upon Diomede’s death, his companions fell from a cliff and transformed into birds known as Kaukalije. Their mournful night songs serve as a haunting reminder of their sorrow and symbolize the everlasting bond between Diomed and this enchanting locale.
Today, Palagruža stands not only as a breathtaking destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike but also as a testament to the intricate culture and mythology that defines the Croatian coast.
