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Coordinates: 45°03'N , 13°57'E / LH # E2690
This lighthouse was built in 1853 on the southernmost islet of an
archipelago that consists of thirteen islets in front of the town of
Rovinj (Rovigno). This lighthouse is only 2 nautical miles from Rovinj.
Active; focal plane 23 m (75 ft); two white flashes
every 10 s. 15 m (49 ft) round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and
gallery, attached to a 2-story stone keeper's house. The lighthouse is
unpainted cream-colored stone; the lantern is white with a gray metallic
roof. Fog siren (one blast every 30 s). This lighthouse marks the end of
a dangerous reef extending southwestward from Rovinj. It is available
for vacation rental -- which is unusual for such an exposed light
station. Plovput provides boat transportation for guests from Rovinj,
but only in the morning; it's difficult to land at the lighthouse during
the west winds that usually blow in the afternoon. Located on a rocky
islet about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) offhsore and about 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest
of Rovinj. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed except to
paying guests. ARLHS CRO-017; Admiralty E2690; NGA 11960.
 The
islet is a rocky cliff measuring 70 x 50 m and is surrounded by shallow
sea. The depths of the sea that surrounds Sv. Ivan vary from 10 to 40
meters where the seabed is rocky and rick in flora and species of fish,
and the protected bottle-nosed dolphins are also present. There is a
small berth and a hoist for boats. The lighthouse building has been
converted to two 4-bedroom rental apartments.
Curse of the doge
Legend has it that a Venetian doge was navigating in the direction of
Rovinj in unfavorable weather conditions. His crew spotted the dangerous
cliffs of Sv. Ivan on time and changed their navigation route. The doge
vowed to Sv. Ivan (St. John) to light him a candle as high as a
cathedral tower if he made it safe and sound to Rovinj. After having
arrived safely to Rovinj, the doge forgot about his vow. Since he was in
a hurry back to Venice he did not even light a little candle on Sv.
Ivan. He remembered that he had not kept his promise several months
later when he found himself in the middle of a tempest in the same area.
His ship was thrown into the cliffs of Sv. Ivan and the whole crew along
with the doge disappeared in the stormy sea. |
