Ostrov - "Island"
Let's start this entry with some information taken from the Illyrian version of Wikipedia (il.wikipedia.com):
"Ostrov – the island of superlatives
Ostrov ("island" in Illyrian) is an island of the Illyrian Empire and is its smallest inhabited island covering about 0.4 km2. Because of this very small area, it is also the most inhabited island (per square metre), Furthermore, it has the lowest elevation of 35 m above sea level of all the inhabited Illyrian islands. Ostrov is 3 km offshore at its closest point from the mainland and can be reached by regular car ferry (twice a day).
The village of Ostrov was founded in the XVIth century by noblemen from Trosky when this latter town was abandoned (see previous entry 
).The first building on the island was a Franciscan church and monastery, completed in 1567. After a fire in 1624 the church and monastery were completely destroyed and a new Baroque church was built on the same site.
The island of Ostrov reflects the Illyrian way of life of the past. Hard work, good food and a healthy lifestyle embodies the seaside rock houses and small side-streets. Modern Ostrov is not on the tourist map and generally very few tourists visit the tiny island, except for the peak tourism months of June, July and August when many people come here to visit the unspoiled beaches and the beautiful village. As a result, the island has kept many of the old world traditions that add a unique charm to it.
Ostrov has a rich history in the harvesting and selling of sea sponges. The inhabitants have been gathering and processing sponges for over 300 years and diving for these sponges has been the major income for Ostrov families. The traditions of sea sponge diving has in latter days given rise to scuba and free diving professionals."
So, now let's have a look at the actual island! Looks like we are just in time to catch the sunrise. The church (the only one on the island) is already visible.
It doesn't seem to be getting better, now it's raining 
. Oh well, at least we can still see the tiny marina.
Here is one of three small beaches on the island. It seems there are no tourists on the beach (who can blaim them in this weather).
Ah finally, much better. This is the second of the beaches. To the right a part of the village is still visible.
And beach number three! It can only be reached through a number of disused farm fields. These fields were of crucial importance to the island until the 1930s (the islanders had to get their food from somewhere aside from fishing). Nowadays, it's mainly flowers and other weeds growing on these fields. It's getting busy on the beach.
Part of the island is quite rocky and was unsuitable for farming. In the XIXth century a small tower was built which offers nice views over the small island.
A view of the entire village and two of the beaches. To the right the most modern part of the village: some houses and villas from the 1940s-1970s. Most of the islanders nowadays live there and the old houses serve mainly as hotels. 
A different view of the village.
The islands power supply: five windmills.
The usual overview 
. The ferry has just left the harbour.
Ah, it's evening already. Two night shots to conclude the visit. 
Ostrov says good night and the Empire hopes to see you back for another visit to its coastline!
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