Lighthouse Sv. Ivan na pučini
The Lighthouse Sv. Ivan na pučini (St. John cliff) was built on the same named cliff which is situated in front of Rovinj. The local people from Rovinj call it Lanterna.
It is the most distant islet of the small archipelago of 13 islands which are situated in front of Rovinj-Rovigno. It is a bare rock length of 70 meters and 50 meters of width.
Lighthouse was built by the Austro-Hungarian authorities in 1853.
Octagonal stone tower of the lighthouse, from which You can enjoy a breathtaking view, is 23 meters high and inside the building there are two apartments. There is a permanent crew at the lighthouse. The island has a small pier and crane for small boats.
BEACHES AND UNDERSEA
The straight rocks of St. John islet are ideal for sunbathing. The caution is recommended for the swimmers. It is advisable for them not to swim away from the island due to unpredictable sea currents and good dolphins, which are not allowed to disturb. There are 2 smaller beaches with shallow water which are situated at the opposite sides of the island.
The depth of the sea around St. John ranges from 10 to 40-meters and it is rich in vegetation and numerous fish species. Therefore, underwater and sport fishing are especially attractive in this island. The undersea world is very attractive for diving because of the remains of sunken ships.
INTERESTING FACTS
Legend says that there was one Venetian doge who was sailing, on a bad weather, in the direction of Rovinj-Rovigno. His crew spotted the dangerous cliffs of St. John, and changed the route navigation. Doge vowed to St. John that he will, if he sailed alive to Rovinj-Rovigno and in gratitude to the same island, lit up a candle which is tall as a tower of the cathedral.
After having arrived safely to Rovinj-Rovigno, the doge felt sorry for his promise and started to think about the smaller and smaller candle. Finally, as he hurried back to Venice he didn't even lit up a little candle on a St. John. A few months later, on a same place, the sudden storm has surprised him. His ship was thrown by the sea on the rocks of St. John and the entire crew has disappeared in the stormy sea.