Vis marks 160th anniversary of historic naval battle

The island of Vis is marking the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Vis, one of the most significant events in Croatian maritime history.

Fought on July 20, 1866, the battle ended with the Austrian fleet defeating the Italian navy, with Dalmatian sailors and the defenders of Vis playing a key role in preventing an Italian takeover of the island and limiting Italy's expansion into the eastern Adriatic.

Vis Mayor Hrvoje Mratinić said the battle remains an important milestone in Croatian history.

"A lot of those sailors were from Dalmatia and Primorje, so this was actually a battle in which Croatians helped ensure that they don't fall under Italian occupation at that time," said Mratinić.

Dinko Radić of the Vis City Museum highlighted the importance of preserving the island's maritime heritage, saying the legacy of the battle continues to contribute to local tourism.

"The battle has long passed, however, the walls, forts and sunken ships remain. This is something we have to preserve, as it represents a significant part of our tourist offer," Radić said.

President Zoran Milanović also attended Monday's commemoration, laying a wreath into the sea from a Croatian Navy vessel. He described the Battle of Vis as a turning point in Croatian history, saying an Italian victory could have significantly changed the political development of Dalmatia and, ultimately, the future of modern Croatia.