The story of the galley Cristo Ressussitato: the celebration of 446th anniversary of the battle of Lepanto
In the town of Krk is traditionally held the anniversary of the battle of Lepanto – one of the biggest and the most famous naval battles in the European history. Come to the town of Krk from 6th till 8th October and celebrate this significant anniversary with us.
In the 1571, on October 7th, one of the most important battles in the European naval history took place. The battle was held near Greek town Nafpaktos, known as Lepanto. It was the largest naval battle in Western history since classical antiquity, involving more than 400 warships, but also the last one fought solely between rowing vessels.
And what is the connection between the island of Krk and the battle in the Corinthian gulf?
Short story of the battle of Lepanto
As the Turkish Navy wanted to occupy Cyprus which was under the possession of Venetian Republic, the forces of Christians and Muslims clashed near Lepanto. Of course, the Venetians didn't want to surrender and that was the beginning of the Cyprus war.
As Venetians couldn't defend Cyprus from the Turkish navy on their own, the Pope Pius V promptly organised the Holy league. Because of the major fear of the Ottoman invasion, the league was also joint by Spain, Malta, Savoy, Parma, Genova and Toscany. As one part of the Croatian Adriatic was under the rule of the Republic of Venice, there were also galleys from 8 towns of eastern Adriatic participated in this battle:
- St. Nicholas from Cres,
- Lion from Kopar,
- St. Jerolim from Hvar,
- St. John from Rab,
- Woman from Trogir,
- St. Trifun from Kotor,
- St. George from Šibenik, and
- Cristo Ressussitato (Risen Christ) from Krk
The story behind the galley Cristo Ressussitato
Every year, the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto takes place in the historic port of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) in Greece. It is organized in the memory of the died galliots, soldiers and the other crew members. It is the gathering of representatives of all the countries that were a part of the Holy League. The representatives of the town of Krk visited this unique event 10 years ago.
That is the reason why the idea of a project “The story of galley Cristo Ressussitato” was created in the town of Krk. Thanks to the Center of culture of the town of Krk, who organized the first celebration of the battle of Lepanto in 2008, this year will be the 446th anniversary.
Exposition of the „trireme“ galley paddle replica
The 446th anniversary of the battle of Lepanto in the town of Krk will begin on October 6th with the exposition of the „trireme“ galley paddle replica the waterfront of the town of Krk. It will be exposed in the original size (12,5 m of lenght and 250 kg of weight). The paddle will be set on „cavalettas“, a wooden trestles.
And, what's on during the next three days? Check the event programme:
06 - 10 October 2017
Krk's Cathedral
- An occasional informative panel will be set up along the grave of the Krk's Cristo Ressussitato [Resurrected Christ] galley commander - sopracomito Ljudevit Čikuta
06 - 08 October 2017
Town's waterfront
- Exposure of the 'trireme' galley paddle replica
07 October 2017
Decumanus Gallery, 06.00 pm
- Opening of the exhibition Fifteen decades of the Boka Navy on photographs by the Maritime Museum of Montenegro from Kotor
Exhibition will be opened from 07 to 26 October 2017
Gallery working hours: Mon. - Fra. 10.00 - 12.00 am / 06.00 - 08.00 pm
Krk's Cathedral, 07.00 pm
- Mass for those who died in the Battle of Lepanto
Cocktail bar Volsonis, 08.00 pm
- Galliot's evening with occasional musical programme
08 October 2017
Krk waterfront, 9.00 am
- Guided hiking tour to the St. Nicholas Chapel on Biska, the votive chapel of Čikuta family
09.00 am, participation fee payment, City's waterfront
10.00 am, departure, the Town's waterfront
12.30 am, St. Nicholas Chapel, Biska
02.00 pm, returning to Krk by the boat, Valbiska
The participation fee for guided hiking is 40,00 kn and includes the return boat ride.
Applications for guided hiking can be made until 06 October, by e-mail [email protected] or by phone on 00385 51 220 041.
Book an accommodation
If you decide to join us for the celebration of the anniversary of the battle of Lepanto, we invite you to book an accommodation in Krk Hotels.
We are looking forward to your arrival.
