The island of Krapanj is situated in the central part of the Croatian littoral and is characterised by a warm, dry Mediterranean climate.

Realising their father's dream after his death, Jurić's 4 sons completed The Holy Cross Church and monastery in 1523 with blessings from Pope Eugene IV on one condition: only the Friars were to live and inhabit Krapanj.

Krapanj came under the possession of the Franciscan Province of St. Jerome of Dalmatia in the 16th century as the Ottoman Empire invaded neighbouring lands.

The Franciscans allowed people living on the neighbouring mainland to build their own settlement, southeast of the monastery who then united to defend themselves against the Ottomans.

But from the middle to late 20th century, many inhabitants fled communism and poverty by emigrating to Australia, Canada and the United States.

Hard work, good food and a healthy lifestyle embodies the seaside rock houses and tiny side-streets.

The art of producing wine (vino), olive oil (maslinovo ulje), rakija and sea sponge (spužve) are traditions that date back to pre-history but are still extremely evident in modern-day Krapanj.

Krapanj holds a host of cultural antiquities in the monastery including "The Last Supper" by the 16th-century Italian artist Francesco da Santa Croce and a Renaissance painting titled "The Black Madonna On The Throne".

Traditionally fish, clams and octopus are either grilled over dried vine leaves or cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Franciscan Antun from Crete, who came to serve in local monastery, introduced Krapanj's inhabitants to diving and sea sponge gathering/processing at the end of the 17th century.

The small industry still persists, with sponges from Krapanj sold throughout Europe with a primary market in Greece and Italy.