History and Identity of the Municipality of Tkon
Tkon, first mentioned as Katan around 950 AD, has a long and rich history rooted in island life. Traditionally a fishing and farming village, Tkon is known for its crafts, boatbuilding, and Glagolitic church singing, preserved by the Benedictine monks of Ćokovac Monastery.
Today, Tkon is proud to be a Green Municipality, focused on eco-tourism and sustainable development. Through projects like the Škraping race and the Island Products Fair, the community promotes local heritage while protecting nature.
Tkon invites you to experience its tradition, authenticity, and natural beauty where the past and future live in harmony.
A Small Municipality That Never Stops Striving
Established in 1997, the Municipality of Tkon includes the villages of Tkon and Ugrinić, along with 13 small islands, the largest being Gangaro, Žižanj, and Košara, and the smallest Orlić. While Planac and Ćavatul lie in the Pašman Channel, the others stretch southeast toward the island of Vrgada and southwest toward the Kornati archipelago.
Tkon is a small Adriatic island municipality modest in size and population, but rich in unspoiled nature, crystal-clear sea, sandy beaches, diverse coastline, and a deep cultural heritage.
The municipality covers 15 km² and is home to 763 residents.
Fortifications
Pustograd is a 6th-century hilltop fortress above Zaklopica Bay, believed to have been built over an earlier settlement. During the Byzantine Empire, it served as a military lookout to guard the Pašman and Zadar Channels from pirate attacks. Locals used it as a refuge during invasions. The remains include a defensive wall in an irregular circular shape (approx. 85×75 m), with preserved foundations, partial towers, and traces of residential buildings and a water cistern. Today, Pustograd is a valuable archaeological site.
Veliki Tor (Ugrinić Castle), located in the Crnika forest and built in the 16th century, is a two-level stone fortress surrounded by strong defensive walls. It was used to house soldiers and their families and is associated with the noble Ugrinić family, descendants of the Šubić clan. The fortress likely accommodated around 50 people. Many rooms are still visible, including a kitchen, workspaces, and areas for livestock. A large tower remains intact on the upper level, along with an open-air cistern and a carved stone bench.
Pašman Island
The name of the island of Pašman most likely originates from the name of a Roman landowner called Postumus, who owned property on the island. From this personal name came Postumiana, and later Postumiana Insula, meaning the Island of Pašman (source: Suić, Brunelli).
According to other theories, the name derives from the Latin Post manus, meaning “the last one,” as Pašman was the final island on the Venice Zadar sea route.
Characteristics of the Island
Pašman is the second-largest island in the Zadar archipelago, covering an area of 63 km². It is separated from the mainland by the 2–5 km wide Pašman Channel. On the northwest, it is divided from the island of Ugljan by a strait that was deepened in 1883 to allow for boat passage. Today, Pašman and Ugljan are connected by an attractive bridge. Interestingly, until the Middle Ages, these two islands were considered a single landmass.
The island’s highest peak is Veliki Bokolj, reaching 272 meters above sea level.
Typical island settlements developed along the northeastern coast of Pašman and are connected by the main road D110.
Pašman is connected to the mainland by ferry lines Tkon–Biograd and Preko–Zadar.
Traditional Rural Architecture
The oldest parts of Tkon, such as Pelastra and Rudića Dvor, showcase typical Dalmatian stone houses with ground-floor utility areas and living quarters above. The historical center once revolved around a communal well and large cistern for collecting rainwater.
Notable structures include a 19th-century sea parapet still in use today, and the remnants of a noble De Erco family estate with a mill and garden. Ugrinić also preserves valuable examples of rural architecture.
Across the island, dry-stone walls protected as cultural monuments enclose livestock pens (torovi), such as the historically significant Calovi and Brzića pens.
An important underwater archaeological site near Gnalić is the wreck of a Venetian ship that sank in 1583, carrying luxury trade goods. Around 10,000 recovered items are preserved in the Biograd Heritage Museum.
The Benedictine Monastery and the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian date back to the 12th century / Romanesque period.
Benedictine Monastery of Saints Cosmas and Damian – Key Features :
- Cultural and Historical Influence: The monastery was a center of religious and cultural influence, renowned for its Glagolitic tradition using the Glagolitic script and conducting liturgy in Croatian.
- Education: It played a significant role in educating the local population.
- Strong Economic Base: Supported by mills, a small saltworks, livestock, and landholdings.
- Closure and Renewal: The monastery was closed by the French in 1808 but underwent restoration between 1953 and 1965, with monks returning to reside there continuously since then.
Location and Historical Background
- Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows: Located on Kalvarija hill, featuring a Stations of the Cross and oldest preserved Glagolitic miracle plays from around 1500.
- Church of St. Anthony the Hermit: A 17th-century chapel in the village center, built by local Glagolitic community, still maintaining an active brotherhood.
Tkonski Zbornik (Tkon Manuscript)
An important Croatian Glagolitic manuscript from the early 16th century, discovered in Tkon and preserved at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb. It contains diverse religious texts, songs, apocrypha, and sermons, written beautifully in cursive Glagolitic by two scribes at Ćokovac.
The Parish of Tkon
Located in northeastern Pašman Island, the Parish of Tkon includes the villages of Tkon and Ugrinić, with 763 residents. The community thrives on tourism, fishing, and agriculture.
Tkon’s history dates back to 950 AD, mentioned as “Katun” by Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus. The parish church of St. Thomas the Apostle was built in the 12th century.
The local cemetery lies northwest of the church.
In the Parish of Tkon, there are 4 churches:
- Parish Church of St. Thomas the Apostle (12th century)
- Church of St. Anthony the Hermit (17th century)
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows on Calvary (18th century)
- Benedictine Church of St. Cosmas and Damian (12th century)
Tkon Bells
Tkon has an old tradition of ringing the Angelus (Hail Mary) on the parish church, the chapel on Calvary, and the church of St. Anthony the Hermit.
Before WWII, the parish church had a tall Romanesque bell tower with two very old bells, electrified in 1980. The bell tower kept its shape until September 9, 1944, when Allied bombing heavily damaged the church, destroying the altar, the tower’s pyramid top, and its dome. Nineteen locals, including children, were killed. In 2015, a memorial plaque was placed to honor the victims.
The church underwent multiple renovations, notably in 1938 and after WWII in 1956 under the care of monks from Ćokovac. The latest repairs were done in 2012 by local volunteers, restoring the roof, facade, and interior. Apostolic Protonotary C.F. Bianchi called it “the most beautiful village church in the Archdiocese of Zadar” in 1879.
The bells on Ćokovac date from 1709. The old bell tower bears the inscription MDCCIX ANNO (1709). The bell features four images:
- Crowned Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus
- A monk kneeling before the Crucifix
- Calvary scene with Mary, St. John, and Mary Magdalene
- A monk with a staff (possibly St. Roch)
Glagolitic Heritage in Tkon
Tkon is a historic Glagolitic parish, known for producing 76 Glagolitic priests since the 15th century. It preserves numerous Glagolitic registers, codices, and liturgical books, along with unique traditional chants like the Easter hymn “Žrtvi vazmenoj.” The parish’s Glagolitic singing tradition is actively preserved and showcased.
The Benedictine monks from Tkon contributed important medieval Glagolitic manuscripts, including the 14th-century Rule of St. Benedict translation, and significant texts like the Pašman Breviary and Tkon Missal, which are key to Croatian medieval literature.
Parish Church of St. Thomas the Apostle
The Parish Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Tkon dates back to the 11th century, originally dedicated to St. Mary, with its Romanesque core from the 12th century. It was rededicated to St. Thomas in 1215.
After Baroque renovations around 1730 and reconsecration in 1742, the church featured three altars and a raised bell tower. It was restored in 1938 but heavily damaged in a 1944 bombing, with the bell tower never fully rebuilt.
The Romanesque, three-nave church has five marble altars, including a main Baroque altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Originally it had four Romanesque bells; today, two remain, electrified in 1980.
Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
Located on Kalvarija hill above Tkon, this 18th-century church features a Stations of the Cross. Since around 1500, locals gathered here to hear some of the oldest preserved Croatian Glagolitic plays, including the Resurrection of Christ from the Tkon Missal.
Chapel of St. Anthony the Hermit
In the village center stands the 17th-century Chapel of St. Anthony the Hermit, built in 1672 through a bequest from Glagolitic inhabitant A. Palaškov. It houses a marble altar from the early 19th century. The Brotherhood of St. Anthony still exists today.
Hiking Trails and Sports Life in Tkon – Where Nature, History, and Recreation Meet
Pustograd
Above Zaklopica Bay lies the hill of Pustograd, home to the remains of a 6th-century fortress that once protected an early settlement. Built from large stone blocks with narrow openings for defense, it served as a lookout over the Pašman and Zadar Channels and as a shelter from pirate attacks. The site is listed in the Croatian Register of Cultural Heritage. A 4 km marked hiking trail from the Tkon ferry port leads to the fortress, following the coast for most of the way.
Lookout poin
A well-marked hiking trail leads from Tkon to the Straža viewpoint, taking about 45 minutes to reach the top. Along the way, hikers pass a WWII German bunker. Like Pustograd, Straža was historically used for surveillance over the surrounding channels. Today, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the island and mainland.
Ugrinića Dvori
This 16th-century stone fortress, built by the noble Ugrini family, is accessible via a 4.8 km cycling and walking trail from Tkon or an alternative route via Straža. Surrounded by impressive dry-stone walls, the two-story structure once housed a military garrison and early inhabitants of Ugrinić. Christian symbols are still visible in the remains. It is a fine example of stone craftsmanship and is also listed as cultural heritage.
Rowing Club “Ugrinić”
Founded in 2014, the club promotes rowing among youth on the island and cooperates with rowing clubs from Zadar and Zagreb.
Sailing Club “Kun”
Established in 2012, this club actively supports sailing sports in Tkon and throughout Pašman.
Other Sports
Sports play an important role in local life, with long-standing traditions in bocce, football, and volleyball being especially popular among residents.
Tkon – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Adriatic
Located on the Biograd Riviera, the Municipality of Tkon offers everything for a perfect island getaway: a pleasant Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear sea, sandy beaches, scenic trails through centuries-old olive groves bordered by dry-stone walls, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy local events such as Škraping adventure race, the Island Products Fair, Kun Summer Festivities, Traditional Boat Regatta (Latin Sail), and the Fishermen’s Night. From the vibrant Kun Carnival in February to a cappella island choirs and sacred Glagolitic singing, Tkon is alive with authentic island spirit.
Cultural Highlights
- Ćokovac Benedictine Monastery (12th c.) – National Cultural Monument
- Parish Church of St. Thomas the Apostle (12th c.)
- Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows (18th c.)
- Chapel of St. Anthony the Hermit (17th c.)
- Pustograd Fortress (6th c.) – hilltop archaeological site
- Ugrinić Dvori Fortress (16th c.) – noble residence with dry-stone walls
- Remains of the Church of St. Alexander
- Old town cores of Tkon and Ugrinić, rural island architecture
- Dry-stone walls and traditional stone huts (bunje) – UNESCO-recognized craftsmanship
Beaches
Tkon boasts 7 beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Nearby Attractions
- National Parks: Kornati, Krka, Paklenica, Velebit
- Nature Park Vransko Lake
- Close to historic cities: Zadar, Šibenik, Biograd na Moru
Getting Here
- Ferry line: Biograd – Tkon (island of Pašman)
- Ferry/bus connections: Zadar – Preko (Ugljan island), with a bridge to Pašman
Institutions and Companies Associated with the Municipality of Tkon
- Orlić Ltd.
www.orlic.hr
Communal services and Sovinje campsite management. - FKK Sovinje – Naturist campsite
www.fkksovinje.hr - Ćok Kindergarten
Public preschool institution for local children. - Tkon Cultural Center
Public cultural institution – organizing events and preserving heritage. - DVD Tkon
Volunteer Fire Department – fire protection and emergency response.
Tkon remains a place where tradition, nature, and community come together – ideal for living, relaxing, and discovering the hidden treasures of Pašman Island.