Originally populated by Benedictine monks, the tiny Adriatic island of Biševo still houses the 11th century Benedictine church of St. Silvester. During its heyday, the island's population numbered 400. Today, there are a mere 7 people with an official island address.
After the Second World War the island became a military zone and foreigners were forbidden to enter. Most of the remaining population then moved to the mainland or even emigrated abroad, notably to the United States.
The decades of forced isolation also had a beneficial effect on the island's environment. Biševo is pristine, and one of the most bio-diverse areas in Croatia. It is home to the rare Eleonora Falcon and many more endangered and protected species.
(All images by Mario Topic / Anzenberger Agency)