Osor sits beside the narrow strait, which is just 36 feet (11 meters) wide, separating the islands of Cres and Losinj. It used to be a major cathedral town, but is now the size of a small hamlet.  It is the oldest settlement on either island, and in its day was a prosperous Roman city. It remained important in the medieval era, thanks in part to the reputation of St. Gaudentius who established the now ruined monastery of St Peter and turned Osor into a center for manuscript production.

A man of many talents, he is also said to have ridded the island of snakes and a tradition developed for local sailors to carry a piece of Cres stone with them on their travels as protection from poisonous snakes. Although the saint died in Rome, his remains miraculously returned to Osor in a sea-borne wooden chest that is now kept on the high altar of Osor’s former cathedral. This is now the Church of the Assumption and stands on one side of the funnel-shaped main square.

The Archaeological Museum in the Venetian town hall has Roman relics and a model of medieval Osor.  On the other side of the square, a narrow street runs past the 15th century Bishop’s Palace where the most impressive item on display is the bishop’s throne. A ten minute walk away lies Bijar Bay, where the small beach is overlooked by the ruins of a 13th century Franciscan monastery. Osor hosts an annual chamber music festival in July and August, with performances taking place in the church, and there are some good restaurants here to, making it an appealing stopover for music-lovers and foodies alike.