Cissa: The Lost Atlantis of Rovinj – Legends, Mysteries, and Underwater Discoveries

The settlements of the Rovinj area originate from prehistoric times. It is believed that the present-day Rovinj region began to be formed between the 2nd and 3rd centuries b.c.

The Sunken Mystery of Cissa: Rovinj’s Lost Atlantis

Legends and whispers of the past often echo along the shores of Istria, but few tales are as intriguing as that of Cissa, the so-called Atlantis of Rovinj. This fabled island, referenced in ancient texts and intertwined with both historical fact and local lore, continues to fuel imaginations and spark debates. Let us journey into the depths—both historical and literal—of the enigmatic Cissa. Cissa The Lost Atlantis of Rovinj

A City Beneath the Waves

Rovigno ( view of Rovinj) Venice, Giacomo Franco, 1598

Cissa first emerges in historical records as an island along the coast of Istria. Roman author Pliny the Elder noted its existence in his encyclopedic work Natural History. He mentioned two places named Cissa—one likely near modern Rovinj and the other, perhaps today’s Caska on Pag Island. Other sources, such as the Notitia Dignitatum, a late Roman administrative document, confirm its importance, mentioning it as a possible diocese.

But here’s the twist: the island wasn’t just a mundane settlement. It was a hub of luxury, producing vibrant purple fabrics made from the rare murex sea snail, a color reserved for emperors and elites. An inscription discovered at Cape Barbariga in 1778 describes Cissa as home to a prestigious dye factory.

Then, as if swallowed by the gods themselves, Cissa disappeared.

The Earthquake That Changed Everything

According to Rovinj’s lore, a catastrophic earthquake struck the area in late antiquity, plunging the island of Cissa into the Adriatic Sea. Some suggest this event occurred as early as the 6th or 7th century, but others speculate it could have happened even earlier. Whatever the exact timeline, the destruction was said to be sudden and devastating, leaving only fragments of Cissa’s glory scattered beneath the waves.

Today, the waters between Rovinj and the Brijuni Islands are thought to conceal the remnants of this once-thriving community. Locals claim that certain islets near Rovinj—such as Red Island (Sveti Andrija), Sveta Katarina, and others—are what remains of Cissa’s higher ground.

Saint Euphemia and the Legend of Sinking

Adding a mystical layer to the tale is a connection to Rovinj’s patron saint, Saint Euphemia. As the story goes, the earthquake that destroyed Cissa coincided with her death, as if the earth itself mourned her passing. On that fateful day, the peninsula sank, its vibrant streets and homes disappearing beneath the Adriatic.

Was this divine retribution or merely poetic coincidence? Either way, the tale cemented Cissa as a part of Rovinj’s spiritual and cultural narrative.

Historical Accounts and Expeditions

The story of Cissa’s destruction is not merely confined to legend. Five centuries after its fateful demise, the tale resurfaced in historical accounts. Known as the “Fabula Cissana,” or the story of Cissa, the chronicle was recorded at the Church Synod in Grado and later referenced in the 9th century. These texts described Cissa as a prosperous and affluent city, further fueling interest in uncovering its mysteries.

During the 17th, 18th and the first half of the 19th century, Rovinj was the largest and most developed city of Istria.

The 19th century saw a surge of efforts to locate Cissa. Renowned historian Pietro Kandler led an expedition, convinced that the island’s remains lay submerged within a “circle of 500 feet, at depths varying from 18 to 30 Venetian aquatic feet.” Kandler’s observations included objects such as tiles, grooved stones, and even a window jamb, all retrieved from beneath the waters near Rovinj.

In 1890, the Austro-Hungarian Admiralty deployed the ship Laudon to conduct underwater investigations of Cissa. Reports from the expedition were astonishing. A diver noted:

“Just as soon as I entered into the depths of the sea, I came to a place covered with the remains of walls, which convinced me, as soon as I saw them, that they were deliberately constructed. Since I am a bricklayer, I could confirm the presence of mortar traces. Continuing my search of the surrounding underwater area, I noted extensions of the lines of walls and alongside roads.”

Since then, archaeologists have continued to discover remarkable findings, some predating Cissa itself. The legend of this sunken city has been perpetuated, carried by the waves, and now rests on the Adriatic’s mysterious seabed.

Exploring the Sunken Treasure

While much of Cissa lies hidden beneath the sea, Rovinj and its surrounding waters offer tantalizing glimpses of what once was. Divers occasionally report underwater structures, fueling speculation that the remnants of Cissa may one day be fully uncovered.

For now, the nearby islets remain a living testament to this lost city. Red Island, one of the most famous, invites visitors to stroll along its rocky shores and imagine a time when Cissa bustled with life. The turquoise waters, dotted with sunken memories, hold secrets yet to be uncovered.

The Allure of the Unknown

Cissa’s tale intertwines history, mythology, and the eternal mystery of the sea. Was it truly a thriving Roman settlement destroyed by nature’s fury, or does its legend serve as an allegory for Istria’s rich and turbulent history?

One thing remains certain: Cissa continues to captivate those who visit Rovinj. As the Adriatic guards its secrets, this sunken city becomes a timeless story of wonder, loss, and discovery. Perhaps someday the sea will reveal what it has hidden for centuries. Until then, Cissa will live on as Rovinj’s most tantalizing enigma.