Plisko Polje Airstrip
Type
Panoramic view, Site of historic interest: WW2 Airstrip
Description
You will pass this site as you head east towards Vis Town from Komiza, and it is worth stopping the car briefly to have a look. The airstrip was constructed by the British in a hurry during 1944 to improve communications with Tito’s new headquarters in a valley to the east of Plisko Polje village. Surrounding by hills on all sides it is an impressive site and must have been a ‘hair raising’ experience to land at.
The runway was a temporary affair made from steel plates which have long since disappeared. The levelled area of the runway is however visible within the fields and vineyards now planted over it, and if there was any confusion over the location then the vertical red and white stripped poles that mark its sides leave you in no doubt.
It is perhaps viewed from the road that climbs to the hill to the north, at the east end of the valley. Reaching the cross-roads turn to the north (left coming from Komiza) and find somewhere to park safely so you can look back down into the valley (see the photo above)
Access
Following the main road east from Komiza along the south side of the island you will pass through the village of Plisko Polje and then into the valley where this site lies. the road turns slightly north and skirts the north side of the runway. Finding a safe place to park the runway is best viewed from the road.
Links
Location
Otok Vis: on the southern shore halfway between between Mount Hum and Stocnica. At Plisko Polje continue towards Vis Town and the road skirts the north side of the site.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
