TOWN OF MARCO POLO
Korčula is a historic fortified town on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula. The old city is surrounded by walls, and the streets are arranged in a herringbone pattern allowing free circulation of air but protecting against strong winds.
Korčula enchants the senses with its timeless beauty and casts an everlasting spell of wonder on those who tread upon its ancient stone.
The Moreška sword dance in Korčula town, as well as the sword dances of Kumpanija and Moštra in Čara, Pupnat and Žrnovo are as much rooted in the history and soul of the island, as are the brotherhoods with bind the community.
Immerse yourself in Korčula’s narrow walkways and discover adorned palaces and elegant houses; while in the evening, follow the fading light to reveal a glorious Adriatic sunset.
On the Korčula island there are a lot of viewpoints worth for visiting.
Among the many beautiful viewpoints all over the island, you should visit tower of St. Vlaho above the city of Korčula and St. Anthony hill.
START EXPLORING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND THE MOST ROMANTIC ISLAND AND TOWN
Organized tours will tell you a story about the history and legends of this beautiful town and the island bearing the same name. You will get familiar with its architecture and major sites, and you can also try the traditional dishes and the world-famous high-quality wine.
If you like hiking, cycling, scuba diving, sailing and other sports, Korčula offers a wide variety of possibilities to explore and enjoy its natural beauty.
A City of Culture
The hometown of Marco Polo – the world-famous seafarer and explorer, the former center of the diocese and of international trade routes, well-known for its tradition of shipbuilding and stonemasonry.
ISLAND DELICACIES
Wine tours, culinary workshops, enjoying local specialties and numerous traditional delicacies and other local products.
ACTIVE VACATION
Organized walking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, stand up paddling (SUP), windsurfing, fishing and entertainment tours, buggy safari, ethno tours, …
VEHICLE AND VESSEL
car, boat, minibus, sailboat, scooter, bicycle, etc.
and explore the Island, discover its secret coves, hidden beaches and spectacular panoramic views and enjoy the unforgettable adventures and explorations!
WORTH WALKING
In the Town of Korcula, there are promenades with a beautiful view, which are also educational, and worth visiting. Among the many beautiful walkways we can recommend the following:
The Reconciliation Square is a monument to the fallen citizens of the Island of Korčula in World War II, built by Bernardo Bernardi, a Croatian architect born in Korčula.
Walking down the promenade, you will get to the Art Gallery of Maksimilijan Vanka (1889-1963), a Croatian painter, followed by the Dominican Monastery with the Church of St. Nicholas (cro. Sv. Nikola) which contains a large number of works of art and a rich library.
The Stairs lead to the top of the hill with Forteca (the British Fort Wellington), built in 1813 on the site of the former Venetian fortress. During the construction of the tower, the Church of St. Blaise that was located there was demolished.
You can go back by following the gravel road which will take you to the asphalted road, and then proceed towards the Town of Korčula.
WORTH TO EXPLORE
Explore our beautiful and romantic island and its coves extending along the north coast as far as Račišće, a picturesque resort with a centuries-old maritime tradition; and don’t miss the fascinating settlements at the heart of the island: Žrnovo, Pupnat and Čara. From Zrnovo, the birthplace of our well-known writer Petar Šegedin, head South to reach cosy coves with gravel beaches, surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean vegetation. Walking on the paths through the olive groves or by the sea, you can taste, in local houses and taverns, various kinds of olive oil, honey and other ecological products.
The fertile plain, Čarsko Polje, is the home of the best Pošip, a well-known white wine, which you can taste in one of Čara wineries. From the smallest settlement of the island, Pupnat, you can reach by coast road towards Čara, the biggest pebble beach on the island called Pupnatska Luka.
Korčula is a historic fortified town on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula. The old town is surrounded by walls, and the streets are arranged in a herringbone pattern allowing free circulation of air but protecting against strong winds.
The old town of Korčula is one of the best examples of a fortified medieval town in the Mediterranean and is listed in UNESCO’s tentative list of outstanding world heritage sites.
The town’s main historic sites include the central Gothic and Renaissance Cathedral of St Mark, the Town Hall and the massive town fortifications.
The world’s greatest 13th century traveller, Marco Polo, who was a native of Korčula, opened the door of the Far East to Europe.
Gabrielis Palace
The town museum is located in Gabrielis Palace, which is an outstanding example of 15th and 16th c. residential architecture in the centre of the old town.
The exhibits evoke the cultural and commercial milestones of Korčula from prehistory to the present. The collections explain traditional crafts; in particular, stonemasonry and shipbuilding which were of essential importance to Korcula. Among the most valuable exhibits are the bronze pendant of Tiziano Aspetti and an 1819 piano played by Beethoven’s close friend, Edith Streicher.
Household objects help to explain everyday life. The old kitchen in the attic makes for a memorable experience.
CATHEDRAL ST. MARK
St. Mark’s Cathedral is the most attractive Gothic and Renaissance building in the old town of Korčula. It was built by local stonemasons in the 14th, 15th and 16th c. with the support of Italian masters. The most famous local stonemason was Marko Andrijić whose masterpieces are in the upper part of the bell-tower and the ciborium above the high altar in the central nave, dedicated to St. Mark, the patron saint of Korčula.
The Gothic and Romanesque main portal was built by the Italian master, Bonino da Milano.
The southern lateral nave is dedicated to St. James, while the northern one is to St. John, with the adjacent St. Rocco chapel.
HOUSE AND TOWER OF MARCO POLO
It is believed that the greatest traveller and explorer of all time, Marco Polo, was born in Korčula in 1254.
On 07th September 1298, the great naval battle between the Genoese and the Venetian armadas took place in front of the town of Korčula.
The Venetians were defeated and the Genoese imprisoned, among whom was Marco Polo, who was freed on payment of a large ransom in 1299.
In a Genoese prison, Marco Polo dictated his experiences about his journey to China to Rustichelli. These journeys are described in the book “Il Milione”. Marko Polo died in Venice in 1324.
ABBEY TREASURY
Next to St. Mark’s Cathedral, there is a former bishop’s court where the Abbey Treasury is now housed, established by Abbot Ivo Matijaca and the Croatian painter Ljubo Babić in 1954. The earlier bishop’s court from the 14th and 15th centuries was reconstructed between 1860 and 1874.
In this famous museum of religious art, there are many invaluable works by Venetian and Croatian artists.
The most significant work is the polyptych “Our Lady With Child and Saints” from 1431 by the Dalmatian painter Blaž Jurjev Trogiranin (? -1450), the most significant name in Dalmatian Gothic art. He resided in Korčula from 1431 until 1435 creating paintings for Korčula churches and teaching drawing and painting. In the wall cabinets, there are numerous documents and books which speak about Korčula’s and Croatia’s distant past.
The most notable is the Korčula Codex from 1214. The splendid Gothic two-part window “bifora” is turned towards the interior of the hall in order for the visitor to enjoy the style and technique. Coins minted for Korkyra Melaina from the 4th century B.C. are in the numismatic collection cabinet and are of special interest.
GREAT REVELIN
The Revelin Tower from 1485 protects the area between the Arsenal and the Land Gate Tower.
The Arsenal of 1572 was built at a time when the importance of Korčula for the Venetian Republic was growing. In the 18th century, Venice wintered its fleet in Korčula.
Above the entrance to the Land Gate, there are two symbols marking Korčula’s history: a bas-relief with the winged lion of St. Mark, a symbol of the reign of the Venetian Republic and a stone tablet commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Croatian king, Tomislav.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY
This little church is located opposite the St Mark’s Cathedral. The church was built in 1483, celebrating the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
The local noble families Gabrielis and Ismaelis used it as a private chapel.
Gravestones decorated with coats of arms from several medieval Korcula families are set in the floor.
It is believed that the tomb of the priest Antun Rozanovic, who led the defence of Korčula from an Ottoman assault in 1571 is also in this church. Resplendent mosaics behind the altar were created by the Dutch artist Louis Schrikkela from 1964-67.
Today the church is being used as an occasional art gallery displaying works of local and international artists.
IVAN VIDALI
The Town Library is a cultural and informational centre of Town of Korčula offering access to knowledge, information and cultural content.
