The croatian coast has 5835 km in length including 4058 km of its islands and cliffs. Croatia counts more than 1185 islands and one of them is Korcula. It is the sixth largest croatian island. The island has 1812 km of coast and 195 beautiful bays.
Korcula is surrounded by 48 islets and clear see that Archipelago has. The island has an area of 276 km2 and it is 46,8 km long. Its 17,500 inhabitants make it the second most populated croatian island. The highest peak is Klupica (568m) which is located next to Pupnat. The mild Mediterranean climate offers an average air temperature of 9,40C in January and 270C in July. Moreover, the average annual rainfall is 1000mm and insolation is higher than 2700 hours. The island of Korcula is covered more than 60% with dence pine forest, macchias, vineyards and olive trees.
View more videos on YouTube: Croatia exotic paradise 1 HD, Croatians Islands, Croatia: Small country of big inventions , Croatian wine i Croatia – Gastronomy Art of Living
Town Korčula
The ancient city called “ Little Dubrovnik” , is among the most beautiful towns in the Croatian coast and its know for its unique architecture. City of Korcula, with its more than 3,200 inhabitants, is located in northwestern part of the island. Throughout history, the city of Korcula has always been an administrative and religious center of the island, Korcula, a series of special features makes it one of the most important Croatian cities history.
According to legend, the island was founded by Trojan hero Antenorin the 12th century BC. Korkyra Melaina (on Greek “Black Corcyra”) was the ancient Cnidian Greek colony founded on Korčula. Greek colonists from Corcyra (Corfu) formed a small colony on the island in the 6th century B.C. The Greeks named it “Black Corfu” after their homeland and the dense pine-woods on the island. Greek artifacts, including carved marble tombstones can be found at the local Korčula town museum. A stone inscription found in Lumbarda (Lumbarda Psephisma) and which is the oldest written stone monument in Croatia.
After Illyrian Wars (220 BC to 219 BC) with the Roman island became part of the Roman province of Illyricum. Roman migration followed and Roman citizens arrived on the island. Roman villas appeared through the territory of Korčula and there is evidence of an organised agricultural exploitation of the land.
In the 6th century Korcula came under Byzantine rule.
The Great Migrations of the 6th and 7th centuries brought Slavic and Avar invasions into this region. As the so-called barbarians began settling on the coast, the Romanised local coastal population had to take refuge on the islands. Along the Dalmatian coast the Croatian Slavic peoples poured out of the interior and seized control of the area where the Neretva River enters the Adriatic, as well as the island of Korčula (Corcyra),which protects the river mouth.
In the 12th century Korčula was conquered by a Venetian nobleman, Pepone Zorzi, and incorporated briefly into the Venetian Republic. Around this time, the local Korčula rulers began to exercise diplomacy and legislate a town charter to secure the independence of the island, particularly with regard to internal affairs, given its powerful neighbors.
During the 13th century the hereditary Counts of Korčula were loosely governed in turn by the Hungarian crown and by the Republic of Genoa, and also enjoyed a brief period of independence; but, in 1255, Marsilio Zorzi conquered the island’s city and razed or damaged some of its churches in the process, forcing the Counts to return to Venetian supreme rule.
In 14th century Korcula is again under Hungarian-croatia kings. Between 1420 till 1797 Korcula was under Venetian supreme rule. After the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, in Korcula ruled Austrian, French, Russian, and English from 1813 until 1815.
During the First World War, the island (among other territorial gains) was promised to the Kingdom of Italy in the 1915 Treaty of London in return for Italy joining the war on the side of Britain and France. However, after the war, Korčula became a part (with the rest of Dalmatia) of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs in 1918. It was ruled by Italy from 1918 to 1921, after which it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, known from 1929 on as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In 1939, it became a part of the autonomous Croatian Banate.
During the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941, the Ustase regime gave the island, together with most of Dalmatia, to Fascist Italy. After the Armistice between Italy and the Allied powers in 1943, it was briefly held by the Yugoslav Partisans who enjoyed considerable support in the region. Korčula was then occupied by the German Nazis and finally liberated in 1944. With the liberation of Yugoslavia in 1945, the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia was formed, and Korčula became a part of the People’s Republic of Croatia, one of the six Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The state changed the name to Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1953, and so did the Republic into Socialist Republic of Croatia. After 1991, the island became a part of the independent Republic of Croatia, recognized in 1992.
Best examples of residential architecture of Korcula were created in the 15 and 16 of the twentieth century in typical Gothic – Renaissance style. In the old city almost every front of the house is decorated with the emblems of Korcula nobility, bishops and princes of the city, making Korcula special.
Twenty six streets made of stone, have been built throughout this beautiful town in the shape of a fish bone. They overlap with the main street which runs from the southern part all the way to the northern part of the town, dividing it in two equal halves. The streets to the east have been curved around the town and for a good reason too. During the winter months they protect the town from constant torture of the Bura wind, and the rainy wind Jugo. On the other side, the streets to the west are straight and freely allow the refreshing western breeze Maestral to flow through them, in which process cooling the town during the hot summer months. This natural and oldest air-conditioning system still makes Korcula townsmen life more endurable and enjoyable in the summer.
One of the main attractions is the house of Marco Polo, which can be visited in the old city center.
The biggest and the most beautiful building of Korcula is the Cathedral of St. Marco, oriented east-west. The construction of the Cathedral included portions of the old Church (apses) and public buildings that were already located on the square, such as the loggia and city bell tower. Construction continued through the entire century and several generations of local stonemasons and stone carvers cooperated in the project and the documents mention two foreigners as well – Bonini from Milan at the beginning of the 15th century and Jacop Correra from the city of Trani around 1441. At the end of the century (1486-1492), the construction and decoration of the main facade, bell tower, and interior of the Cathedral was completed by the well known Andrijic stone masonry workshop in Korcula and its most distinguished member, Marko.
Not long after its completion in 1525, the Chapel of Saint Rok was constructed along the northern Church nave as a vow by the inhabitants of Korcula in honour of the black plague that was frequently ravaging the city.
South from it, there is the Abbott Court where the Abbatial Treasury of St. Marco is placed today with a rich collection of Croatian and Italian Renaissance artists, a collection of manuscripts and books and a collection of the ceremonial clothes.
This large two story construction was erected between 1876 and 1880 on the location of the old Bishop’s palace. The Korcula Diocese was founded in 1300 and from that point on, the local Bishops had their seat in the city, till 1868.
The Church of St. Peter is the oldest church in town ,and it is situated on the small square north of the Cathedral. It is mentioned in documents as early as the 14th century. Its current modest, rustic appearance is the result of various renovations. The relief of St. Peter over the main entrance is the work of Bonino from Milan at the beginning of the 15th century, the entire façade and simple bell tower are also from this time. The Church interior is covered by an open ceiling with beams; there are 13 wooden Baroque statues of the Apostles and Evangelists on consoles along the walls.
The Church of Our Lady was mention very early. Is situated on the square in front of the Cathedral . Its current mannerist appearance dates back to the end of the 16th century. This was the mausoleum of the noble Gabrielis and Ismaelis families, whose palaces were located nearby.
The Church of All Saints existed even in the 13th century in the southeast part of the city, next to the city walls; it received its current Baroque appearance in the 18th century after various renovations. On its façade, there is a tall, modestly shaped bell tower from 1749. The single nave square interior of the Church has a triangular stone ciborium leaning on columns, completed at the beginning of the 16th century, similar to that found in the Cathedral.
The Town Museum is situated in the palace Gabrielis, one of the most beautiful Korcula palaces, in the Renaissance style from the 16th century, on St. Mark’s square, across from the Cathedral.
The spacious construction has two floors and an attic. In the past, the ground level was used for shops and warehouses and the upper levels were residential.
The large bifores, double paned windows which are symmetrically distributed among the floors, and the richly decorated balcony give the entire construction a representative, formal appearance. On the balcony, window frames and church corners are embellished with reliefs of the Gabrielis family coat of arms.
The Church of St. Michael (Mihovil) is located on the square before the City Council building, was first referred to very early in documents. It received its current Baroque appearance in the 17th and 18th century.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Snow is situated in the Renaissance cloister constructed at the beginning of the 16th century next to the City Council building. It was renovated during the first half of the 20th century, when large wrought iron doors were added to the Chapel. At the altar, there is a small painting of the Mother of God – an average piece celebrating the Madonna.
In the northwest part of the city, is situated Church of the Annunciation this small Church was erected in 1572 with its harmoniously shaped facade. Its embellishments are skilfully crafted, and the entire Church fits in nicely with the narrow city streets. The chapel belonged to the noble Dolfin (Delfin) family. Their family crest is located on the chapel; alongside the Medin and Kanavelic cres
This church of St. Barbara was erected as the Church of the Holy Trinity in the 15th century, and received its Baroque appearance in the 17th century after it was taken over by the brotherhood; its name was subsequently changed to the Church of St. Barbara. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was sold to the Orthodox Church and renovated.
Not far from the Old Town, the Dominican Church of St. Nicholas and its monastery were constructed at the end of the 15th century (1490-1506). During the 1571 invasion of Korcula, the Turks looted and torched the monastery, which was later reconstructed at the beginning of the 17th century. At that time, a second nave was added to the Church. This picturesque complex is located near the sea and there is a small tiled square-terrace surrounded by trees and gardens in front of the Church.
The Church is composed of two equally large rectangular naves without apses; behind it is the one-story bell tower covered with a Baroque dome.
The Church of St. Justine is situate on the small square in the suburb (Borgu), this Church was erected in the second half of the 19th century at the former location of the Church of St. Sergio and Bako. The Church was built in harmony with the surrounding area, which gives this modest square a representative appearance..
LUMBARDA
It is located on the Eastern Cape of the island of Korcula, six kilometers away from town Korcula. It has about 1000 inhabitans and it is surrounded by sandy vineyard where is produced wordly known vine Grk (person from Greece).
Archaeological remains show that Greeks first established settlement 2300 years ago.
In Lumbarda agriculture was the basis of survival, population today is also engaged in tourism. The sandy beaches on the island are unique and perfect for holidays with children.
RAČIŠĆE
With the road that runs from Korcula to the west, after 12 km you reach the village Račišće of about 600 inhabitants. Račišće was founded in the seventeenth century on a wide bay, for people coming from Hercegovina and the Makarska Riviera who fled to the Turkish advance.
The inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, fisheries, tourism but above all navegacion. One does not have to live but it has to sail. This sentence has a full meaning in Raciste. It is the place of sailmen, their most beautiful and the most safe port.
At the end of the nineteenth century was built present parish church of San Nicolas, potron of sailors.
ŽRNOVO
Žrnovo consits of number of hamlets, Brdo,Prvo selo, Postrana and Kampus. Located 4 km from Korčula, have 1300 inhabitans.
The parish church of St. Martin is built in 14th century on the small hill of Martinovo. It has a very special bell tower and it is surrounded by ancient pines. This place is very good for little touristic trips. In Prostrana there is the church of St. Roque with a very nice stony terrace and an old (kostilo stvarno neznam sto je) from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of picturesque Zrnovo.
Not far from Zrnovo’s little village Brdo which is located above Vrbovica’s bay there is the excursion centre Korcije that originates from big dolomite stones that are from chalk formation. All of them have very different shapes and drinkable water sources. The centuries old forest is a beautifull area, you will have a feeling you are in a fairytale.
PUPNAT
Pupnat is one of the oldest and smallest settlements on the island of Korcula, situated at the highest point above the sea level, 13 kms away from the town of Korcula. Population is small , 400 inhabitans,there are people engaged in agriculture and vine growingand it has kept its centuries old customs and religious tradition and local Knight game is similar to those in Čara, Smokvica I Blato.
Pupnat is ideal place for nature lovers , nice walking trails to one of the bays close to, Bacva, Smokova, Ripna or an unavoidable place of Pupnatska Luka. Also you can easy hike to Bačva, Smokova or Ripna bay on south side of island Korcula.
On 5 August, Pupnat celebrates Our Lady of the Snow.
SMOKVICA
(Itlian: Smoquizza) village has a population of 1100. Smokvica is located in the centre of the island of Korcula, about 4 kilometers west of Čara, 13 kilometers east of Blato and 4 kilometers north from Brna. It is known as the birthplace of one of the best-known Croatian wines – Pošip.
Smokvica has been inhabited since ancient times. Numerous remains of ancient ceramics have been found in the area. Mostly old Greek and Roman wine and olive oil vases.
The large Neo-Romanesque church of the Purification of Our Lady was built in 1920 on the site of an older church which was built in 1666. Beside it is a “loggia,” a baroque building surrounded by columns on all sides. In the village there are several old patrician summer houses, and nearby there are several small early-medieval churches. Smokvica also has sword dance Kumpanija. The seaside village of Brna is part of the municipality of Smokvica.
This village famous for high quality wine and olive oil, have more then two million grape vine and 176,000 olive trees.
In addition to agriculture, tourism has in recent times played an increasing role, mostly concentrate in seaside village of Brna, situated in the very beautiful Bay, which is part of the municipality of Smokvica.
ČARA
This old village is located 25 km from Korcula, and has about 700 inhabitans. Like Smokvica, this place is famous for wine, which have been cultivated here since time immemorial, especially Pošip. In a village center, is the parish church of San Pedro. In the small square in front of church, grow the oldest cypress.
In the year 1825, the remarkable botanical symposium in Vienna and was named the oldest cypress in Europe. Today, this 50 m tall cypress is protected as natural monument in Europe.
The church is well face the main center of pilgrimage for all Korčula and the day of Santiago Apostol, on 25 July is a grand procession along the coast and countryside with the image of Our Lady.
Zavalatica, a tourist town a few miles south from Čara, especially known for family residences that offer excellent service to visitors.
BLATO
Blato has about 3550 inhabitans and it is built amfitheatricaly on seven hills. The alley of Lipa trees planted 1912, called Zlinje cuts the centre of this interesting place.This kilometar long linden three avenue is longest in Europe, after the one in Berlin. The oldest church is old christian one and it is called St. Kuzma and Damjan, mentioned in text from the 13th century. The church is located in Zablace and it is built in sixth century. Vine-growing and olive grove was always one of the main preoccupations for the inhabitants.
Blato has amazing sword dance Kumpanija, in witch preformance you can enjoy once in a week on front of the main church.
In time of crisis , lots of imigrants went into unknow to ensure their livelihood. Interestingly, in Australia, there is three times more people from Blato then in Blato itself.
The best place to feel the spirit from the past , to see articraft, tools, furniture and more which were used by our ancestors, is to visit Ethno house “Barilo”.
VELA LUKA
Vela Luka is located on the western Cape of the island of Korcula. It counts 5000 inhabitants and it is the biggest place on the island. Vela Luka is mentioned in 15th century although this place was inhabited from the early Ston Age. The place is full of ship-builders and fishermen.
Nearby, there are islands of Osjak and Proizd that are worth visiting and enjoying in their natural beauties. Ošjak is inhabited island in center of the Vela Luka bay.It is unavoidable destination for all Vela Luka visitors.
The beach of Proizd was awarded “The Best Beach of the Year in 2007, by the Ministry of Sea, Travel and Transportation. The island can be reached by a shuttle boat in 30 min .Restaurants offer local delicious.
