How to get to us - stonehouse poplat villa and resort - resort holidays in croatia. Korcula - The Most Venetian City in Croatia How to get to Korcula
The Dalmatian island of Korcula is a favorite holiday destination for many tourists coming to the south of Croatia. The colorful green island preserves centuries-old traditions of winemaking and construction, as well as its unique folklore and culture. You can get to Korcula by sea from Split (250 km), as well as by bus or ferry from Dubrovnik (145 km).
The island of Korcula has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Later, the Illyrians and Greeks lived here, they were replaced by the ancient Romans and Slavs. In the Middle Ages, the island belonged to Venice. In 1797, Napoleon's troops invaded Korcula, later the island passed to Austria, and later became part of Yugoslavia.
Sights of Korcula
The rich historical heritage of the island is widely represented in the museums of the cities of Korcula and Vela Luka. There are many medieval churches and palaces preserved here, which are definitely worth a visit to diversify your holiday in Korcula. The most famous attractions are located in the main city of the island - the old town of Korcula, surrounded by perfectly preserved massive city walls built in the 14th century. The main square of the city is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of St. Mark, here is also the Bishop's Palace with a treasury and the Gabrielis Palace, which houses the city museum. The city of Korcula is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the famous traveler Marco Polo. Here you can visit the house where he was born.
Festivals and entertainment
The most unusual entertainment on the island of Korcula is the costumed knightly performances called Moreska and Kumpanija that take place in the summer. The tradition of Moreska has been preserved in the city of Korcula since the 15th century; this costumed battle between two armies represents the fight against the Arabs. A similar performance, Kumpanija, is held in the summer in the cities of Vela Luka and Blato. The colorful Marco Polo Festival takes place in mid-July.
Korcula Restaurants
You can taste delicious Dalmatian cuisine in the restaurants Planjak, Marco Polo, Kanavelic and Adijo Mare in Korcula. Croatia's famous white wine Grk, produced by local winemakers, is served in the Zure and Konoba Lovric restaurants in the town of Lumbarda. There are several small nightclubs and discos on the island, such as the Gaudi and Dos Locos clubs.
Weather on the island of Korcula for the season
Beaches of Korcula
The island of Korcula is famous for its beaches surrounded by green pine groves. The best sandy beaches of Korcula are located in the Vela Przina and Bilin Zal bays, near the town of Lumbarda, and in the Luka Korculanska bay, near the town of Korcula. You can visit the picturesque pebble beach Proizd, located on a small island near the town of Vela Luka.
Holidays on the island of Korcula are perfect for all those who love water sports. Diving enthusiasts can go to the Poseidon and Gorgonia Diving diving clubs in Vela Luka, which organize dives of any complexity to explore the underwater beauty around the island. In summer, several sailing regattas take place here.
Korcula (Croatia) is an island in the Adriatic Sea, located in the south of the country, between the resorts of Split and Dubrovnik. Its area is more than 270 km2, and the length of the coastline reaches 180 km.
The second most populous island in Croatia (more than 18,000 people), Korcula has established itself as a picturesque place with clear seas and a mild climate. About a million tourists come here every year to see the historical sights of the Venetian era, enjoy the blue of the Adriatic Sea and the fresh aroma of the pine forest.
Interesting fact! On the island of Korcula in 1254, Marco Polo, a famous traveler and author of “The Book of the Diversity of the World,” was born.
Korcula is an island with a rich past. Phoenicians and ancient Greeks, Slavic tribes, Genoese and Venetians lived here. Since the 18th century, Korcula was ruled by France, Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia, and only in 1990 the island became part of independent Croatia.
This mixture of cultures was reflected not only in the composition of the population of the cities of Korcula, but also in its architecture, attractions and local traditions. What to see first on the island? Where are the best beaches? Which cities are really worth visiting? The answers are in this article.
The largest of the island's three cities is called Korcula and is located on the northeast coast. You will immediately learn that this is where the great traveler was born: from magnets in souvenir shops to the names of streets and attractions - everything in this city is connected with the famous Marco Polo. But the ancient history of Korcula is much more interesting.
According to legend, the city was founded in the 11th century BC by the warrior Antenor, who was expelled by the Greek king Menelaus after the fall of Troy. The valiant warrior decided not to despair and moved with his loved ones to the then undeveloped “Black Island”, where he built his house, which later came into the possession of the rulers of different countries.
Interesting fact! Korcula (translated as “Black Island”) owes its name to the dark pine forests, which to this day occupy a significant part of the territory of Croatia.
Modern Korcula is a unique example of a preserved medieval city. Narrow streets, stone coves, ancient buildings and quaint churches - all its attractions seem to absorb you into the Venetian period. The city has attracted the attention of UNESCO with its beauty and cultural diversity, so perhaps it will soon join the list of World Heritage Sites of this organization.
St. Mark's Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in Croatia was built in 1301. Over time, after the creation of the diocese in Korcula, the small, nondescript church was completely rebuilt and the majestic Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark was erected.
The beautiful stonework on the outside is replaced by dull walls on the inside. If you have limited time, do not spend it on all the rooms of the temple, but be sure to pay attention to the figure of the Holy Apostle and the statues of Adam and Eve decorating the main portal.
Beautiful photos from Korcula! The bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica offers panoramic views of the city that are worthy of several pictures.
City Museum
Opposite the Church of St. Mark is another attraction of Korcula - the city museum. This architectural monument was built in the 15th century and has been the largest exhibition on the island for more than 20 years. The four floors of the museum are dedicated to the history of the city: from Ancient Greece to the present day. There are many interesting exhibits here that tell about Korcula as a major port - nautical maps, remains of ships, models of sailing ships. Entrance fee is 20 kn per person. Children under 7 years old are free.
Schedule:
- October-March from 10 to 13;
- April-June from 10 to 14;
- July-September from 9 to 21.
Fortress walls
8th century Korcula is a powerful port in need of protection. From that moment on, local warriors and architects began work together, which their descendants completed only a thousand years later. The huge architectural ensemble is one of the few attractions in Croatia that has almost completely preserved its original appearance. After 1300 years, each of us can appreciate the power and strength of these fortifications, see ancient cannons that served their purpose 4 centuries ago, climb the high towers and admire the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Important! Some towers, for example, Revelin Tower, have an entrance fee of 15 kn.
Of course, the real pride of the inhabitants of the island of Korcula is this landmark. The museum, opened in the house where Marco Polo was born, has collected several dozen exhibits: wax figures of the traveler and the heroes of his stories, maps of his travels and embodied discoveries. The roof of the building offers a panoramic view of the city; you can climb up there via a spiral staircase.
Note! The Marco Polo Museum sells unique souvenirs, including unusual notebooks, hourglasses and busts of the traveler.
Vela Luka and Lumbarda
"Kalos" Vela Luka is a mud resort on the island of Korcula and the most popular destination among older tourists. Here, surrounded by forest and sea, under the rays of the warm sun, the best treatment center in Croatia was built - the Kalos Rehabilitation Institute. Diseases of the lungs, musculoskeletal system or cardiovascular system - here all this is quickly treated with the help of the latest technologies and natural gifts.
The medical “specialization” of Vela Luka does not mean that healthy tourists should not come here. On the contrary, in addition to general wellness, which will definitely not be superfluous, here you can get a huge boost of energy and pleasure from the local beaches and warm sea. The main attraction of Vela Luka, after the healing mud, is the coast of the resort, where every vacationer will find a place to their liking.
Lumbarda, in turn, is the land of beaches and water sports. This is one of the few corners of Croatia with a sandy coast, so tourists with small children often come here.
The sand and tiled beach is located 4 km from the Old Town of Korcula. There is a crystal clear sea, easy entry into the water and developed infrastructure, which is why Bilin Hall is very popular among tourists with children. The nearest supermarket is a 10-minute walk, the Konoba Bilin Zal cafe is five minutes away. There is no natural shade on the beach, be sure to take an umbrella with you.
Despite the fact that this beach is covered with sand, it is better to walk here in slippers, as there are sharp stones near the shore. After 9 o'clock you will be difficult to find a secluded corner to relax, and after lunch every free sunbed or umbrella (rent 20 kuna) is a real attraction.
On Vela Prizhna there are toilets and changing rooms (free), there is a bar and a fast food cafe with low prices. For active travelers, a small volleyball court was built here; in the rental area you can rent a catamaran or water skis.
Covered with golden and white rocks, the beach is not suitable for families with children, but it is perhaps one of the most romantic places on the entire island. It is hidden from the eyes of curious tourists, so locals often relax here.
Despite the fact that most of the beach is occupied by stones, you can also find a place for sunbathing - large slabs near the shore. Entering the water is a little inconvenient - the staircase built here is a creation of nature itself.
Lenga is an excellent place for snorkeling and diving, there are clear, calm waters, few people and many marine animals. There are no other activities on the beach, as well as cafes or shops, so take plenty of water and food with you.
Important! Getting to Lenge by car or bus is unrealistic. The nearest public transport stops a 25-minute walk from the beach, and the coast itself can only be reached through a narrow forest path.
In addition, Lumbarda is the best place in Croatia for a yacht trip or sailing. Thematic competitions are held here every month, and you can rent the transport you are interested in from LumbardaBlue or FreeStyle.
Accommodation in Korcula
This island stands out among the rest not only for its unusual attractions and sandy beaches, rare for Croatia, but also for its prices. So, a double room in a 2-star hotel will cost at least 20 euros, a 3-star hotel – 33 €, four – 56 €, and a five-star hotel – from 77 €. The best hotels on the island are:
Tower Suites - Tower Suites. Located 2 km from the center of Korcula, the nearest beach is 200 meters away. The minimum price for a double room is 72 euros, 4 stars.
- Studio apartment More 3*, has a private beach with free amenities. Located 500 meters from the Old Town, price – from 140 €.
- Cici. Three-star apartments stand out for their ideal location (10 meters from the sea, 100 meters from the Old Town) and low prices (65 €).
Those who prefer an inexpensive holiday in nature can choose from a variety of campsites on the island of Korcula, for example:
Port 9 Camping - Port 9 Camping. A modern campsite with all the necessary amenities will cost only 50 euros for a house for two. Each room has a kitchen and living room, and there is a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. 15 minutes walk to the beach. Address: Korcula city Dubrovačka cesta 19;
- 5 km from Vela Luka there is another campsite – Mindel. You can come here with your own trailer and, for money, use electrical appliances, a shower and toilet, play tennis or billiards, sail on a boat or catamaran. The nearest beaches are pebble and stone, located 5-15 minutes walk from the campsite. Prices: 5 euros per person/day (2.5 € for children), 4 € for renting a tent, 3 € for electricity.
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How to get to Korcula
The island is easiest to reach from the nearby cities of Split and Dubrovnik, or from the capital of Croatia, Zagreb.
From Split
The direct route from Split is 104 km and lies across the Adriatic Sea, along which the Jadrolinija ferry sails three times a day (at 10:15, 15:00 and 17:30). Travel time is 2 hours 40 minutes, fare is 5-7 euros per person. You can buy tickets at www.jadrolinija.hr.
A trip on a catamaran with a transfer in the city of Hvar will be a little faster. In addition to the already mentioned carrier, the company Kapetan Luka provides its services. Their catamarans from Split to Korcula take about two hours, the fare ranges from 8 to 12 euros per person. The exact schedule is on the company’s website at www.krilo.hr
From Dubrovnik
The distance between cities is 121 km. It can be overcome by:
- By bus. Departs daily at 9:00, 15:00 and 17:00. Travel time is about three hours, depending on the number of stops. It goes through Split and Oribic, where the bus calls at the ferry (the transfer is already included in the price). Ticket price is about 13€. The exact schedule can be found on the carrier’s website (www.croatialines.com).
- Ferry. Once a day, at 7:15 am, a ship departs from the port of Dubrovnik towards Korcula. The cost of moving is about 16€. Tickets can be purchased at the port, but it is better to do so in advance online at www.jadrolinija.hr.
Important information! If you want to get to Korcula with a car, use Croatia car ferries (from 11 euros per car + 2.5 € per traveler). Please note that sometimes it is cheaper to rent a car on the island.
From Zagreb
The route from the capital of Croatia to the island is 580 km. There are many options for how to get there:
- By bus and ferry. Travel time is 8.5 hours, the trip will cost 25-35 euros. From Zagreb central bus station, take the bus to Split. From there, follow the already described route by ferry to Vela Luka. Tickets and bus schedules here - www.promet-makarska.hr.
- By train. You can also get to Split by rail; travel time is 6 hours. From there we take a ferry to Vela Luka. The total cost of travel is 30-40 euros. Train schedule on the Croatian Railways website www.hzpp.hr/en.
You can also fly to Split by plane for 35-130 euros.
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Korcula (Croatia) is a beautiful island where every vacationer can find a place to their liking. The birthplace of Marco Polo is waiting for you! Have a nice trip!
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Trakošćan is stunning above all because of the details hidden behind the magnificent medieval façade of this Croatian castle rising above the forest. This is not only an architectural monument and a museum, it is a family nest, where one gets the impression of an abandoned house rather than a museum.
All practical information is presented at the end of the text, and now - impressions, photos and historical facts.
Meet the Stone Dragon.
It took me a while to remember the name of this Croatian castle. Tyrkochan, Tarkoshchan, Tyrshkochan... I remembered that Trakochan only after visiting the castle itself.
However, the name is not only a strange set of letters. It is believed that in the past, people, seeing something white on a stone peak above the forest, mistook Trakošćan for a dragon. This is where the "traco" part comes from the Latin draco, meaning "dragon". The second part - "schchan" is nothing more than the German word stein, translated as "stone".
The “dragon” is located on a hill and looks impressive. This is a real estate with a lake, forests, a palace and several other preserved buildings. In addition to historical buildings, protected forests are also protected, with paths for walking and cycling.
The best photos, of course, are taken from afar and from above. Therefore, you can find them in booklets and official websites more often than in photo reports of those who independently travel around Croatia.
To reach the castle courtyard and museum, you need to walk a short distance along a paved path and climb a wooden staircase.
The sensations are quite vivid. There is green grass and forest all around, birds are singing incessantly, and Trakošćan’s employees are cleaning up the lawns. If we discard conventions in the form of asphalt, workers' clothing and lanterns, then we can imagine life in a castle many years ago.
I think that lizards have also been living in Trakošćan for centuries. They crawl out onto the stairs to bask in the sun.
Having risen, you find yourself at the walls of Trakošćan.
Next you find yourself in the courtyard
Then you go through the museum ticket office and the first thing that catches your eye is the horns.
Horns on the wall
Another view of the antlers. The funniest thing about these antlers is that they have a date written on them, most likely the date of death of the deer.
Photography is prohibited inside the castle itself, so this is the last photo before leaving the museum. Inhale sharply, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale slowly. Tune in and turn on your imagination.
The "path of horns" leads us to the Hunter's Hall. This is a room dedicated to hunting, where in addition to antlers there are stuffed capercaillie, furniture, and interior items.
I found the rest of Trakošćan Castle much more interesting. All the rooms are small (but there are a lot of them), there is furniture everywhere, original interior items, Dutch stoves covered with enameled tiles with different patterns. And lots of amazing details.
The castle contains rooms, not halls or halls. Smells, creaking planks on the floor, heavy old furniture, faded walls - I had the feeling that I was in an old village house, where the owners only visit a few times a year. Moreover, no one follows you, there are no employees in the halls, and you can touch many of the exhibits with your hands.
In the corridors there are handmade flags on the walls and under glass. Appliqués or gold embroidery sewn from pieces of fabric create shadows and volume. I was absolutely delighted. Not in every historical museum can you find such well-preserved fabric with such skillful, painstaking work.
Number 2 (after the flags) on my list of what shocked me about Trakoščan is the door decoration. All doors and entrances between rooms are wooden. Above each entrance on both sides hangs a carved painted coat of arms surrounded by wooden monograms. The ceilings in many rooms are also decorated with wood and metal.
If we talk about wood, there are many amazing things in Trakošćan. Wooden furniture, which was in use in past centuries, can be seen in different variations in the Milan museum in the Sforzesco Castle. There is an extensive collection of furniture from different times, but Trakošćan surprised me even after visiting Sforzesco.
I will not be able to describe in words a wooden cabinet with towers, made in the style of the Duomo Palace in Milan. A set of identical chairs with carved backs, from each of which a wooden face looks at you, and all the faces are different from each other - one with a mustache, another with a flat nose, etc. And these are just a couple of examples.
Also in the castle several times there are images of the family tree of the Drašković family, which lived in the castle for many years. Portraits of family members from different eras are also presented in the museum.
In one of the rooms, troops of soldiers are painted on the walls. This is us approaching the weapons exhibition. Nothing special except one thing
sword.
My height is about 1m 70 cm (2 or 3 cm shorter). Now you will understand what this information is for.
One of the swords in the hall was as tall as me. Of course, I weigh significantly more than the sword, but the picture from the movie The Avengers flashed through my head, when the Hulk (a huge green monster - note for non-geeks) swings and knocks Loki (the god of the Scandinavian pantheon, the main villain in the film) on the floor, holding his legs.
You can get an idea of the heroes of that time. Photography is prohibited in Trakošćan, but a similar huge sword is on display in another castle in Croatia, in Tabor. Getting there is not as comfortable as in Trakošćan, and the exhibition is smaller, but you can take photographs of the interior. We'll talk about it next time.
I think that it simply doesn’t make sense to describe everything that is in Trakošćan. Let's move straight to the exit. He lies across the kitchen. This is a large room with a stove in the middle. There are not many household items and utensils there, but visiting there is interesting enough to complement the picture of the life of masters and servants in Trakošcane.
The extensive collection of paintings in Trakošćane is an interesting sight. In addition to the gallery of portraits of officers and numerous members of the Draskovic family (which can be found in the historical information below), the disproportionate portraits of children with dogs and birds look quite funny.
Also the cycle of paintings “Four Continents” by Michael Stroya, which consists of 4 images of naked women representing Africa, America, Europe and Asia. Very interesting performance
Unlike many architectural and historical monuments, Trakošćan looks stunning not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
I recommend visiting this picturesque place in the spring, in May. This is a fairly popular place, so you can see whole busloads of schoolchildren and tourists there. In May it is still relatively cool and not so crowded.
Brief historical background.
The way we see the castle today is the result of many rebuildings, modifications and reconstructions. Judging by the image of Trakoščan from 1667, its current appearance took shape precisely at this time.
The construction of Trakošćan began in the second half of the 13th century. Initially, it was just a defensive observation tower in Zagorsk County, from which the road from Ptuj to the Berdyansk Valley was monitored.
The palace was used as a family nest and as a fortification for defense. In the 17th century, Trakošćan was partially destroyed, and after reconstruction it was used for defense against the enemy.
The 18th century for the castle passed in desolation and oblivion, and only in the 19th century did the Draskovics again pay attention to Trakoscan, rebuild it in the German style, and set up a park with an artificial lake nearby.
A significant part of the reconstructions were carried out in the period from 1840 to 1862.
The owners of the castle for a long time were members of an unknown noble family.
At the end of the 15th century, none of the family of the Counts of Celje - the first known owners of Trakoščan - survived and the castle was left desolate. Under the Celskis, Trakošćan was part of the city and trading settlement of Kamenica.
After Celje, the estate constantly passed from one hand to another as an inheritance or gift. Until 1566, the Gulai family lived on the estate, then Trakošćan came into possession of the state.
For special services to the state, King Maximilian gives Trakoscan to Yuri Draskovic, who was a cardinal and a Croatian ban, for lifelong use. The Draskovic family owned the castle until World War II.
How to get there and practical information.
Trakošćan is located in the north-west of Croatia, not far from the border with Slovenia. This is a fairly large point on the tourist map of Croatia, so you can get to it quite simply by following the signs, choosing the desired direction, or by coordinates (Google maps can easily find “Trakoscan, Croatia”).
You can get to Trakošcan by bus from Varazdin, with a tourist group or by car from Zagreb. If you are organizing an independent trip to Croatia and staying in Zagreb, then visit Trakoščan. It won't take long from Zagreb and will be interesting.
The parking is organized strangely, or rather, it is not organized. The car is parked where there is space on the grass (I advise you to park it under the shade of a tree), the girl issues a parking ticket in exchange for money. This is all.
Parking for a passenger car costs 10 kuna per day, less for a motorcycle, and more for a minibus.
The entrance ticket to the Trakoščan Museum costs 30 kuna per adult, 15 for a schoolchild and student, 10 kuna for a preschool child unaccompanied by parents (apparently in a group with a teacher).
There is a café and a souvenir shop in the area in front of the castle. The museum is open 365 days a year. From 9 to 18 in the summer (April 1 - October 31) and from 9 to 16 in the winter (November 1 - March 31).
There is a hotel near Trakscan; in addition to the castle, you can also walk through the forest park along special walking routes.
For inquiries - official page. trakoscan.hr (Croatian, English)
Do you have any questions? - Ask!
Have you been here yet? Share your impressions and discoveries!
February 15th, 2016 , 02:43 pm
We continue our journey through Croatian cities. And today we will walk through the most Venetian city on the Adriatic coast - Korcula, which is located on the island of the same name.
You can only get to the place by ferry. Sea connections are organized with almost all port cities (Dubrovnik, Split, Ploce), but the most regular flights operate from the port of the town of Orebic, which is located on the Peljesac peninsula.
We used the last option, and within 20 minutes we were there.
Despite its small size and distance from the mainland, Korcula is a very popular tourist destination and is full of holidaymakers during the summer season. But in winter, the city seems to die out, and you can leisurely stroll along the narrow streets and look at all the sights. But the main gift of winter travel is free and open parking. Leaving the car right under the fortress walls, we set off to conquer the Old City.
A few words about the history of the city.
The territory of the island was inhabited many centuries ago. On the site of modern Korcula, an ancient Greek and then a Roman settlement was founded. But Korcula received its main purpose - a fortress for the defense of the Peljesac Peninsula - in the 10th century AD. The first mention of the city dates back to this time.
At different times, the owners of the city were Slavic princes, Croatian-Hungarian kings and Genoese rulers. Korcula's history also included a brief period of independence. In 1420 the city finally came under Venetian control. It was then, in the XV-XVI centuries, that most of the city was built in the Renaissance style typical of those times.
The Venetian coat of arms is depicted on the fortress walls - a lion with its paw on a book.
The houses are decorated with carved windows and family emblems. But the main distinctive feature in the architecture that sets Korcula apart from other Adriatic “Venetian” properties is a large number of balconies-transitions.
We have only met such people in Venice itself. Residents of the island city are aware of this and take good care of their property, constantly restoring them and even building new ones. This reverent attitude towards architecture is also explained by the fact that, along with shipbuilding, stone carving was the main occupation of the inhabitants of medieval Korcula. It is not surprising that already in the 15th century the city was spoken of as a “pearl of architectural art,” and in the 17th century one of the Croatian poets called Korcula “the adornment of the world.”
Let's return to the main attractions of the city.
The oldest part of the city is usually read as the city walls. They were built in the 13th century. The walls were restored and strengthened many times, so today among the medieval fortifications we can find quite modern masonry.
In the 15th century, the city was fortified by an ensemble of defensive structures: the Sea Gate towers (1448), the Southern Gate (1496), the Great Princely Tower (1499), Bokar (1484), All Saints (1499) and Zakernyan (1490). But not all of them have reached us in their original form.
On the site of the Tower of All Saints, only a semicircular base has been preserved, where ancient cannons are now installed.
On one of them the seal of the winged lion known to us, the symbol of the Venetian Republic, has been preserved.
Big and Small Princely Towers
Zakernyan Tower
Bokar Tower
The entrance to the old town lies through the Veliki Ravelin tower - the Southern Ground Gate. Originally, a wooden drawbridge led to the tower, but in the 18th century it was replaced by wide stone steps.To the left of the entrance is the City Hall, which is very similar to the Grand City Lodge in Trogir. Coats of arms, cannons and memorial plaques are kept here.
If you go through the gallery of the Town Hall, you can go to the Big and Small Princely Towers. On the way we came across a very interesting modern sign. She says that Marco Polo was imprisoned in the tower. But no matter how much we looked on the Internet for confirmation of this fact, we never found it. Apparently history is being written right before our eyes, and a new attraction will soon be opened for visiting.
We return back to the Main Entrance. And here we are greeted by the Church of St. Michael.
St. Michael's Church
St. Michael's Church is located directly opposite the main entrance, close to the city hall. The first mention of it dates back to 1408, but the church received its current appearance in the 17th-18th centuries.
Its main feature is the oblong windows and a portal topped by a small arched niche containing a marble statue of St. Michael.
The interior of the church has also been preserved: original furniture, ancient paintings and gilded candelabra.
If you pass under the bridge to the left of the church, then after a few meters we will come out onto the main square of the city of Korcula. And the first attraction that greets us is the Church of the Virgin Mary.
Church of the Virgin Mary
The church building was built in 1438 and was used as a home chapel for the noble families of Korcula - Gabriellis and Ismaelis. Their burials are also located here. The church was rebuilt several times and now houses a fine arts gallery. If you happen to visit this church, look out for the amazing mosaic behind the altar, created by Dutch artist Louis Schrikkell.
To the right of the church is a medieval column, which was built at the same time as the church. But unlike the latter, the column has survived to this day without any restoration, in its original form.
The next remarkable building that greeted us in the scaffolding was the Gabriellis Palace.
Palace Gabriellis
The house of one of the noble families of Korcula was built in the 15th century. In 1957, the City Museum was opened here, which presents various exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the city. But what is especially proud is the collection of works of art collected here over the years. These are paintings, sculptures made from different materials, photographs, jewelry, etc.
The next historical value is the Bishop's Palace. It is located opposite the Gabriellis Palace.
Bishop's Palace
This house, built in the Renaissance style, is more than 4 centuries old. Its distinctive feature is a balcony that runs the length of the entire façade. According to local legends, this is one of the longest balconies in the Mediterranean.
In itself, a two-story building with a balcony may not attract the attention of tourists, but the treasures presented in the Bishop's Palace are known all over the world. A collection of small icons has been preserved here, some of them are considered rare.
The palace also displays an exhibition of paintings that are of great artistic value: “Portrait of a Man” by Carpaccio, “Virgin and Child” by Bossano, drawings by Raphael, a tiny image of the Madonna made by a local artist.
One of the most valuable exhibits is considered to be a sketch of a soldier's costume made by Leonardo da Vinci.
The main pearl of the square is St. Mark's Cathedral.
St. Mark's Cathedral
The Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Korcula. In the 13th century, there was a small church in its place, but after the creation of the diocese in the 14th century and the rapid development of architecture and construction, it was decided to build a Gothic cathedral on the site of the old church. And since Korcula was ruled by the Venetians at that time, the cathedral was built in honor of St. Mark.
Later, local residents erected the Chapel of St. Rocque next to the cathedral as gratitude for ridding the city of the plague.
Among the decorations of the cathedral are the tympanum with the figure of St. Mark, the statue of St. Blaise and a richly decorated portal with figures of lions and unusual statues of Adam and Eve.
The residents of Korcula apparently liked the decorations of all kinds, and they replicated them throughout the city.
The next ensemble of historical buildings is the Church of St. Peter and the ancestral home of the traveler Marco Polo.
St. Peter's Church
This is a small Gothic temple from the 14th century. The decoration of the portal is a bas-relief with the image of St. Peter - the work of the Milanese master Bonino.
If possible, be sure to try to go to church. There, along the walls, you will see unique wooden sculptures of the apostles, and they are crowned by a statue of Peter installed in the center of the altar.
House of Marco Polo
According to some Croatian historians, the birthplace of Marco Polo (1254-1324) is not Venice at all, but Korcula. The reason for such a statement was the fact that there was a house in the city that belonged to his father. And the first evidence of the presence of the Polo family in Venice dates back only to the second half of the 13th century.
The second, this time confirmed, fact of Marco Polo’s stay in Korcula dates back to 1298. He took part here in the battle between the Venetians (who owned the island) and the Genoese, and was captured by the latter. The tablet we found above confirms the fact of participation in the battle. But since the Genoese never captured the island of Korcula, the captive Marco Polo could not sit here in captivity. The time spent in prison was not in vain. It was here that he wrote his famous book of wonders of the world.
Nowadays, in the ancestral home of the Polo family there is a traveler's museum. The exhibition includes wax figures in period costumes and decorations illustrating scenes from the life of the traveler, as well as banners with quotes from the books of Marco Polo printed on them. It features scenes from the life of Marco Polo in Korcula, his travels through the Egyptian sands and China, the scene of his meeting with Kublai Khan in Mongolia, and scenes from Marco Polo's imprisonment in Genoa.
The attractions described above are considered the main ones in the Old City. Walking along the narrow streets, we more than once came across dilapidated churches and unusual house facades. But, unfortunately, there is no detailed information about their history.
For dessert, I have prepared for you another church built in the second half of the 19th century - the Church of St. Justin. It is located behind the fortress walls of the Old City, but you can easily find it by the dome with the statue of the resurrection of Christ.
Previously, another church was located on this site - in the name of Saints Sergius and Bach. But during the attacks on the city it was severely damaged and destroyed. Some surviving icons and paintings decorate the modern Church of St. Justin.
The alarm on the clock told us that the ferry to the mainland would soon depart from the island, and we headed home.
Choose a flight with us, Vela Luka, StoneHouse 9KM: : http://www.ec-air.eu/hr/map/
By sea:
The island of Korcula can be reached by ferry, catamaran, ship or boat from Dubrovnik, Split, Orebic, Hvar, Lastovo, Mljet and Drvenik
There are three ferry routes:
- Split --> Vela Luka travel time to Vela Luka 2.5 hours - http://www.jadrolinija.hr/
- Drvenik – Korcula (city), travel time two and a half hours
- Orebic – Korcula (city), travel time 15 minutes
Adriatic lines (Jadrolinija) also connect Korcula with Zadar and Rijeka, and in summer directly with Italian ports.
The main carriers on ships and ferries: Jadrolinija, Medplov, and on catamarans: Jadrolinija, Medplov, and on catamarans:
- Nona Ana on the route: Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korcula – Lastovo – Mljet – Dubrovnik
- Krilo on the route: Korcula – Hvar – Split – Hvar – Korcula
- Adriana on the route: Lastovo (Ubli) – Vela Luka – Hvar – Split – Hvar – Vela Luka – Lastovo (Ubli)
By car:
If you getting there By car from Dubrovnik, take the highway to Split, then turn onto the Peljesac peninsula and continue to Orebic. In Orebic you board the ferry heading to Domince (which is 2 km from the city of Korcula). The ferry departs every hour except at night from 0:00 to 4:00.
If you are traveling by car from Split, follow the highway to Dubrovnik (about 100 km). In the town of Drvenik (Makarska Riviera) board the ferry to Korcula. The ferry runs twice a day, at 8:30 and 17:30.
By bus:
Korcula is connected by bus lines to Dubrovnik (via Orebic on the Peljesac peninsula). Autotrans Rijeka is a carrier in Korcula. Bus schedules and all related information can be found on the Autotransa Rijeke website
Korcula can also be reached by routes from Split, Zagreb and other cities. From Zagreb there is a direct line to Vela Luka on Korcula.
By plane:
If you plan to get to Korcula by plane, then the closest airports are VelaLuka 9 KM - Dubrovnik - 166 km and Split - 182 km.
