Unsurprisingly,
given it is the main town on the island, the majority of Korcula's
sights are located in Korcula Town. As we've mentioned, the town is
known as a "mini-Dubrovnik" because its Old Town is similar to the Old
Town of that famous Croatian resort.
One of Korcula's more unusual claims to
fame is that it was the birthplace of Marco Polo. To this end, you will find numerous places and things named after him - and you can even visit his supposed house (see below) although the actual house that stands there today has little to do with Marco Polo.
Sightseeing in Korcula Town
The Old Town
Neatly
located on a small peninsula, Korcula's Old
Town - with its stone house and pretty orange roofs - give off a
familar
feel.
Korcula Town
What the Old Town lacks in size, it certainly makes up in quality
as it is very well preserved; the layout and structure of the Old Town
and its walls stem from the second half of the 13th century. You will
notice that the Old Town is laid out in a very special way, with one
main street down the middle and all other streets off it, to resemble
something of a fishbone. The town was built in this way to protect
against sea winds.
Kopnena vrata
The entrance to the Old Town is through the Kopnena vrata (Land Gate)
at the south of the Old Town. The gate's front is covered by a
triumphal arch built in honour of commander Leonardo Foscolo, who was
instrumental in the defence of Dalmatia during the 17th century. Above
this gate is also the Revelin tower which you can partially climb up for some scenic views.
There is another entrance to the Old Town to its west - the Primorska vrata (Sea Gate).
Katedrala svetog Marka/St Mark's Cathedral
Almost bang in the centre of the Old Town, the cathedral was built in the 15th & 16th centuries, and has a statue of St Mark above its entrance with figures of Adam and Eve on either side. Inside the Cathedral is a ciborium over the main altar by Marko Andrijic, a gifted local stonemason. Below this lies a restored Tintoretto, with another piece - The Annunciation - in the southern nave of the Cathedral.
St Mark's Cathedral
Opatska Riznica/Abbey Treasury
To the south of the Cathedral is the Abbey Treasury, located in a building that was once the Bishop's Palace, built in the 17th century. There's a decent collection of artefacts, including church manuscripts from the 12th to 15th centuries, religious paintings, coins, pottery and more.
Gradski muzej/Town Museum
Korcula's town museum is located opposite the Cathedral, housed in what was once the palace of the Gabrielis, a Korcula family. It is home to assorted collections from which you can learn more about the history of the town.
Website: www.gm-korcula.com
Kuca Marka Pola/Marco Polo's House
As mentioned, Korcula claims to be the birthplace of
merchant and traveller Marco Polo; if he was not born in Korcula
(Venice has always been the main place to call Marco Polo its son, although officially it's still somewhat of a mystery), then he certainly was prominent in the local area and seas. A family named Depolo certainly existed on the island; this actual house does not stem from the times of Marco Polo (but was built in the 17th century) but it may still be worth a nosy around - at least to go up the its watchtower for some great views.
Moreska sword dance
One of the most famous "symbols" of Korcula is the famous Moreska sword dance.
Meaning "Moorish", the dance used to depict the battle between the Moors and the Christians, although today is shown as a battle between a White King or Emperor and his followers (who are actually all dressed in red) and Black King or Emperor, who has kidnapped the bride of the White King. The two leaders' armies do "battle", accommpanied to music, until the Black King surrenders. Performed weekly during summer, it is well worth a watch. |
