Korcula Island and Town

Korcula is the sixth largest island in the Aegean Sea; mountains run the length of it, rising to 1,800 ft.  It has been inhabited since prehistoric times.  According to legend, Korcula’s Old Town was founded by Trojan prince Antenor, who also founded the city of Padua in Italy.

The island was named Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu) by the Greeks. The walls date from the 13^th century which were reinforced with bastions and towers by the Venetians in the 15^th century after they took control of the town. You can still walk along the walls, and they are peppered with cafes and shops.

After 1000 CE, the island was fought over by the Venice and the Croat kings and later by the Genoese and the Turks (1298).  In the naval battle between Genoa and Venice, the Genoese captured Marco Polo, a native of the island.

This historic town sits on a fortified point jutting out into the sea, and its stone buildings with red tile roofs create one of the most picturesque images along the Adriatic coast. The steps ascending to the Land Gate, the gateway to the Old Town, date from the 13^th century.

St. Mark’s Cathedral is the town’s main monument.  Most of it dates from the end of the 15^th century. It’s door is guarded by two lions decorated with spiral columns and a lunette with the figure of St. Mark, attributed to Bonino of Milan.  On the left is the bell town which one can climb.

Next to the cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace which contains the Abbey Treasury.  

Across the plaza is the 16^th century Gabrielli’s Palace which today houses the town museum. This showcases cultural and commercial milestones of the island.

Around the corner, you come to St. Peter’s Church. This small Gothic church, dating from the 14th century, is one of the oldest in the Korcula. The simple main facade is embellished with St Peter’s relief made by Bonino de Milano. nterior of the Church has open beams ceiling, as well as thirteen wooden Baroque statues of the Apostles and Evangelists that are displayed on consoles along the walls.

A statue of Saint Peter is on the altar. These wooden pieces were created by an unknown artist from Venice in the 18th century. Old gravestones are dotted along the Church’s floor.

Next to this square and church is the Marko Polo Plaza and home. Here you can immerse yourself in the life and legacy of the legendary explorer, Marco Polo. The Interpretive Center offers visitors an engaging journey through the historical context of Marco Polo’s travels, the challenges he faced, his ground-breaking discoveries, and the cultural exchanges between East and West.

In the evening we were entertained with dancers in the local arena.