Korčula, Croatia

City Gates

The City (Sea) Gates are part of the architectural and historical complex of the city of Korčula; they are included in the ancient city fortifications. Behind them begins the beautiful Korčulan Street, which leads to the city’s main square. The defensive structures and city fortifications in Korčula are very similar to the corresponding buildings in Dubrovnik, since during the time of their construction the island formed part of the Republic of Dubrovnik. The complex of defensive structures includes the Sea and Southern Gates, the Zakerjan, Bokar, Great Ducal, and All Saints towers. The City Gates are adorned with a triumphal arch, and a beautiful staircase leads to them from the port.

St. Mark’s Cathedral

St. Mark’s Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the Old Town. In the 13th century, a small church stood on this site, but in the 14th century an episcopal diocese was established, and architectural design and construction began to develop rapidly. Thus, in the 15th century, a Gothic cathedral was built on the site of the former church. Local craftsmen specializing in stone masonry took part in its construction. Their skills were renowned far beyond Korčula. Since the cathedral was built over the course of an entire century, it was erected by generations of masters. The final stage of construction was the building of the towers and domes. Near the cathedral, local residents erected the Chapel of St. Roch as a token of gratitude for being spared from the plague.

St. Michael’s Church

The Church of St. Michael is located in the historic part of the city, near the fortress walls. The first references to it date back to 1408. The building took on its present appearance in the 17th-18th centuries. A notable feature of the church’s Baroque façade is a richly decorated portal, crowned with a small arched niche containing a marble statue of St. Michael. Above it is a rose window adorned with stucco ornaments. The building’s whimsical pediment includes a bell tower with two cast bells. The church interior features original furnishings, antique paintings, and gilded candelabra. The main altar is made of marble and decorated with a painted icon of the Mother of God. Of particular interest is the carved pulpit, created in the Renaissance style.

Marco Polo House Museum

The Marco Polo House Museum in Korčula is a popular tourist attraction. It is located in the historic part of the city, near the Cathedral of Saint Mark. Croatian historians suggest that the famous writer and traveler was born in this very house in 1254. A wide stone staircase leads to a door with a bell, through which you can reach the roof and the loggia-a great viewpoint with picturesque views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. The museum’s exhibits tell interesting facts from Marco Polo’s life. Wax figures in clothing of that time against the backdrop of colorful decorations and banners with quotes from Marco Polo’s books illustrate scenes from the life of the great traveler.

Icon Museum

The Icon Museum is one of the popular places on the island. Regular visitors to the museum include not only tourists, but also pilgrims and lovers of religious art. The museum features both authentic icons from different periods and their photographic copies, which were assembled over many years. The collection includes exhibits of the Byzantine school of painting, Russian, Cretan-Venetian, and Ionian iconography, as well as icons from the Greek school of icon painting. In this museum, you can find icons that represent and reflect the development of icon-painting craftsmanship from different times, practically from all corners of the world. Even today, the museum’s icon collection is slowly but steadily growing, mainly thanks to charitable donations from private collectors, as it was in the past.

Abbey Treasure Vault

In the Bishop’s Palace there is the Abbey Treasure, famous for its collection of Dalmatian and Venetian art. The altarpiece from Blesa of Trogir, “Holy Conversation” and Titian’s “Annunciation,” are also kept here, along with two altar icons by Pellegrino from San Daniele, as well as “Portrait of a Man” by Vittore Carpaccio.

Beaches

Korčula Island is famous for its beaches, surrounded by lush pine groves. The best sandy beaches of Korčula are located in the bays of Vela Przina and Bilin Zal near the town of Lumbarda and in the Luka Korculanska bay, close to the city of Korčula. You can also vary your stay on Korčula by visiting the picturesque pebbly beach of Proizd, located on a small island in the area of Vela Luka town on the west coast of Korčula Island.

City Sightseeing Tour of Korčula

Korčula is a legendary island, whose main treasure is the eponymous old town, known for its monasteries, cathedral, and numerous museums. A stroll through the town’s historic narrow streets, which have preserved their historical monuments and ancient traditions, visits to the main attractions, and a delicious lunch will make this trip bright and unforgettable.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.