Korčula, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Description:

Korčula is an ancient fortified town on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or 'Black Corfu' for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korcula.It is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian city, with its round defensive towers and cluster of red-roofed houses.Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) the famous world-traveller and writer, as well as a Venetian merchant, is reputed to have been born in Korcula.In the old town of Korcula where his supposed house of birth is located. The city is notable for its Statute dating back to 1214 which prohibited slavery, making Korčula the first place in the world to outlaw the practice. The historical centre of the island is built on a small peninsula which narrows the passage between the island and the mainland to a bare 1270 metres.

To Visit:
The Town Museum is situated in the palace Gabrielis, one of the most beautiful Korcula palaces, in the Renaissance style from the 16th century, the Dominican monastery of St. Nicola with the church which was built in 1505, the central Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St Mark he 15th-century Franciscan monastery with its beautiful Venetian Gothic cloister, the civic council chambers, the palace of the former Venetian governors, grand 15th and 16th century palaces of the local merchant nobles, and the massive city fortifications.

Events:

The sword dance 'Moreska', is a world famous folk drama / dance, which used to be performed all over Mediterranean. It is now only performed in Korcula.