The island is 46.8 km long, average width of 5.3 to 7.8 km, covering an area of 270 square kilometers and is the sixth largest island in the Adriatic Sea. From the Peljesac peninsula is divided by the Peljesac channel, and among them is the smallest distance 1270 m. The island is well-laid out a series of bays and coves. Its northern coast is relatively low, easily accessible and has few natural from the south and east wind protected port: Korcula, Spa, Račišće, Vrbovica, Babina, Prigradica. The south coast is indented, but steep in places: there are some places cliffs to 30 m above sea level, there are plenty of anchorages and bays sheltered from the north wind, but exposed to the southern: Zavalatica, Rasohatica, Orlanduša, Pavja ports, airports Pupnatska, Prizba Grscica etc., and Brno is sheltered from the south. The largest, best protected cove is Vela Luka in the far west of the island.
Three great places on the main island of Korcula Korcula, Blato in the interior, as well as the small port Vela Luka in the west of the island. The capital costs for the house which is believed to be in it was born Marco Polo.
Tourism is its development began in the late nineteenth Korcula. century. The first public bath is regulated in the town of Korcula 1904th and the first tourist Korčulan prospect in several languages printed in Vienna 1914th year. After II. World War II, the sixties started the whole island development of modern tourism: hotels were built, decorated campsites and other tourist and catering facilities.
It is particularly significant "health tourism" because of its mild climate, clean air and sea, and medicinal mud at several island locations.
Countless beautiful beaches and bays, luxurious hotels and holiday homes, centuries-old olive groves and vineyards, ancient villas and ancient island town that seems to have remained lost in some long past time moms on the island, tourists from around the world.
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The island of Korcula was inhabited in prehistoric times, and traces of ancient life were discovered in many places. The oldest finds from the Neolithic stone knives Badija on an island near the town of Korcula. The richest and most thoroughly researched the Neolithic cave site Vela, Vela Luka.
In the sixth century BC the island was inhabited by Greeks, first in Vela Luka and called the island of Corcyra Melaina (black). Some time later at the other end of the island, the Greeks of today Lombarda come from the island of Vis (Issa), establishing a significant settlement. In the first century AD the island was like the whole of Dalmatia was conquered by the Romans and called Illyricum. In the 7th century to the Adriatic coast penetrate Slavs - Croats, and soon formed their own state, which was the first principality, and the 925th The first coronation of King Tomislav becomes a kingdom.
In the framework of that country was and Korcula. In 1000th Venetian Doge Peter II. Orseolo occupies the Dalmatian towns and islands, and then came under the rule of Venice and Korcula. When Napoleon fell Venetian Republic Dalmatia on the shorter time taken by Austria, but soon come the French, then English, to finally Dalmatia came under Austrian administration under which it remained until the end of World War II (1918.).
After democratic elections in 1990. The referendum on the Croatian population opted to exit from Yugoslavia and declared the independent state of the Republic of Croatia. The turbulent history of Korcula remained written in stone and is visible on each piece of this unique island.
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The climate of the island is very mild, Mediterranean climate. Mean temperatures are rather high: the year is 16.8 ° C, the coldest month of January, 9.1 ° C, the warmest month of July 26.9 ° C. Daily and annual temperature differences are small, which is very favorable for agriculture and tourism.
The number of annual hours of sunshine is high, even 2700th Rains are rare, about 41 days during the year, mostly in autumn and winter, while in late spring drought prevails with rare, brief olujama.Snijeg rarely falls, first in the village Pupnat and peaks around it, but it quickly melts, because the temperature rarely drops below 0 ° C.
In Chanal's almost always windy, blowing mostly refreshing summer west - breeze, perfect for sailing, winter, east-southeast - south, north-easterly wind-cold or strong north-tremuntana. Ocean currents in the Peljesac Channel are quite weak, only amplified with the South.
The average sea surface temperature in March was 12.9 ° C, the sea is the warmest summer in July and August and September when the average is 22.3 ° C. The tides are slight, the difference between low and high water is about 50 cm.
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Plant cover is a Mediterranean island, a rich and varied. Korcula is one of the najpošumljenije islands of the Adriatic, and even about 61% of its surface is covered with trees and underbrush. Everywhere grow various coniferous trees: Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), stone pine (Pinus pinea), Dalmatian black pine (Pinus nigra Dalmatica), Cypress (Cypressus), etc.
The island has a dense, wild forests of holm oak holm oak (Quercus ilex), wild olive, carob, cassia. Among the small plants, called "maquis" said the heather, bearberry, crush, Grahorac. The island grows wild medicinal and aromatic herbs: sage, rosemary, lavender, immortelle, mint, marjoram, etc. In the forests and macchia are various climbing plants, lush.
We should mention the abundance of grasses and similar plants for a tasty dish of sprouted in neglected vineyards and olive groves near the settlement and so on, and several species of fungi. The above mentioned plants and trees are green luxurious decoration of this island, and it was precisely because of dense vegetation Greeks called Corcyra Melaina - Black Korčula. The stone and earth are almost not visible from the lush vegetation that are everywhere down to the seashore.
On Korcula can find a variety of ornamental trees and plants, some brought from tropical regions and adapted well here: a few species of palms, eucalyptus, wisteria, Bugenvila, oleander, many cacti. In the animal world, says a rare golden jackal (Canis aureus Dalmaticus) and mongoose (Mungus mungo), and a large number of birds and songbirds.
The island has a variety of wildlife: rabbits, pheasants, wild ducks, wild boar, and the islet Badia made in recent times deer. More around the island is rich with fish of all species in the Adriatic Sea there are about 200, then the crabs, clams, urchins.
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The island abounds with natural beauty of the special attraction, worth to be visited and know. In the nearby town of Korcula is an archipelago twenty uninhabited islands with dense bush and accessible coastline: the others are by the sea smooth stone panels suitable for sunbathing. There is a little higher Badija partially covered by a thick pine forest, which stretches to the shore and pebbly beaches of the northern and southern sides.
In nearby Lumbardi is low, sandy coast surrounded by vineyards. Near the town of Korcula emphasizes the avenue of cypress planted 1709th along the steep, long staircase that climbs to the top of the hill St. Anthony.
Chariots (Koca) in the village Zrnovo great rocks of Cretaceous formations, and consist of a series of unusual rock shapes and mysterious caves. On the hills between the town of Korcula and the neighboring villages Zrnovo and terraces of the old vineyards and olive trees grow tall, wild cypress. It is particularly attractive to deep Pupnatska bow with a white pebble beach, where the water reflects the green of pine trees which are covered with steep slopes that frame this quiet, natural harbor.
In front of the parish church of charm is a huge cypress centuries, the oldest known tree on the island. Along the road called Zlinje that the length of more than one kilometer provides mid Blato planted the avenue of lime trees - the summer, especially during bloom all over the place gives a special atmosphere. In the vicinity of Vela Luka Ošjak wooded island with its unspoiled nature attracts lovers of silence and rest.
On the southern slopes of the island there are many stone, stepped terraces of the old vineyards, with regular walls - Meje raised by human hand is so compatible with the environment to look like part of this rocky landscape.
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At a meager, sparse island country has grown varied vegetables and fruits, and both were an essential ingredient of daily diet. Traditional probranija and expensive dishes awaits as on holidays or special family celebrations, moreover, there are conventional rules in which conditions certain dishes are served.
The main fat for cooking is olive oil. Because the wine is plentiful and it is important in the diet of the population not only as a beverage but also a spice, as well as homemade brandy-brandy. Brandy enrich the variety of aromatic herbs: Anizo, rose petals and the like so that preparing many kinds of aperitifs, spirits and sweetened beverages (liquor).
Meat is the most prepared lamb, goat and mutton then, but it was considered a treat as well as dried (smoked) ham, "ham, venison, beef. Much more organized and more fish, especially the cheaper "blue". Sardines and Gere is the sole, which is very tasty, especially as the winter when food is scarce catch a fish.
The fish is grilled, fried, boiled, and it is very palatable, "stew" - boiled fish with vegetables. Brodet served with polenta, porridge of coarsely ground corn meal. Since sheep and goat milk is obtained, so otocanka make very tasty cheese.
From sweet dishes are usually served "prikle" fried donuts in oil rich raisins and almonds, and are considered to be low fat eating, and preparing for Good Friday, Christmas Eve and similar events. About Easter sweet bread is baked a special form of "cheese" for the St.. Martin "lojenice" in mud for All Saints' lumblija "sweet-bread and sweet wine mingled with lots of spices.
Besides, most solemnly occasions - Pyrrhic, baptisms, fired "cukarini", "klasuni" (pastries filled with almonds), "krokant" - ground almonds in caramel, fragile in the oil fried dough "hroštule" want quince - kotonjata "and more.
To cure, or spices and serve tea and various wild plants: rosemary, bay leaves, basil, sage, mint, marjoram, ušćerena orange peel and lemon. Many of these and many other specialties can be tasted in the restaurants, pastry shops and taverns of the island.
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In all areas of the island are the usual carnival carnival events. Then in Korcula week held a masked ball "Masquerade" except where the individual masks involved with a small group of humorous TV, and organized a children's carnival and events. The highlight was Shrove Tuesday, when he tried Krnovalu because the "blame" for accidents that have occurred during the year in the city. All the ends of punishment - burning culprit and joy with traditional local dishes and wines.
Especially the area of folk art Dalmatian folk songs, most of them and sometimes sing "Klapa" which are groups of 6:00 to 9:00 singers, the evening somewhere in the city on the banks for their own pleasure.
Korcula's most famous custom fencing Moreška dance from the 17th - 18 century. Dance performed by two groups of young men "moreskanti" - dressed in white and red suits Cmi in CMA. They are led by King, a fight for the girl Bulu, white king's fiancee, kidnapped by the Moro cmi. In the introductory part of the old drama text - the dialogue of kings and Bule, which refuses to Mora, then to confront their military. White won, returned to the White Bull is the king. Dance to the accompaniment of the brass band performed in seven different pieces, with the pace accelerates, and the blows of swords all the harder.
Kumpanija the old knights dance with long swords, a household name and most are performed in Blato, and no other places on the island (with slight differences): Smokvici, Charms, Pupnat. Followed by a dialogue, playing the "chasuble," and the drum. Dancers - men - dressed in an old, rich costumes, and there are 18 dance pieces. Finally join the girls in old costumes and dance along with Kumpanjolima "dance".
In the village Zrnovo (hamlet Postrana) performs a similar antique war dance with swords, chasuble and accompanied by drum - Mostra. The dancers wear festive costumes of the old island. Once it ended Mostra "sliced ox head, and now with it still running some old rural traditions.
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The town of Korcula is situated at the northeastern end of the island, was erected along its indented coastline. The old town on a small oval peninsula, the Baroque suburb under the old walls, and new parts of the stretch along the coast east and west of the old center. Today the city has about 3000 inhabitants, most of them living in new neighborhoods. The city is the seat of administration of the Town of Korcula, which includes part of the island and five villages, apart from Korcula, Žrnovo, Pupnat, Cara and Račišće, with about 6000 inhabitants.
Korcula has many social, cultural, economic, health organizations and institutions: kindergarten, elementary and secondary school (gymnasium), a museum, library, health, travel agencies, banks, pharmacies, hotels, shipyards, shops, restaurants and etc. It also has cultural and artistic societies that foster choral singing, folk dancing, and sports associations.
The first data on a medieval city on the island of Korcula brings Byzantine historian and the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus in the 10th century writing about the "walled city". There are many indications that this city was the site of today's old town of Korcula. However, the remnants of architecture from that time of Romanesque been found. What remains of the old city walls, decorations, and most archival documents it is undisputed that at this point in the 13th century, but there is a walled town, set squares and streets, churches, public buildings and houses. Old houses were one story, rarely two, built of rough stone or in the dry, unadorned. Similar to other buildings, churches, lodges and other public buildings. Therefore, early 15th century the city was completely reconstructed and then, unless the identical location of certain objects none of.
In the second half of the 14th century in Korcula strongly developing stone, thanks primarily to the needs of Dubrovnik masters for capstone. They came in Korcula, vrničke quarries, and with the help of local workers stone intended for Dubrovnik. Thus, the 15th of Korcula century gradually almost completely transformed from a humble village into a city with character and style. Housing construction followed the public. First, the new cathedral was built, then the other churches, walls, etc. to 15 century was a period of intense building activity when in a relatively short time the city changed completely. In the early 16th century, until then not been renewed house got Renaissance ornaments. This is a real time "polishing": tiled with squares and streets, were placed on buildings emblems, decorative columns, but the old core of preserved Gothic stamp.
In the following centuries, the baroque 17th and 18, building and stone industry in decline due to the severe economic conditions in Venice, as reflected in areas under its jurisdiction. Houses were built a bit of baroque building, but several summer houses and houses in the suburbs that the craft of stone had not died.
Soon the suburb (Borgo) became the center of city life and work. This was where shops, most of craftsmen, and very quickly in this part of the city to other social and public life. At the same time the old core has fewer residents: dilapidated buildings are not repaired: people prefer to build new houses along the shore near his workshop. In the first half of the 19th century until the Second. World War Korcula is a provincial town that slowly begins to turn to tourism. Then build a few small hotels and summer houses near the city.
After II. World War II establishment of the shipyard industry, there is need for a large number of apartments for its workers, and to raise new residential areas east and west on the slopes above the coast, then the larger hotels, public buildings, new banks, roads, marinas. In the old part of town to repair damaged or dilapidated houses for the purposes of housing and public uses, for example. museums and the like.
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Vela Luka is the largest town on the island, a municipality with almost 5000 residents from the town of Korcula island 42 kilometers of road, which ends here. The town developed in the early 19th century in a deep sheltered bay. In addition to residential houses has several hotels and spas for rheumatic diseases and rehabilitation Kalos. Residents are engaged in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and the place was a shipyard Reef, Jadranka fish factory and other smaller industrial plants.
The cultural center is located in a renovated baroque building, the old summer castle has a valuable archaeological collection of prehistoric finds from the nearby Vela Neolithic caves, and Roman sites in the vicinity of the place. In addition there is also a collection of modern art: paintings, prints, sculptures of domestic and international umjemika donated Vela Luka seventies.
The parish church of St. Joseph classicist building was completed in 1848. Stations of the Cross - 15 small reliefs made by Anka Prizmić. Chapel St. Vicenza is the 1589th was rebuilt several times, it was a bust don Iva Oreb, a priest who was in the 20th century did a lot for the cultural development of this town, by Anka Prizmić. In the chapel is a bronze Pieta by the same author.
Culture and Art Society nurtures Hum music and folk dancing, and choral singing. However, in a series of choral gangs, famous crowd Ošjak and Klapa Reef by high artistic level achieved success at concerts at home and abroad. In the vicinity of Vela Luka are numerous coves suitable for swimming, and is particularly attractive nearby forested island Ošjak.
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Municipal town has about 4000 residents, and can reach it and the main island road from Smokvice through the forests in the middle of the island. The resort is built in an amphitheater on several hills around the central valley. It provides a long avenue of lime trees called Zlinje situated next to a recently built public buildings: schools, hotels, banks, shops, municipal, Chamber zctravlja etc.
In the old center, south of Zlinje on a large paved square is the parish church of All Saints. The documents referred to in the early Middle Ages, but later it was reconstructed several times, and its current appearance with the bell tower dating from the 17th - 18 century, the Baroque period. Feast of St. Vicenza is on 28 April, and this is the day the municipality Blato. A large procession goes around the city and on the square before the church is performed ceremonial Kumpanija. The town and surrounding a large number of small churches and chapels. The oldest is St.. Cosmas and Damian from the 6th century (early Christian), then Sv. Mary of the Fields, St. Martin et al
With the new Blato has many old houses with paved yards, trellis work and farm buildings. And here was the castle of Korcula nobility, and highlights the baroque mansion castle in the midst of America. It is designed to accommodate regional museum with collections of archeology, history, ethnography. The inhabitants of Blato used the most were farmers and craftsmen, nowadays more tourism. It was actively Knightly Association Kumpanija the eponymous sword play cherishes folklore, song and other cultural and performing society Petar Milat nurtures music and folklore, and there are also harmony singing groups, brass bands and
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