Discover Korčula™! the island, the people, the experience FREE COPY! 2 Korčula Old Town Discovering this marvelous walled old city and its narrow herringbone streets is a delight 3 Old Town/Island maps There's a lot to see and do on Korčula and it's easy to bike, bus or drive around! 4 History and culture From a 3rdC B.C. Greek stone tablet to the Moreska sword dance, Korčula's cultural heritage is unique. 5 Discover 20,000 years of history One amazing island! Eat, drink and be Korčulanin! This seaside hamlet, surrounded by vineyards, is famous for its beaches and wines Korčula's history is extraordinary. A fabled history, rich cultural Gastronomy is a quintessential Let's begin with Vela Spila (“Big traditions, gorgeous bays, lovely part of being here. Breakfast is just 6 Discover Cave”) overlooking villages, a rugged, wild interior and espresso. But come mid-morning, Rugged and wildly beautiful; where archeologists have some of the best wine anywhere it's marenda, a sort of early lunch. stone houses, idyllic streets and Pošip, discovered human artifacts dating on the planet make Korčula a The main meal is mid-afternoon. Korčula's signature white wine back more than 20,000 years! unique jewel among Families gather to enjoy garden Lumbarda's treasure is its Mediterranean islands. There's so veggies, their own olive oil, grilled 7 Discover Blato Psephisma, a 3rdC BC stone tablet much to see and do it really meat or fish, wine--heaven! Try Blato has history, charm and 40km in Greek, the oldest written record doesn't matter where you start. brodet, a great fish stew; pohana of gorgeous coastline in ! In 1214, Korčula Old Whether you arrive by ferry or hobotnica, fried octopus, goat Town established a Statute sailboat to the island's western cheese in oil, lobster, anything 8 Discover Vela Luka abolishing slavery—making it the port, Vela Luka; or land at Korčula grilled, slow-cooked peka. Grk, Korčula's “Big Harbor”, framed with first town in the world to do so Town, almost 50 km away, the Rukatac and Pošip --the island's magnificent hills, 100,000 olive trees and a (only the cities of Venice and marvelous physical beauty here is terrific whites, or Plavac its red. mysterious 20,000 year old cave! London did so earlier). evident everywhere. Živjeli (“to your health!”)

The seaside village of , 4 km southwest of Smokvica Korčula Old Town the legendary birthplace of Marco Polo is a world of its own

pieces by Ivan Mestrović, Croatia's most famous sculptor (1883-1962). Just off the square are 16thC decorative pillars (and another in front of Korčula Town Hall). Designed as city ornaments, they include coat of arms carvings of some of the town's most families. Other notable buildings here are the 17thC and 18thC Opatska Riznica or Abbey Treasury, in the Bishop's Palace, with its collection of 12th to Laura Vadjon will perform at this year's Festival 15thC religious paintings, coins, walls near the sea entrance to the pottery, manuscripts and more and Old Town, enjoys an historical past. It's inside a 16thC loggia once used as a covered rest area as well as place for public meetings and other The 14thC Revelin tower and grand entrance to the Old Town gatherings. OK, let's continue. As To experience what it must have surround the entire city, was you pass through the Revelin Tower, been like to enter the Old Town symbolic not just of Korčula's keep walking straight until you come during the grandeur of its Venetian importance but how privileged its to a small hill—it's the Old Town's rule just walk up the splendid 19thC inhabitants were to live within. As main square, called Pjaceta where staircase, over what used to be a you begin your walk (use the map the town's most famous church is, drawbridge and through the on page 3!) notice how the streets the 15thC Sveti Marko (St. Mark’s majestic 14thC Revelin Tower. on the left, western side are steep? Cathedral), built from Korčula Emblazoned with the coat of arms This draws cool sea breezes into the limestone by Italian and local of the Venetian doge and local center during the hot summer-- masters. The lovely ballustraded bell Korčulan governors, this stunning while the streets on your right are tower with its ornate cupola as well entrance, flanked with stone walls purposely curved to take the chill as the ciborium above the main mostly from the 15thC that out of the cold northeast winds! altar are the supreme works by The Gradski muzej or Town Built on its own, compact oval- Korčulan Marko Andrijić. Inside are Museum, opposite St. Mark's in the shaped peninsula, the entire Old not only works by Tintoretto (The Gabrieli's palace, a famous Korčula Town is a remarkable ensemble of Three Saints, St. Mark, St. Jeremy family representing the cultural, churches, museums and public and and St. Batholomew) but modern social and economic past of this private buildings beautifully historic town. And of course, decorated with friezes and many there's Kuća Marka Pola or Marco other adornments. Both artistic and Polo's House. Whether or he was a whimsical, the sheer diversity of famous explorer or a legend, stone carvings and masonry is Korčula proudly claims to be his wonderful. Look up, around, under birthplace. Surrounded by the sea, and inside--doorways, courtyards, with such splendid architecture and staircases and more to enjoy all of history; cafes, art galleries and this frozen beauty. Even the city's shops, picture perfect Korčula Old Fresh oysters at LD Restaurant tourist board, located outside the Korčula Cathedral Town is a world of its own!

2 Discover Korčula / Korčula Old Town The Tourist Board of Korčula welcomes you! For the Korčula Town calendar of events, please go to www.visitkorcula.eu

Korčula Town Tourist Board Turistička zajednica Grada Korčule

Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana 4 20260 Korčula Phone: ++385 (0)20 715 701 Fax: ++385 (0)20 715 866 www.visitkorcula.eu [email protected] twitter.com/VisitKorcula

DiscoverKorčula© 2015 Radionica Ideja, d.o.o.OIB 60557291459. All rights reserved. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any errors or advertising claims. Printed by Slobodna Dalmacija. Discover Korčula / Old Town Map For information: [email protected] 3 History and culture from Stone Age flints, sword-dancing and unique gastronomy to a world-class international festival of baroque music

during the tumultuous Middle Ages. KORČULA ISLAND EVENTS AUGUST It was during this time that the See and download the Korčula island August 2 Pošip night / Brna "Statute of the town and the island events calendar at: August 3,6,10.13,17,20,24,27 of Korčula" of 1214 was written. http://www.visitkorcula.eu/downloa (Monday and Thursday) / Summer d.html Performances of the Moreška sword A remarkable document that not JUNE dance / Korčula town only prohibited slavery but defined August 5 Our Lady of Snow / / the very nature of Korčulan June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Thursdays) / Kumpanjija sword dance citizenship and the independent Summer Moreška sword dance August 5 Neretva County spirit of the island and the town. performances / Korčula town Klapa Festival / Blato June 19 Sword Dance Festival / But with the growing Ottoman August 6 Battle of Giča Korčula town 1571/reconstruction of the historic onslaught, even Venice wavered. In June 20 Omiš Festival Klapa / Blato one of the many heroic battles still battle / Blato June 27 Lađa (traditional boat) August 7, 14, 21, 28 (Tuesdays) / recorded here, the Korčulans rallied Regatta /Kneže / Korčula town Classical music concerts / St. Mark's men, women and children to defeat June 29 St. Peter's Day / Čara / Cathedral / Korčula town an Ottoman naval armada in 1571, Kumpanija sword dance August 9 Makarunada / Žrnovo aided by a serendipitous shift in the June 30 Masked Celebration August 9 Grk Festival / Lumbarda wind that wreaked havoc on the of the Half of the New Year / August 11 Korkyra Jazz Festival / Turkish fleet. After a brief period of Korčula town Korčula town The Moreska sword dance Hungarian-Croatian kings, Venice JULY August 15 Moštra Sword Dance & Klapa / Žrnovo returned triumphant to rule here July 6,9,13,16,20,23,27,30 August 15 Blato Folklore Festival Korčula is still discovering its rich and throughout until the (Monday and Thursday) / Summer during July and August/Thursday historical past. At Vela Spila (“Big Performances of the Moreška sword Kumpanjija performance, Blato Cave”) in the hills above Vela Luka, dance / Korčula town archeologists have unearthed the July 7,14,21,28 (Tuesdays) / Classical SEPTEMBER oldest figurine ceramics in southern music concerts / September 3, 10, 17, 24 (Thursday) / St. Mark's Cathedral / Korčula town Europe, more than 20,000 years Summer Performances of the Moreška July 7 Blessed Marija Petković Festivity old! In Lumbarda, a 3rdC BC tablet sword dance / Korčula town Kumpanjija Sword Dance / Blato was found that describes the September 5-12 4th Annual Korkyra July 12 and 26 Grk Festival / Lumbarda founding of a Greek colony there, Baroque Festival / Korcula town the oldest written record July 16-18. XX. Marco Polo Festival discovered in Croatia! Wine & Song Festival / Korčula town OCTOBER July 19 Korčula Wine Festival / "Black October 1, 8, 15 (Thursday) / Tramonto's lovely courtyard Island White Wines" / Korčula town Because of its strategic nautical July 19 Black Island White Wines / Performances of the Moreška sword position, Korčula was always a wars with Napoleon and the fall of Korčula town dance / Korčula town prize—first the Greeks, who ruled the Venetian Republic in 1797. July 25 St. Jacob/Our Lady in the Čara this part of the Adriatic from their After Napoleon, the Habsburgs, the Field festivity / Čara / Kumpanija stronghold on Issa (present day ); Kingdom of Serbs, and sword dance then Romans who displaced them; Sloveninas and Socialist Yugoslavia, July 25-August 25th Annual POŠIP the Ilyrians, the Byzantines; and Croatia finaly became an DAYS / Čara and Smokvica (open wine beginning in the 7thC, the Croats, independent state in 1991. It's no cellars) Slavs, Avars and Neretva tribes. wonder the culture of the island July 26 - Aug. 2 Pošip days (open wine The next formative period came reflects both the successive imprint cellars) / Čara and Smokvica when the Venetian princes of the of its many rulers and the July 27 St. Theodor's Day / Patron saint of Korčula town / Korčula town Zorzi family governed Korčula indefatigable spirit of its natives. Wonderful local seafood at Konoba Komin Wood grilled and wonderful! Beautiful Authentic Korčulan food cooked slowly over a real wood grill. We only use local produce and herbs, the freshest fish, the best island wines. Al fresco waterfront terrace, glorious sunsets and the island's best peka! (24 hour notice required!)

Konoba KOMIN, Šet. Petra Kanavelića 26 Daily, Noon to Midnight Reservations: +385 98 847 057 www.facebook.com/KonobaKomin MC/VISA Beautiful food, gorgeous sunsets, fabulous cocktails TRAMONTO Ismaelli 12, At the Old Town Western Gate Daily 9:00-Midnight /Cocktail bar 18-2AM We accept credit cards

4 Discover Korčula / History and culture Discover Lumbarda

great beaches, rich history and Grk and Plavac wines

enjoyed grilled with terrific local fish or even lobsters. And what wine connoisseurs already know is that Lumbarda is where Grk, an excellent white wine produced from the indigenous grape of the same name, is grown. Lumbarda also hosts its own Summer Festival, a weekly series of events that celebrates its customs, dances, songs, crafts, artists, food and wine—be sure to check with the tourist office website for what's happening when you are here!

Lumbarda’s picture-perfect setting, surrounded by vineyards Lumbarda, just fifteen minutes from Psephisma of Lumbarda, a 3rdC BC Korčula town, is exactly the kind of tablet written in Greek documenting laid back seaside village that makes the founding of the settlement, the Lumbarda Medieval tower it a perennial favorite with oldest human written record vacationers from abroad, with a discovered in Croatia; folk traditions picture perfect landscape, crystal and fabulous wine and gastronomy clear waters and sandy beaches. also makes it a perfect day trip no matter where you are on the island. During the Venetian era, bishops The town is also a walking and and nobles built their estates here, bicycling paradise with a half a lured by the beautiful countryside dozen walking paths through lovely and life at a far slower pace. countryside and vineyards; past old Today, it's the sandy beaches at chapels and even the ruins of a lstC Grk Wine Festival Vela Pržina, Bilin žal and Uvala BC Roman villa rustica. Tatinja that lure vacationers and locals alike to enjoy the waterside The views along the way are cafes, volley ball and other sports spectacular. A trio of bicycle routes and splendid views of the Peljesac include sweeping views from channel and the Korčula highest point in the area of Baruža, archipelago. south of Lumbarda, as well as through olive groves and along For those who love their beaches charming village sea roads. And isolated and wild, head for Lenga after all that walking, cycling, sun Brendana Beach which runs all the and fun, get ready to enjoy some of way from Bilin žal beach to the the island's best food and wine. eastern end of the island. And its The local green gardens produce a rich history, beginning with the delicious array of vegetables, best

Discover Korčula / Discover Lumbarda 5 Discover Smokvica hidden beauty and glorious nature waiting in the foothills

Pošip, be sure to enjoy Rukatac, an tomato sauce seasoned with olive elegant dry white, and Prošek, a oil. All exquisitely seasoned with sweet dessert wine made from fresh herbs! dried Pošip grapes and best enjoyed cold. The gastronomy focus here is Brna on fresh—not just terrific seafood No mention of Smokvica is complete from squids, fish, octopus, clams without Brna, a pretty little seaside and crabs cooked or grilled, or in town just 4km south It was risotto; but delicious local specificallty developed in the 19thC vegetables like blitva (like swiss as the port for Smokvica so growers chard) mixed with potatoes, broad could export their wine, olive oil and beans, cabbage, gruda (a mix of pine logs for ship building and fire wild edible herbs) and cherry wood throughout the Adriatric. Today it's a magnet for wind surfers and nature lovers who enjoy its bays and surrounding pine forests as well as those who come for its famous mud baths.

The Church of Blessed Virgin Of Purification with the bell tower and the lodge from 1700 dominate the village

Smokvica, located in the very center rocky butte and heavily fortified. To of the island, is hidden in the commemorate its many battles, foothills of Vela and Mala obala. It's mainly against the Ottoman Turks. here where Korcula spreads out to The Smokvica guards even created reveal all of its glorious their own Knight's Sword Dance, nature—deep valleys, soaring hills, the Kumpanjija, which like the Antique wine-making tools, part of the Toreta Winery tasting room in Smokvica meticulously planted vineyards, moreska, is still performed even endless olive groves and narrow, today. And don't miss Smokvica's winding lanes lined with stone Pošip Days which will be organized houses—all the charm and magic from July 26th to August 2nd and that makes this part of the the Traditional Brna Festival on Mediterranean so compelling. August 15th in Brna bay--lots of fun One of the island's five oldest with a rope pulling competition and settlements, humans have lived in donkey races. Smokvica since prehistoric times. Village life here is still all about the But despite its bucolic surroundings, land—from producing some of the the threat of attack was ever best olive oil on the planet and present for centuries. To keep watch Pošip, one of the most famous over all the main roads leading to Croatian white wines, to growing the village, Smokvica's most Smokvica Princes, a delicate, thin- important church, the 14thC St. shelled almond whose blossoms Michael's, was purposely built on a welcome every Spring. Besides Wine tasting at Toreta! A marvelous experience surrounded by authentic traditional tools of the wine making craft and the vineyards of one of Korčula's most celebrated wineries. Taste the best Pošip on the island, grown TZ 177x120mm right here in Smokvica, where the varietal originated. Our family- run winery has been producing delicious wines for generations. Come taste, enjoy and bring your favorites back home to enjoy!

Smokvica Center Open daily 10-20 Tel. 385 98 178 2645

6 Discover Korčula / Discover Smokvica Discover Blato

the essence of vibrant Mediterranean life

“munde” – festive carnival dance parties where exceptionally good female dancers get an orange from their partners and if a dancer dances so vigorously that he breaks the wooden floor he gets a new pair of shoes! To enjoy Blato's seaside, the most beautiful view is from the road leading to the southern coast and Blato’s fascinating ethnic museum the picturesque coves of Gršćica, Prizba, Karbuni and . In front of them is a group of islands with beautiful beaches. On the northern coast, be sure not to miss lovely Prigradica Cove.

Dreamy sunny days under the shade of the second largest linden alley in Europe Enjoy Blato’s many beaches With almost 4,000 residents, Blato, town's old loggia, was replaced by a on the main inland road between new one, built in 1700. Besides a Korčula town and Vela Luka, is a real renaissance-baroque citadel there surprise—all the charm of a small are several baroque mansions of Mediterranean village with the style Korčula noblemen and in hamlets and substance of a much larger around Blato, early 13thC churches town. And what a stately as well as an intriguing one-nave The old loggia - where Blato’s nobility entrance—a 1km long main street 12thC Church of Sts. Cosmas and and common people used to gather lined with century-old linden trees! Damian in the outskirts of town. With town boundaries that include Blato also has unusally rich 40km of gorgeous coastline on the traditions. Today there are 15 island's southern and northern different cultural societies and sides--no wonder Blato attracts so associations. Most prominent is the many vacationers! Chivalrous Society "Kumpanjija" The fertile valley between the town (Companions). Their chivalrous and Vela Luka that was once an game called "kumpanjija", regularly enormous lake helped Blato become takes place on the 28th of April, on a highly-successful mercantile St. Vicenza's Day (the town's center, which is reflected by its patroness). The Kumpanjija is also a wonderful ensemble of public and part of the Blato Summer Festival, private buildings and churches. The which includes a re-enactment of oldest structures are the graveyard the 1571 Battle of Giča against the Church of the Holy Cross and the Turks at nearby Giča. Another 14thC church of St. Jerome, colorful event at the beginning of Blato’s Kumpanjija Orignallly from the 15thC, the Lent is the Blato Carnival and the Explore, swim, bike, play, dine, shop, enjoy Blato! Discover our fascinating cultural and historical heritage; experience our many festivals; enjoy the smell of pine and the sea along one of our hiking or bicycle trails; swim in a gorgeous cove; taste our wonderful food and wine! The Tourist Board of Blato [email protected] / www.tzo-blato.hr Trg Dr. Franje Tuđmana 4 /Blato Korčula Tourist Board, /Visit Island Korcula (the big white stone building, Tel: 00 385 20 851/850, Fax: 00 385 20 851/241 town center next to PBZ bank)

[email protected] www.tzo-blato.hr Facebook/Blato Korčula Tourist Board Discover Korčula / Discover Blato 7 Facebook/Visit Island Korcula Discover Vela Luka the islands center of art, music and sword dancing!

Vela Spila, at the end of the BluePath, is 20,000 years old and still being explored! One of the reasons Vela Luka is such with lots of places to rest and a popular nautical and tourist spectacular views of those red tiled that his albums and performances exhibitions by renowned artists, destination is its beautiful location roofs and the shimmering sea in the are just called Oliver) and Jasna drama evenings and music concerts nestled at the end of a well distance. If biking is your thing, in Zlokić. Another treat is Vela Luka's by famous Croatian artists. In the protected, deep bay framed by September the town will host a Summer Program--over 50 nights of beginning of August, there is a magnificent hills; dotted with red series of cycling races from 15-40km cultural and entertainment! traditional Carnival night, Eco-etno tile roofs; endless olive groves and for youth and adults, as well as a evening and an International Jazz lush pine forests. trekking competition.​ Just 5 km. Highlights are the Kumpanjija Festival. It's no wonder the town is from the town are some fine Folklore group; sword dancing and full of song, theater and dance And this year, you can arrive not beaches like Gradina, whose well klapa singing on Wednesday; throughout the year. Vela Luka is only by ferry and catamaran, but by protected beach is perfect for classical music concerts in the the perfect bookend to Korčula's scheduled seaplane service! children. Atrium center and traditional Old Town - a lively place filled with Even closer is Gabrica and Picena fisherman's nights on Friday in the people who love living here and As the "western" point of entry for and the lovely, secluded beach on town center. On weekends there are sharing it with visitors! ferries from Split and other locales, Proizd island.On the wild side is Lovely Proizd island beach the harbor is also humming with Martina bok, a rocky beach with big pleasure craft and fishing boats. In waves and a nearby camp where the center of town is St. Joseph's you can play tennis and other but it's just one of more than 15 sports. Vela Luka is also the island's churches here for you to discover. artists and musicians colony. Along And for a great experience and with graphics, paintings and unforgettable view, take the Blue stunning archeological treasures, Path from the center of town and the town's Center for Culture also winds its way all the way up to Vela has a pair of sculptures by Henry Špilja, the "big cave" a continuously Moore. Two of Croatia's most human habitated site more than popular singers also hail from Vela 20,000 years old. The walk is terrific, Luka, Oliver Dragojević (so famous Welcome to Vela Luka, a celebration of culture and history!

A nautical paradise, a mysterious 20,000 year old cave, the island’s center for art, music and sword dancing.

Vela Luka Tourist Board Town center email :[email protected] Tel/fax +385 (0)813 619 www.tzvelaluka.hr

8 Discover Korčula / Discover Vela Luka