Things to do in Korčula Island
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Marco Polo Tower
It's said that Marco Polo was born in Korčula in 1254 and, for a small fee, you can climb the tower of the house that is supposed to have been his. A planned restoration will turn it into a museum.
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Moreška Sword Dance
Every visitor who happens to be in Korčula from June to September inevitably winds up at the Moreška sword dance. Performed in Korčula since the 15th century, the dance is one of the island's most colourful traditions. Although probably of Spanish origin, Korčula is now the only place in which it is performed. It tells the story of two kings - the White King (dressed in red) and the Black King - who fight for a princess abducted by the Black King.
In the spoken introduction the princess declares her love for the White King and the Black King refuses to relinquish her. The two armies draw swords and 'fight' in an intricate dance accompanied by a band. Enthusiastic town…
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St Mark's Cathedral
St Mark's Sq (Trg Svetog Marka) is dominated by the magnificent St Mark's Cathedral. This 15th-century cathedral was built from Korčula limestone in a Gothic-Renaissance style by Italian and local artisans. Over the solemn portal, the triangular gable cornice is decorated with a two-tailed mermaid, an elephant, and other sculptures. The bell tower that rises from the cathedral over the town is topped by a balustrade and ornate cupola, beautifully carved by the Korčulan Marko Andrijić.
The interior of the cathedral features modern sculptures in the baptistry, including a pietà by Ivan Meštrović. The ciborium was also carved by Andrijić and behind it is the altarpiece pa…
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Abbey Treasury of St Mark
The Abbey Treasury of St Mark in the 14th-century Abbey Palace next to the cathedral is worth a look. Past the anteroom with its collection of icons, you enter the hall of Dalmatian art with an excellent selection of 15th- and 16th-century Dalmatian paintings. The most outstanding work is the polyptych of The Virgin by Blaž Trogiranin. There are also liturgical items, jewellery, furniture and ancient documents relating to the history of Korčula.
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Veliki Revelin Tower
The entrance to the old city is through the Veliki Revelin Tower southern land gate. Built in the 14th century and later extended, the tower is adorned with coats of 0arms of the Venetian doge and Korčulan governors. There was originally a wooden drawbridge here, but it was replaced in the 18th century by the wide stone steps that give a sense of grandeur to the entrance. The only remaining part of the town walls stretch west of this tower.
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Konoba Maslina
Everything you’d want from a rural konoba, this traditional place offers rustic character and really honest country cooking. Chef-patron Ivan will guide you through the menu and make suggestions: fresh fish, lamb and veal, and local ham and cheese feature strongly. It’s about 3km out of town on the road to Lumbarda.
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Tower of the West Sea Gate
Take a closer look at the remaining walls and towers that make the sea approach to the town particularly striking. On the western harbour the Tower of the West Sea Gate has an inscription in Latin from 1592 stating that Korčula was founded after the fall of Troy.
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Icon Museum
It isn't much of a museum, but it has some interesting Byzantine icons painted on wood on gold backgrounds, and 17th- and 18th-century ritual objects. Visitors are let into the beautiful old All Saints' Church (Crkva Svih Svetih) next door as a bonus.
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Badija Island
In the high season, water taxis at the Jadrolinija port collect passengers for visits to various points on the island as well as Badija Island, which has a 15th-century Franciscan monastery and a naturist beach.
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Cukarin
Deli-style place that bakes amazing Korčulan creations such as klajun (walnut pastry) and amareta (round, rich cake with almonds). Also sells wine, jam and olive oil from the island.
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Cocktail Bar Massimo
This bar is lodged in a turret and accessible only by ladder; the drinks are brought up by pulley. Visit for views of the coast and cathedral, not the tacky cocktail list. No children.
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Tramonto
Fantastic sunsets are to be savoured as you sip cocktails at this terrace bar. It's popular with locals, tourists and yachters alike. The music is relaxed and the vibe easy-going.
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All Saints' Church
This 18th-century baroque church features a carved and painted 15th-century rood screen and a wooden late-18th-century pietà besides a wealth of local religious paintings.
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Governor's Towers
The conical Large Governor's Tower (1483) and the Small Governor's Tower (1449) protected the harbour and the Governor's Palace, which used to stand next to the town hall.
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Konoba Marinero
Friendly, marine-themed Marinero is family-run and cosy. The sons catch the fish and the parents prepare it according to a variety of traditional recipes.
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Dos Locos
Hangout for young Korčulans complete with R&B on the mix and music videos projected on the side of a building. It’s just behind the bus station.
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Arneri Palace
Notice the elegantly ornamented Arneri Palace next door to the Town Museum and extending west down the narrow street of the same name.
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Buffet-Pizzeria Doris
Simple place that serves a bit of everything, including pasta and pizza, seafood and steaks and tasty grilled veggie platters.
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Fresh
Right across from the bus station, Fresh is fab for breakfast smoothies, lunch wraps or beers and cocktails in the evening.
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Tours
Tours Travel agencies can set you up on an island tour, a trip to Mljet, a rafting tour and a handful of other excursions.
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Rent a Ðir
Scooters (291KN for 24 hours) and boats (580KN per day) are available from Rent a Ðir.
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Planjak
Meat lovers should head here for the mixed grill and proper Balkan dishes, served on a covered terrace.
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St Mark's Square
Most sightseeing is centred on St Mark's Sq, dominated by the magnificent St Mark's Cathedral.
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Gradski Podrum
Atmospheric old-town eatery and worth trying for its Korčula-style fish stew.
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Abbey Treasury of St Mark
The Abbey Treasury of St Mark in the 14th-century Abbey Palace next to the cathedral is worth a look. Past the anteroom with its collection of icons, you enter the hall of Dalmatian art with an excellent selection of 15th- and 16th-century Dalmatian paintings. The most outstanding work is the polyptych of The Virgin by Blaž Trogiranin. There are also liturgical items, jewellery, furniture and ancient documents relating to the history of Korčula.
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