Korcula

Only smaller cruise vessels berth directly in central Korcula, while larger ships tender guests into the same lively dockside area.

The narrow stone lanes crossing its gated and walled Old Town make Korcula resemble a smaller Dubrovnik.

View the harbour webcam.

Bring the available printable map.

Korcula Town is the island's principal settlement and has around 3000 residents. Its many monuments and buildings, cafés, hotels, restaurants, galleries and cinema make it a popular visitor base for exploring the rest of the island. It is also the area's administrative centre.

Walking around is simple with the available maps.

Following the principal street, the Street of the Korcula Statute from 1214, leads uphill to Cathedral Square. At the town's summit stands Korcula's largest and most beautiful building, the Cathedral of St. Marco.

South of the Cathedral, Bishop's Palace houses the Abbatial Treasury of St. Marco. Its rich holdings include Croatian and Italian Renaissance art, manuscripts, books and ceremonial clothing. To the north is St. Peter's, probably the town's oldest surviving church, dating from the 11th century/1388. Inside are a Renaissance portal by Bonino da Milano and wooden apostle figures made by Venetian sculptors in the 18th century.

Crkva Gospojina (Church of Our Lady), on the square's west side, is a local Renaissance work from 1483. It contains the tombs of historic Korcula families and priest Rozanovic, defender against a Turkish assault. Decorated gravestones and a large altar mosaic by Dutch artist Louis Schrikkela, dating from 1964-67, are also present. A flag column from 1515 stands beside the church, while Arneri and Gabrielis palaces lie farther north.

Town Museum occupies Renaissance-style palace Gabrielis, one of Korcula's finest palaces and dating from the 16th century. Towards the sea is another 16th-century residence, palace Ismaelis, with an attractive courtyard.

Palace Arneri has an artistically important courtyard, while fine architectural and sculptural details embellish its wall and windows on the southern street. From Cathedral Square, the route descends to Zakrjan, the northern town tower.

The first street on the right contains the family home of traveller Marco Polo. Inscriptions and exhibits recall the renowned explorer, and the family tower-observation post provides an interesting view. Marco Polo, described as the greatest traveller and explorer, was born here (Korcula 1254-Venice 1324).

During high summer, water taxis collect passengers at the east harbour for destinations across the island. Trips include Badija Island and its historic 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, currently being reconstructed, as well as Orebic and nearby Lumbarda, both with sandy beaches.

The euro is used.

Croatian is the language.

Banks and post offices generally trade continuously from 7AM to 7PM, with public offices open Monday to Friday from 8AM to 4PM. In the tourist season, post offices commonly remain open until 9PM, including Saturdays. Shops and department stores operate without a break from 8AM to 8PM.

Shopping hours have been unregulated since 2009, so most shops in visitor destinations open 7 days a week.