Korčula, Island Korčula

Entirely surrounded with tall ramparts, Korčula's visitors are safeguarded by as many as eight medieval towers. The town's quaint seductive ambience is completed by the trademark stone stairways, which have long ago connected the initially inhabited peninsula to the mainland.

Passing through Veliki Revelin tower atop a stairway, the visitors come under the irresistable charm of the old town. The harmonious buildings of old Korčula are a triumph of construction. A walk along the main street continues on to the cathedral, whose stonework was carved by local fifteenth century artists, while the interior was painted by old Italian masters.

In the plaza before the Cathedral of Saint Mark there is a sequence of Renaissance buildings such as the Abbots' palace. Inside its walls, Korčula contains one of the most opulent church treasuries in Dalmatia. The wonderful Gabriellis family palace houses the Town museum, another repository of past secrets.

Summer days in Korčula are enlivened with the Moreška, a sword dance which was once a widespread Mediterranean tradition. Its fast rhythm brings into play the sword dancers' skill and agility and regularly leaves the observers breathless.

Korčula has freshened up the hot summer with the Marco Polo international festival of wine and song, which features the tasting of Korčulan wines and new music by renowned musicians. The alleged birthplace of the old explorer for whom the festival is named is likewise a target for many visitors.

Korčula is also widely known for celebrating June 30 as the Half New Year's Eve. The irrepresible merriment of the masqueraded parade then takes over the streets. MUsic and fireworks keep the town awake till the morning hours.