Hotel Bon Repos

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Setaliste F. Krsinica 102, Korcula, 20260

This is a town of the finest Renaissance architecture and rich tradition. There are numerous cultural events and including the famous knightly pageants, Dalmatian harmony singing, a staged reconstruction of the historic battle involving Marco Polo in front of the walls of Korčula and annual religious processions. The men and women of Korčula are great lovers of local drinks and good food. The old city has such a special atmosphere that it is no wonder that this verse was written in the 17th century: You are the adornment of the world, enchanting Korčula… The town of Korčula is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, and its history is very long and interesting. Rich archaeological finds witness to its prehistoric roots; the island was inhabited in the 3rd century B.C by the Greeks, and possibly earlier. The Greeks named it Korkyra Melaina – Black Korčula, due to the dark appearance of its dense pine woods. According to legend, the god Poseidon brought here his beloved nymph Korkyra, while another legend says that Korčula was founded by the Trojan hero Antenor escaping from the destroyed Troy. After the Greeks and Romans, and later, the Croats settled from the north in the 7th century. The beginnings of the walled stone city date from the early 13th century and are described in the statute of the town and island of Korčula dating from 1214. This is one of the oldest European town statutes. Korčula has always been an important maritime crossing point. It is, and always has been, a town of seamen, shipbuilders, stone cutters, and artists as well as the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. The streets of the town reveal its rich inheritance: the cathedral of St Mark from the 15th and 16th centuries, the oldest church of St Peter dating from the 14th century, the Abbots Treasury, the town museum, Renaissance period mansions, the Town Hall and the Rector’s Court, the church of St Michael, the church of All Saints and the Tower of Marco Polo where he was imprisoned by the Genoese. In the Middle Ages, the town was encircled with high stone walls and towers protecting it from both the sea and the land. The ancient religious customs have been especially preserved by 3 brotherhoods, the oldest one dating from 1301, each with their own artistic and cultural collections. The men and women of Korčula are justly proud of their ancient sword dance – Moreška – that was performed previously all over the Mediterranean, but for more than 400 years has been played only in Korčula. Not surprisingly this is great tourist attraction each year.