Legends, history and traditions!

Legends

Otok koji je opisan i izljubljen kroz mitove i legende grčko-rimskih, bizantskih i evropskih putopisaca.

Iz grčke mitologije saznajemo da je u vrijeme Trojanskog rata , kada su Grci uspjeli lukavstvom uči u Troju, Menalaj je poštedio Antenora , te mu dozvolio da odplovi iz Troje sa obitelji i cijelim imutkom. Nakon više godina lutanja i seljenja , Antenor prodire duboko u Jadran sa ostalim spašenim Trojancima i osniva grad , Crnu Korkiru ( Corcire Menelan ). Latinski tekst na kamenoj ploči iz 16.st , na zapadnoj obali starog grada govori o Antenoru kao osnivaču Korčule.

Jedna ljepša legenda govori o preljepoj nimfi Kerkiri koju je zarobio Posejdon i nastanio je na Korčuli. Kada su Argonauti na svojim putovanjima u potrazi za zlatnim runom prolazili pored današnje Korčule , dali su joj ime Crna Korčula ( Korkira Melaina ). Ne znamo da li zbog guste crne šume koja prekriva otok ili prelijepe duge crne kose nimfe Korkire.

Marko Polo

Marco Polo was born on 08.01.1254. in Korčula. With 17 of age he started his journey with his father Nikola and uncle Mate. They travelled the Silk Road deeply in Asia. After 24 years they come back to Korčula and brought rice,silk, pasta,spices,ice-cream and porcelain....when Europian inhabitants did not know about raw materials and certain food. They decided to move to Venice and continue with their buissnes even though they go very rich while trading trough Asia. On the 27th of Semptember of 1298 Marco Polo participated as the commander of a Venetian Gaul in the biggest naval batlle of the Middle Ages beetwen Venice and Genoa. The batlle took place nearby Korcula`s walls. Venice was defeated by Genoa and needed for that reason very long time to recover. The batlle left after its end 7000 dead and 7400 imprisoned men. Marco Polo was also taken prisioner by victors and enclosed in Korcula`s prison. After that he spent one more year in Genoa`s captivity where his first well konwn book „ Il Million“ was written. His book describes his journeys and travels. While dying he said: „ I did not write even a half of what I have seen becouse I knew that you are not going to belive me.“

Town Korcula

Twenty six streets made of stone, have been built throughout this beautiful town in the shape of a fish bone.  They overlap with the main street which runs from the southern part all the way to the northern part of the town, dividing it in two equal halves.  The streets to the east have been curved around the town and for a good reason too.  During the winter months they protect the town from constant torture of the Bura wind, and the rainy Jugo.  On the other side, the streets to the west are straight and freely allow the refreshing western breeze Maestral to flow through them, in which process cooling the town during the hot summer months.  This natural and oldest air-conditioning system still makes Korcula townsmen life more endurable and enjoyable in the summer.

Brotherhoods

A special history of the island Korcula are its different brotherhoods.  Ever since the middle Ages these brotherhoods have supported the indigenous people and have had enormous influence on the social and cultural development of the town. Some of the main brotherhoods named "All Saints" (since year 1301), "Saint Roko" (since year 1575) and "Saint Michael" (since year 1603) in the town of Korcula combine forces every year to celebrate the Good Friday and on the 27th of July during the day of the St. Todor, the protector of the town.

Moreska

This is the honorable sword dance game of knights preserved only in Korcula even though it was present in many of the Mediterranean cities. This dance is performed every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer months.

Kumpanija

This dance of the swords is still danced in Zrnovo, Pupnat, Cara, Blat and Vela Luka and it reminds of the fight between Korcula's inhabitants and the pirates that attacked the town over and over again through the centuries.

Vrnik

Vrnik is the valuable building stone that stems from this island and is used as the prime building material
in Korcula. It has also found extensive use in Venetia and many other grand structures throughout Europe. For the locals and some watchful visitors the old quarry on this little island still seems to resonate these
old stories, if you listen carefully enough that is.

Badija

Close to Korcula lies the island Badija, which has served as a spiritual refuge for centuries, with its large Monastery from the 14th century, a popular destination for the locals as well as tourists.

Docek pola nove godine – literally ‘ the wait for the beginning of the new half year’

On the 30th of June each year the islanders celebrate an old tradition in masked outfits. A festive day without worries and a welcome change to the daily stressful life.