The Rich History of Korčula

Traces of life on Korčula have existed since the Neolithic period, some 6-8000 years ago, and are easy to find all around you.

In those ancient times, Korčula was inhabited by the Illyrians, the first known inhabitants of the island. The arrival of the Greeks left an indelible mark, confirmed by the "Lumbarda Psephisma," one of the oldest written monuments in Croatia. This unique archaeological find, engraved in Ancient Greek, testifies to an agreement between Greek colonizers and the indigenous Illyrians, making Korčula a symbol of the meeting of different civilizations.

Later, Korčula became part of the Roman Empire after Emperor Augustus established control over the Adriatic and defeated the Illyrian tribes.

Due to its location, Korčula was a key maritime center of great interest to Venice, which took it under its wing in the 13th century and ensured its prosperity.

The preserved medieval walls and numerous luxuriously decorated palaces of noble families are testimony to Korčula's glorious past. It is also celebrated as the birthplace of Marco Polo, whose legacy is deeply woven into the city's culture.