Adriatic Cruise Chronicles – Korčula

The postings so far this year have been pretty meager. I hope to return to graves, stories and rants before too long. Until then, the travel stories continue.

Sunday Morning in Korčula (2 November 2025)

We sailed away from Split and the next day, we were on the island of Korčula, pronounced “Kor-chu-la.” Its claim to fame is that it’s said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Off the Dalmatian coast, the island covers 108 square miles and has over 15,000 inhabitants. That makes it the most populated Adriatic island NOT connected to the mainland by a bridge.

It was Sunday morning and our walkabout was delightfully quiet. All the businesses were closed and there were no other tour groups in sight. We had the streets and narrow alleys to ourselves.

Old Town Gate, Korčula, Croatia (2 November 2025)

The Croatian flag flies above the passage into the old quarter.

Korčula is often described as a ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of its well-preserved walls and Gothic architecture. The tidy island has a fine dining and wine rep…without the crowds…so far. It’s unique white wine, called ‘Grk,’ can only be experienced here since the authorities have determined that not enough is produced to allow its export.

St. Mark’s Church, Korčula, Croatia (1 November 2025)

Over 80% of Croatians are Catholic, so there are many dioceses and cathedrals. St. Mark’s in Korčula used to be one. The modest Romanesque church dates to the 15th century, and earlier churches occupied the site. It was a cathedral until 1828 when Dubrovnik officially subsumed the honor, and that city’s bigger church became a cathedral.

 

Altar with Tintoretto Painting

St. Mark’s Church, Korčula, Croatia (2 November 2025)

The little church’s claim to fame is the Tintoretto 1550 painting

of St. Mark with two other saints, Bartholomew and Jerome.

Virgin and Child With Saints [1431] by Blaž Jurjev

Bishop’s Treasury Museum, Korčula, Croatia (2 November 2025)

Next to the church is the Bishop’s Treasury Museum. It is a tidy little place, up a creaking stairway, filled with centuries-old vestments, coins, art and sculpture. I took only a few shots inside, but liked the look of this polyptych. Turns out it is one of the most prominent items in the collection.

View of the Mainland from Korčula (2 November 2025)

I can see why Korčula might be an attractive destination. The beaches and other waterfront attractions on one side of the island have a fine view of the mountains across the narrow Strait of Pelješac.

Off we go to the next stop, the special city of Dubrovnik.