Korcula Region
This region includes the entire island of Korcula (Korcula, Lumbarda, Smokvica, Blato, Vela Luka). The island of Korcula is the sixth largest Adriatic island and belongs to Dubrovnik-Neretva County. This region is predominantly rural region, and becouse of the density of population island of Korcula, Korčula is the second largest island in Croatia.
The highest hills of the island are Klupca with 569 m and Kom with 510 m above sea level.
Island Proizd is one of the most beautiful small island that you can see in Croatia. It is located in the southern part of the Croatian, near the island of Korcula, not far from Vela Luka. It is known for its incredibly blue and clear sea.
The archipelago of twenty uninhabited islands covered with dense thicket, and an accessible coastline; Small islands, beaches and bays of Korcula; Korčula's caves, sinkholes, tunnels, grottos; The island fields... These are only part of the rich natural heritage of Korcula.
It should be pointed out that Vela Cave is located at 130 m above the bay of Kale in Vela Luka. The entrance to the cave wide is 1 to 10 meters high and four meters, a south-facing offering a breathtaking view of the spacious bay, fruitful Blato field, islands Ošjak, Kamenjak and Proizd, and remote islands.
The most important elements of the cultural heritage of Korcula are:
Franciscan monastery from the 15th century on the island of Badia.
Urban complex town of Korcula - It is in shape of herringbone, preserved in that form to today. On strict plots were built houses, palaces and churches. The city was from the 13th century surrounded by walls and towers from the sea and by land.
The archaeological finding Vela Spila is located on the sunny hillside Pin war, at the end of the Vela Luka bay and is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe. According to the current level of research it is known that the cave was continuously inhabited from the Early Stone Age, ie. about 20 000 years before Christ.
In the museum of the Cultural Centre in the center of Vela Luka is a valuable archaeological collection of objects found at the archaeological finding Vela Spila, and visitors can visit the cave itself.
Blatska parish church of All Saints is mentioned in the written sources of the 14th century, while some sources state her start construction as early as the 10th century. It was built in the town center, a spacious square, where it stands out even today along with the bell tower and loggia. During the summer months, it is open to visitors.
In addition to the parish church, in the area of municipality Blato we should point out some churches that are mentioned in the 14th century:
St. Mark, St. John, St. Martin, Sv.Mihovil, Kuzma and Damjan, St. Juraj, Sv.Antun, St. Jerome, Our Lady of Fields and St. Cross.
Most of these churches to visit in the traditional procession "Po gorah" that takes place every year on the night of Holy Thursday to Good Friday.
Folklore attraction of the island and the town of Korcula is a traditional knight game Moreška. Local people have been dancing it for over 400 years. The game is consisted of display of the conflict with swords. The conflict arose because the black King stole the beautiful girl Bula of the red king. Exceptionally strong and impressive parts of war-dancing from this play are performed with original orchestral music, specially written for this play of Mauri origins.
The old sword dance Kumpanija with long swords is mostly performed in Blato. It is followed-up by the dialogue, playing the drums and 'mišice'. This is a representation of the struggle between the enemy who leads "Serdar" and the domestic army led by "Captain". Eventually the girls in old costumes are joining Kumpanjolima and they are dancing 'tanac'. The main annual performance is held every year, March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of Vela Luka.
Folklore Society "Kumpanija" for decades nurtures the traditional dances of Vela Luka: Mafrina, Četiri pasa, Tanac, Pritilica, Šega-šega and mention dance Kumpanija.
Blatsko summer runs of 16.7. to 15.8. It is the traditional summer cultural event which inhabitants of Blato and all their guests and tourists, offering a diverse and rich cultural and entertainment program with an emphasis on preservation of cultural heritage.
A place of pilgrimage around the island of Korcula - the shrine of Our Lady of Čara Field dates back to the 14th century, and on 25 July each year local people go to pilgrimage.
Blatsko summer runs of 16.7. to 15.8. It is the traditional summer cultural event which inhabitants of Blato and all their guests and tourists, offering a diverse and rich cultural and entertainment program with an emphasis on preservation of cultural heritage.
A place of pilgrimage around the island of Korcula - the shrine of Our Lady of Čara Field dates back to the 14th century, and on 25 July each year local people go to pilgrimage.
