Korčula (Croatian:[kɔ̂ːrtʃula]ⓘ, Italian: Curzola) is a Croatianisland in the Adriatic Sea. It has an area of 279 km2 (108 sq mi), is 46.8 km (29.1 mi) long and on average 7.8 km (4.8 mi) wide,[2] and lies just off the Dalmatian coast. Its 15,522 inhabitants (2011) make it the second most populous Adriatic island after Krk.[3] The population are almost entirely ethnic Croats (95.74%).[4] The island is twinned with Rothesay in Scotland. It is known for Grk, a white wine that is only produced here and not exported due to limited production.[5]
Geography
The island of Korčula belongs to the central Dalmatian archipelago, separated from the Pelješac peninsula by a narrow Strait of Pelješac, between 900 and 3,000 metres (3,000 and 9,800 feet) wide. It stretches in the east–west direction, in length of 47 kilometres (29 miles); on average, it is 8 km (5.0 miles) wide. With an area of 279 square kilometres (108 sq mi), it is the sixth largest Adriatic island. The highest peaks are Klupca, 568 metres (1,864 ft) and Kom, 510 metres (1,670 ft) high.
Main settlements on the island are towns of Korčula, Blato and Vela Luka. Villages along the coast are Brna, Račišće, Lumbarda and Prižba; Žrnovo, Pupnat, Smokvica and Čara are located inland. The island is divided into municipalities of Korčula, Smokvica, Blato and Lumbarda. The climate is Mediterranean; an average air temperature in January is 9.8 °C (49.6 °F) and in July 26.9 °C (80.4 °F); the average annual rainfall is 1,100 mm (43.3 in). The island is largely covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests.
The main road runs along the spine of the island connecting all settlements from Lumbarda on the eastern to Vela Luka on the western end, with the exception of Račišće, which is served by a separate road running along the northern coast.[citation needed] Ferries connect the town of Korčula with Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula. Another line connects Vela Luka with Split and the island of Lastovo. Fast passenger catamarans connect those two ports with Split, Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Lastovo and Mljet.
According to legend, the island was founded by Trojan hero Aeneas or his friend Antenor.[6]
The island was first settled by Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples. There is archaeological evidence at the sites of Vela Spila[7] and at Jakas Cave near the village of Žrnovo. The findings at Vela Spila are on display at the Center for Culture in Vela Luka. The fate of these peoples is not known but the sites do provide a window into their way of life.[citation needed]
The second wave of human settlement was by Illyrians.[8] It is believed that the Illyrians arrived to the Balkans approximately 1,000 BC.[9] They were semi-nomadic tribal people living from agriculture. There are numerous old stone buildings and fortresses (gradine) left behind by the Illyrians.[10]
Melaina Korkyra (Greek: Μέλαινα Κόρκυρα, lit. 'Black Korkyra') was the ancient CnidianGreek colony founded on Korčula.[11] Greek colonists from Corfu formed a colony on the island in the 6th century B.C.[citation needed] The Greeks named it "Black Korkyra" after their homeland and the dense pine-woods on the island. Greek artifacts, including carved marble tombstones can be found at the local Korčula town museum.
A stone inscription found in Lumbarda (Lumbarda Psephisma) and which is the oldest written stone monument in Croatia,[12] records that Greek settlers from Issa (Vis) founded another colony on the island in the 3rd century BC. The two communities lived peacefully until the Illyrian Wars (220 BC to 219 BC)[13] with the Romans.
The island became part of the Roman province of Illyricum[14] after the Illyrian Wars. Roman migration followed and Roman citizens arrived on the island. Roman villas appeared through the territory of Korčula and there is evidence of an organised agricultural exploitation of the land. There are archaeological remains of Roman Junianum[15] on the island and old church foundations.[16]
In 10 AD, Illyricum was split into two provinces, Pannonia and Dalmatia.[17] Korčula became part of the ancient Roman province of Dalmatia.
Middle Ages
In the 6th century it came under Byzantine rule. The Great Migrations of the 6th and 7th centuries brought Slavic[18] invasions into this region. Along the Dalmatian coast the Slavic peoples including the Croats poured out of the interior and seized control of the area of the Neretva Delta, as well as the island of Korčula, which protects the river mouth. The Christianisation of the Croats began in the 9th century, but the early Croatian rural inhabitants of the island may well have fully accepted Christianity only later; in the early Middle Ages the Croatian population of the island was grouped with the paganNarentines or Neretvians, who quickly learned maritime skills in this new environment and became engaged in piracy against Venetian trade ships.[citation needed]
Initially, Venetian merchants were willing to pay an annual tribute to keep their shipping safe from the infamous Neretvian pirates of the Dalmatian coast. After the 9th century, the island was briefly under nominal Byzantine suzerainty. In 998 the Principality of Pagania came under Venetian control. DogePietro II Orseolo launched a naval expedition along the coast and assumed the title Duke of Dalmatia.[19] Afterwards Korčula came under the control of the Great Principality of Zachlumia.
In the 12th century Korčula was conquered by a Venetian nobleman, Pepone Zorzi, and incorporated briefly into the Republic of Venice. Around this time, the local Korčula rulers began to exercise diplomacy and legislate a town charter to secure the independence of the island, particularly with regard to internal affairs, given its powerful neighbors.[citation needed]
The brothers of Stephen Nemanja, Miroslav and Stracimir, launched an attack on the island on 10 August 1184, raiding its fertile western part. The island's inhabitants called for help from the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), which in turn captured all of Stracimir's galleys.[20]
The Statute of Korčula was first drafted in 1214.[21][22] It guaranteed the relative autonomy of the island against her outside rulers including the semi-independent Grand Principality of Zachlumia, the Grand Principality of Serbia, the Kingdom of Hungary-Croatia and the Republics of Ragusa and Venice. Captains were created for each of the island's five settlements for organized defence. Korčula had fewer than 2,500 inhabitants at that time.[citation needed]
In 1221, Pope Honorius III gave the island to the Princes of Krka (the Šubić family). During the 13th century the hereditary Counts of Korčula were loosely governed in turn by the Hungarian crown and by the Republic of Genoa but also enjoyed a brief period of independence. In 1255, however, Marsilio Zorzi conquered the island's capital and razed or damaged some of its churches in the process, forcing the Counts to return to Venetian suzerainty.[23]
What is more definite is that in 1298 the Republic of Genoa defeated Venice in the documented Battle of Curzola[24][25] off the coast of Korčula and a galley commander, Marco Polo, was taken prisoner by the victors to eventually spend his time in a Genoese prison writing of his travels. However, some Italian scholars believe that he may have been captured in a minor clash near Ayas.[citation needed]
Curzola, as the Venetians called the island, surrendered to the Kingdom of Hungary in 1358 according to the Treaty of Zadar, but it surrendered to the Bosnian King Stephen Tvrtko I in the summer of 1390. However the Kingdom of Hungary restored rule of the island, and in December 1396 Croatian-Hungarian KingSigismund gave it to Đurađ II Stracimirović of the Balšić dynasty of Zeta, who kept it up to his death in 1403, when it was returned under the Hungarian crown. In 1409 it again became a part of the Republic of Venice, purchased by the neighbouring Republic of Venice in 1413–1417, it still declared itself subjected to Venice in 1420. In 1571 it defended itself so gallantly against the Ottoman attackers at the Battle of Lepanto that it obtained the designation Fidelissima from Pope Pius V.[26]
Venetian and Austrian rule
Korčula had for years supplied the timber for the wooden walls of Venice, and had been a favourite station of her fleets. From 1776 to 1797 Korčula succeeded Hvar as the main Venetian fortified arsenal in this region. According to the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797 in which the Republic of Venice was divided between the French Republic and the Habsburg monarchy, Korčula passed on to the Habsburg monarchy.[citation needed]
The French Empire invaded the island in 1806, joining it to the Illyrian Provinces. The Montenegrin Forces of vladikaPetar I Petrović-Njegoš conquered the island with Russian naval assistance[27] in 1807 during his attempt to construct another Serbian Empire. The defeat of Austria however at the Battle of Wagram in 1809 had put most of the Adriatic under French control. On 4 February 1813 however, British troops and naval forces under Thomas Fremantle captured the island from the French. This short period of British rule left an important mark on the island; the new stone West quay was built, as well as a semi-circular paved terrace with stone benches on the newly built road towards Lumbarda, and a circular Martello tower, "forteca" on the St. Blaise's Hill above the town.[28][29] According to the terms of the Congress of Vienna, the British left the island to the Austrian Empire in the 19th of July of 1815. Korčula accordingly became a part of the Austrian crown land of Dalmatia.[30] From 1867, Korčula was in the Cisleithanian part of Austria-Hungary.
The 17th century saw the rise of Petar Kanavelić who wrote love songs, occasional epic poems and dramas. He also translated from Italian the major poetic works of that time. He is regarded as one of the greatest Croatian writers of the 17th century.[33] In 1673 he became the representative of the Korčula community in Venice. There is a primary school named after him in the town of Korčula.
Moreška is a traditional sword dance[34][35] from the town of Korčula. It is one of the many proud traditional sword dances that are performed on the island. It arrived in Korčula around the 16th century. Korčula has a rich musical history of klape groups. Klapa is a form of a cappella style of singing. The tradition goes back centuries, but the style as we know it today, originated in the 19th century.
Korčula has a tradition of stonemasonry,[36][37] which reached its peak during the rule of the Republic of Venice (1420–1797).[38] The island also has a very strong art tradition.[39]
Festivals
Korkyra Baroque Festival
The Korkyra Baroque Festival is an annual international event, launched in 2012. The festival showcases a selection of the world's leading ensembles and soloists specialized in Baroque music. Over ten days a series of concerts and supporting events focus on Baroque music, promoting the richness of Korčula's cultural monuments and the whole town as a unique architectural treasure.[40]
Transport
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(May 2016)
Korčula is linked to the mainland by a regular ferry service that runs between Dominče, just outside the town of Korčula and Orebić.[41] There are numerous other local ferry services including one linking Vela Luka and Lastovo.[42] The main Croatian ferry operator Jadrolinija runs a service linking Korčula Town with Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Mljet, Dubrovnik and (from May to September) Bari.[42] An operator Linijska Nacionalna Plovidba runs a seasonal service linking Korčula with Drvenik.
There are also bus services that link the island to major cities on the mainland, which reach Korčula using the Orebić ferry service.[43]
Korčula town also has mooring facilities. The western harbour gives shelter from wind though not against the bora and north-westerlies. Boat owners are advised to shift to the eastern harbour or to Luka Cove. The port is open to international seaborne traffic as a permanent port of entry; it offers all types of repairs to hulls and engines at the Brodograditelj Shipyard.
Notable residents
Arneri family, landowners from the 15th century, who built the Palace Arneri in the town of Korčula
^An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Poleis: An Investigation Conducted by The Copenhagen Polis Centre for the Danish National Research Foundation by Mogens Herman Hansen, 2005, Index
^David S. Kelly, "Genoa and Venice: An Early Commercial Rivalry" in William R. Thompson, ed., Great Power Rivalries, Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina, 1999, ISBN978-1-57003-279-0, pp. 125–71, p. 142Archived 20 February 2024 at the Wayback Machine.
^"Moreska". korcula.net. Archived from the original on 2 December 1998. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
^Dimension StoneArchived 20 February 2024 at the Wayback Machine, New Perspectives for a Traditional Building Material by Richard Prikryl. Chapter: Historical Review of Exploitation & Utilisation of Stone in Croatia/page 32.
Barčot, Tonko (December 2011). "Vlast Nezavisne Države Hrvatske na otoku Korčuli" [The administration of the Independent State of Croatia on the island of Korčula]. Radovi Zavoda za povijesne znanosti HAZU u Zadru (in Croatian) (53). Institute for Historical Sciences of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zadar: 313–358. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
Cresswell, Peterjon; Atkins, Ismay; Dunn, Lily (2006). Time Out Croatia (First ed.). London, Berkeley & Toronto: Time Out Group Ltd & Ebury Publishing, Random House Ltd. 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SV1V 2SA. ISBN978-1-904978-70-1.
American rhythm and blues group For the earlier vocal group of Barbara fame, see The Temptations (New York vocal group). The TemptationsThe Classic 5 lineup of the Temptations in 1967. Clockwise from top: David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams.Background informationAlso known asThe Elgins, The PiratesOriginDetroit, Michigan, U.S.GenresR&Bsoulfunkprogressive soul[1]psychedelic soulYears active1960–presentLabels Motown Gordy Miracle Warwick U…
This article is about the Tony Banks album. For other albums with similar titles, see The Fugitive (disambiguation). 1983 studio album by Tony BanksThe FugitiveStudio album by Tony BanksReleasedLate June 1983Recorded1982–1983StudioThe Farm (Chiddingfold, Surrey)Genre Progressive pop synth-pop new wave progressive rock Reggae Length52:35Label Charisma Atlantic Producer Tony Banks Stephen Short Tony Banks chronology The Wicked Lady(1983) The Fugitive(1983) Soundtracks(1986) Singles from …
This article is about the metropolitan area. For the geographic area, see Mahoning Valley (geographic). Metropolitan Statistical Area in Ohio, United StatesMahoning Valley Youngstown–Warren, OH Metropolitan Statistical AreaMetropolitan Statistical AreaDowntown Youngstown as viewed from Wean ParkMap of Youngstown–Warren–Salem, OH CSA Youngstown–Warren MSA Salem µSA City of Youngstown City of Warren CountryUnited StatesStateOhioLargest…
Clément SheptytskyFonctionsMembre de la Chambre des députés1900-1907Membre de la diète de Galicie et Lodomérie (d)BiographieNaissance 17 novembre 1869Prylbychi (en)Décès 1er mai 1951 (à 81 ans)VladimirNom dans la langue maternelle Klemens Szeptycki ou Климентій (Шептицький)Noms de naissance Мария Казимир Шептицкий, Kazimierz Maria SzeptyckiNationalités République populaire d'Ukraine occidentaleautrichienneFormation Université Jagellonn…
Questa voce o sezione sugli argomenti golfi e Friuli-Venezia Giulia non cita le fonti necessarie o quelle presenti sono insufficienti. Puoi migliorare questa voce aggiungendo citazioni da fonti attendibili secondo le linee guida sull'uso delle fonti. Golfo di TriesteIl golfo di Trieste visto dal satellite (NASA)Stati Italia Slovenia Croazia Coordinate45°38′N 13°36′E / 45.633333°N 13.6°E45.633333; 13.6Coordinate: 45°38′N 13°36′E / …
Cécile de France presentatrice della cerimonia La cerimonia di premiazione della 39ª edizione dei Premi César si è svolta il 28 febbraio 2014 al Théâtre du Châtelet di Parigi. È stata presieduta da François Cluzet e presentata da Cécile de France. È stata trasmessa da Canal+.[1] È stata dedicata a Henri Langlois, fondatore della Cinémathèque française, nel centenario della sua nascita. Le candidature sono state rese note il 31 gennaio 2014. Ad ottenerne il maggior numero (…
Social system with female rule Matriarch redirects here. For other uses, see Matriarch (disambiguation). Nampeyo, of the Hopi-Tewa People, in 1901; with her mother, White Corn; her eldest daughter, Annie Healing holding her granddaughter, Rachel Matriarchy is a social system in which positions of dominance and authority are primarily held by women. In a broader sense it can also extend to moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. While those definitions apply in general English…
Unitary authority council in Aberdeen, Scotland Aberdeen City CouncilCoat of armsCouncil logoTypeTypeUnitary authority HistoryFounded1996Preceded byCity of Aberdeen District Council (1975-1996)The County of the City of Aberdeen (1900–1975)LeadershipLord ProvostDavid Cameron, SNP since 18 May 2022[1] Co-leaderChristian Allard, SNP since 23 May 2023[2] Co-leaderIan Yuill, Liberal Democrat since 18 May 2022 Chief ExecutiveAngela Scott since July 2014[3] St…
Follow-me car on runway of Chihhang Air Force Base ROCAF C-130H 1309 taking off from Chihhang Air Force Base Runway Radar Station at Taitung Air Force Base Chihhang Air Force Base main building Chihhang Air Base, also known as Taitung Air Force Base, is a military airport operated by the Republic of China Air Force in Taitung County, Taiwan.[1] It is best known for its extensive underground hangars. History In 2018 the Air Force issued a solicitation for an automated CIWS system to add a…
Judith Malina jouant Maudie dans Maudie and Jane (2008). Le Living Theatre est une troupe de théâtre expérimental libertaire[1] créée en 1947 à New York par Judith Malina (1926-2015), metteuse en scène d'avant-garde, et Julian Beck (1925-1985), scénographe et dramaturge[2]. À travers des œuvres libertaires engagées fortement influencées par Antonin Artaud et par le théâtre épique, le Living a permis un renouvellement des formes théâtrales et a eu une influence importante sur le …
Catholic archbishop (1926–2022) This article is about the Italian cardinal born in 1926. For the Italian politician born in 1967, see Luigi de Magistris (politician). His EminenceLuigi De MagistrisCardinal, Pro-Major Penitentiary EmeritusCardinal De Magistris in 2015Appointed22 November 2001Term ended4 October 2003PredecessorWilliam Wakefield BaumSuccessorJames Francis StaffordOther post(s)Cardinal-Deacon of Santissimo Nome di Gesu e Maria in Via LataOrdersOrdination12 April 1952Consecration28…
Djadikan Aku DombaMuAlbum studio karya Koes BersaudaraDirilis1 Oktober 1967Direkam1 Februari 1967 – 1 September 1967GenreBaladacountryrock and rollgarage rockpsychedelicrockabillypoprockDurasi21:24LabelMesraKronologi Koes Bersaudara To the So Called the Guilties(1967)To the So Called the Guilties1967 Djadikan Aku DombaMu(1967) Kembali(1977)Kembali1977 Djadikan Aku DombaMu adalah album ketiga dari grup musik Koes Bersaudara yang dirilis pada bulan Oktober 1967 di bawah label Mesra. Lagu and…
تأثير الدمعة السوداء خلال عبور الزهرة في سنة 2004. تأثير الدمعة السوداء هي ظاهرة بصرية تظهر أحياناً خلال أحداث العبور الفلكي، خصوصاً خلال عبور الزهرة، وبشكل أقلّ خلال عبور عطارد. يحدث تأثير الدمعة السوداء إما قبل التلامس الثاني بقليل أو بعد التلامس الثالث بقليل، إذ يظهر شيء ش…
The Thames at Shillingford, 1823, an oil painting by John Thomas Serres. The small fishing boat in the foreground is a Peter boat. A Peter Boat or Peterboat was a type of fishing boat, found principally on the Thames Estuary and the adjacent coasts of eastern England. In legend, the peter boat's origins lie with the boats used to ferry passengers to and from St. Peter's Abbey, the Saxon predecessor to Westminster Abbey in London. By the middle of the second millennium, a peter boat was a double …
Football league seasonLiga Premier de AscensoSeason2012–13Dates11 August 2012 – 1 June 2013ChampionsApertura:MurciélagosClausuraBallenas Galeana MorelosPromotedBallenas Galeana MorelosRelegatedFC ExcélsiorPromesas AltamiraTop goalscorerApertura:Martín Barragán (15 goals)ClausuraJesús Rodríguez (13 goals)← 2011–12 2013–14 → Stats are from the regular season only The 2012–13 Liga Premier de Ascenso season was split in two tournaments Apertura and Clausura. Liga Premier was the …
لمعانٍ أخرى، طالع المواجهة (توضيح). المواجهة الصنف درما - جريمة الموضوع يرحل محمود عن بلدته بعد انتهاء مشكلة ثأر كان مطلوبًا فيها، إلا أنه يواجه، مع أسرته في بلدة أخرى، ظلم وطغيان شيخها تاريخ الصدور 9 مارس 1987 مدة العرض 104 دقيقة البلد مصر اللغة الأصلية العربية (العامية ال…