Mljet Nat’l Park/Korcula
Camelot was brought to mind with the medieval ramparts of the island of Korcula bathed in early morning light, as we took aboard the pilot who guided our ship towards Mljet – one of Croatia’s nicest national parks.
The island of Mljet was in ancient times a holiday resort for wealthy Romans, but today is known for its refreshing lakes Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) which are linked by a small channel and inviting beaches as well as the opportunity to bike through one of the best remaining pine-oak forests in all the Mediterranean. A boat ride took us out to the little island of Sveti Marija in the big lake where we explored a recently restored 13th century Benedictine monastery.
During the afternoon our ship repositioned to the west side of Korcula, with its Venetian architecture from the 14th to 18th century linked to the empire. Marco Polo’s alleged birth house was pointed out by local guides during a guided walk of this small town. Its herringbone street pattern provides its inhabitants protection from wind, sun and rain. Korcula’s famous stone masons and the excellent limestone from neighboring Brac is used all over the world, including the White House and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Works of Da Vinci and Michaelangelo are only a few of the treasures in the Bishop’s Palace, and the Church of All Saints houses an impressive collection of Byzantine icons.
Towards the conclusion of our day, some of the townspeople put on a spectacular display of traditional Moreska sword dancing, which has been handed down from father to son for 500 years on Korcula. Dinner in town or an evening stroll brought some of us just a little bit closer to Camelot!
Camelot was brought to mind with the medieval ramparts of the island of Korcula bathed in early morning light, as we took aboard the pilot who guided our ship towards Mljet – one of Croatia’s nicest national parks.
The island of Mljet was in ancient times a holiday resort for wealthy Romans, but today is known for its refreshing lakes Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) which are linked by a small channel and inviting beaches as well as the opportunity to bike through one of the best remaining pine-oak forests in all the Mediterranean. A boat ride took us out to the little island of Sveti Marija in the big lake where we explored a recently restored 13th century Benedictine monastery.
During the afternoon our ship repositioned to the west side of Korcula, with its Venetian architecture from the 14th to 18th century linked to the empire. Marco Polo’s alleged birth house was pointed out by local guides during a guided walk of this small town. Its herringbone street pattern provides its inhabitants protection from wind, sun and rain. Korcula’s famous stone masons and the excellent limestone from neighboring Brac is used all over the world, including the White House and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Works of Da Vinci and Michaelangelo are only a few of the treasures in the Bishop’s Palace, and the Church of All Saints houses an impressive collection of Byzantine icons.
Towards the conclusion of our day, some of the townspeople put on a spectacular display of traditional Moreska sword dancing, which has been handed down from father to son for 500 years on Korcula. Dinner in town or an evening stroll brought some of us just a little bit closer to Camelot!
