The people of Korčula love sharing stories about their rich and diverse history. Starting from prehistoric and ancient life to the modern days we live in, Korčula has a lot of stories to tell. Perhaps the most beautiful way to learn about its fascinating history is through conversing with friendly locals, visiting museums, reading in our library, or simply taking a stroll through the streets of the old town of Korčula. Of course, there is much more to tell than we decided to summarize on this page, but that just means there’s much more for you to explore on your own!
HISTORY OF KORČULA – A SHORT OVERVIEW
Legend has it that the enchanting island of Korčula was founded by the Trojan hero Aeneas. The island’s history unfolds through diverse epochs, beginning with its first inhabitants during the Neolithic periods. Archaeological sites like Vela Spila and Jakas Cave near Žrnovo reveal remnants of these early societies.
The Illyrians marked the second wave of settlement around 1,000 BC, leaving behind stone structures and fortresses that bear witness to their semi-nomadic, agricultural existence.
The island’s Greek connection is showcased in the ancient Greek colony, Melaina Korkyra, established in the 6th century B.C. by colonists from Corfu. The Greeks, inspired by the lush pine-woods, named it “Black Korkyra” after their homeland. Evidence from the 3rd century B.C., found in Lumbarda, highlights the establishment of another Greek colony.
Korčula was also a part of the Roman province of Illyricum. Roman citizens settled on the island, leaving behind villas and evidence of organized agricultural practices.
In the 6th century, Korčula fell under Byzantine rule, marking the beginning of a dynamic period in its history. Soon after the Croatian tribes started settling on the island. The Christianization of the Croats commenced in this period as well.
Venetian merchants initially paid an annual tribute to safeguard their ships, and in 10th century, Korčula came under Venetian control.
The Battle of Korčula in 1298 off the coast of Korčula saw the Republic of Genoa defeat Venice, capturing the famous Marco Polo.
However, with the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797, which marked the division of the Republic of Venice between the French Republic and the Habsburg monarchy, Korčula transitioned under Habsburg rule.
The French Empire invaded the island in 1806. However, British forces, captured the island from the French in 1813.
The British relinquished control of the island to the Austrian Empire in 1815. Korčula then became part of the Austrian crown land of Dalmatia.
After World War I, Korčula became part of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs in 1918, which later merged into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
From 1918 to 1921, Italy occupied Korčula.
With the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941, Italy annexed Korčula. In 1945, Korčula became part of the People’s Republic of Croatia within the newly formed Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia.
Following the Croatian War of Independence that took place from 1991 and 1995, the island became an integral part of the now independent Republic of Croatia which finally marked the time of Croatian autonomy after years of foreign occupation.