Korcula - birthplace of Marco Polo
02 July 2010
We visited Korcula very briefly last year as we made our way back to Malta for winter. It was great not to have a time constraint on this visit to enjoy this beautiful town of Venetian origin. We spent our time there at anchor, in front of a 14th century Franciscan monastery on the island of Badija and dinghed the mile into the town whenever we needed anything.
Marco Polo, the great explorer and traveller, is regarded as the most famous son of Korcula and his birthplace still stands. He travelled to China towards the end of the 13th century with his father and uncle and became a friend of the emperor Kublai Khan. He stayed in China for 17 years and, together with his relatives, they were very influential in bringing back to Europe many treasures from the East. The historic town with its narrow streets, old buildings, walls and towers is a great place to visit and seems to be the centre for artisan jewellery-making in the region.
Our time at anchor off the island of Badija was just lovely, even though the weather still didn't seem to be settled. With such a fabulous monastery as a view, I decided to take out the watercolour paints that haven't been touched in many, many years and give it a go again. My time spent with artist friend Wayne in Malta had obviously inspired me. The monastery is in the process of being renovated and it is not possible to visit it at present. However, when we went ashore to explore one evening, the caretaker had left a door open that we peeked around to see the gorgeous cloisters with two wells in the centre. From the outside, you would never know it was there. Wild deer were wandering about as we strolled along the wooded pathways. It really was picture postcard. During the day, the island is popular as a water sports centre with wind surfing and sailing being taught along with the tripper taxis dropping people off for the day before returning to pick them up in the evening.
CRUISERS NOTES
Camping Gas bottles can be re-filled at the ACI Marina even if you are not staying there.
No charge anchorage. Good holding. Can get busy during the day some days but by 5pm everyone has gone home.