259 THE CROATIAN CONVENTION CATALOGUE DALMATIA DUBROVNIK REGION THE ISLAND OF KORČULA
The island of Korčula However true it may be that one place will always differ from another, and an island will always be different from another island, there can be no doubt that the island of Korčula has a very special role. The island abounds with legends, stories and monuments. For instance, did you know that Marco Polo was born on Korčula? Or that the city of Korčula was founded, as was the Italian city of Padua, in the 12 century BC by Antenor,
one of the elders of Troy? History recorded in the works of Greek and Roman writers indicates that Black Korčula – Korkyra Melania – was founded by Greek colonists in the 4th century BC. The island was named after its dense, dark green - almost black - forests of pine. Apart from Lokrum and Mljet, Korčula is the most densely forested Croatian island. The inhabitants of Korčula were a skilled people and much
sought-after stone masons, ship builders and mariners. They proved their sculpting and building skills throughout Dalmatia, but created their best works on their own island, in their own city. That is one of the reasons why this lovely island and its tourist resorts – the largest among them being the city of Korčula, and Vela Luka, Blato and Lumbarda – are attractive whatever the season.