History and tradition of the islands

On the distant horizon, you will see the island of Korcula (Korčula), birth place of the world sailor Marco Polo, and one of the best preserved medieval cities of the Mediterranean, which has risen on the foundations of a Greek colony. The streets of old citiy were built by scheme of fish bones decorated with Gothic - Renaissance stone buildings. Many valuable buildings were found there, among the best known are St. Mark's Cathedral, the Franciscan monastery on the island of Badia, and the most interesting - the birth house of Marco Polo. The town of Vela Luka is the most important prehistoric site of southern Dalmatia with geomorphologic natural heritage Vela Spilja (Great cave) above the town, with numerous archaeological proves of elementary existence.

Going north From the Roman fortified Ston and neighboring Mali Ston, there is a green, fertile and mountainous peninsula Peljesac (Pelješac). Through the history Peljesac (Pelješac) was a part of the Dubrovnik Republic with sparsed fishing towns along its coast. Mali Ston is famous for its oyster and mussels farm. It is connected with Ston by 5.5 kilometers long walls and the remains of the former fortresses. The most important northern town Orebic (Orebić) used to be the center of maritime affairs and navigators, full of white stone palaces and captain's summer houses, divine gardens that preserved exotic plants brought here from all over the world centuries ago... The fortified town on the coast has kept a strong tradition of seafaring, fishing, as well as tourism.

From Konavle to Peljesac (Pelješac), from Neretva to Lastovo, extends a range of Renaissance gardens and exotic flowering gardens, medieval palaces, villas, and the mystic monasteries. The warm Mediterranean climate had influence on growth of mediterranean and subtropical vegetation of the entire area -lemons, oranges, tangerines, palms, agaves, hydrangea, rhododendron...

According to the legend, nymph Calypso has imprisoned Ulysses on a divine island. Going back on the sea routes, towards Dubrovnik, we were passing by the National Park of Mljet. We were delighted with lush green vegetation, the smell of pine trees, and the purity that filled our souls with peace. The island of honey, bees and Mangoes, the habitat of unique Mediterranean plants and animals, has always been a sanctuary for many people hiding from the attacks, invasions and illnesses. In the middle of the islet where the monastery from the 12th century resides, amid bright green forest lies the lake – a scene from a fairy tale.

The island of Lastovo, Nature Park casted in the open sea, lined with 46 small islands, islets and reefs, originates from the times of Illyrians, but also the times of Greeks who later settled the island and the surrounding area. The Romans called it Imperial Island because of the fertile fields, scattered forests, beautiful islets and bays, abundant herbs and wild flowers. Its seabed is a paradise for divers thanks to its bright corals, sea sponges, motley fish and hidden caves. The abundance of fish, crustaceans and mollusks makes it ideal for fishermen as well. The island nurtures folk costumes and customs, architectural buildings and two lighthouses on the most distant islands of the archipelago.

Sailing back towards the coast, our eyes are attracted to the Elafiti islands. Among other animals, the islands were once inhabited by deer, after which they were named (from the Greek word elaphos = deer). Each island is a botanical garden for itself, surrounded by sandy beaches, exotic plants, villas, private residences and castles from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.

    

Copyright: Medadria.com