Our journey into Korčula's history begins with the impressive Korcula Town Gate, which is the main entrance to the old town. This majestic gate, part of the medieval fortifications, takes us back in time to an era when Korcula was an important strategic point on the Adriatic Sea map. Passing through the gate, you can feel the spirit of past centuries and imagine what life was like for the island's inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

The city gate received an impressive rating of 4.8 from visitors, attesting to its extraordinary charm and historical significance. Tourists emphasize the picturesqueness of the Old Town, which can be leisurely explored in an hour. The narrow, attractive streets, stone staircases and old walls create a unique atmosphere that delights both adults and children.

Just a few steps from the city gate rises the majestic Saint Mark's Cathedral, which is the spiritual and architectural heart of the old town of Korčula. This impressive temple, built in the Gothic-Renaissance style, towers over the town and can be seen from afar, serving as a landmark for boaters and tourists.

St. Mark's Cathedral, with a rating of 4.7, impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its rich interior. It is well worth climbing the cathedral tower, which offers breathtaking views of the entire island and the surrounding sea. It costs about HRK 25 (as of 2023) to climb the tower, but it's an investment that will definitely pay off. Children can also climb the tower, although the stairs are quite narrow and require caution.

Both Korcula Town Gate and St. Mark's Cathedral provide an excellent introduction to the island's history. They are places where you can not only admire the architecture, but also feel the atmosphere of past centuries. For families with children, this is a great opportunity to learn history in an interactive and engaging way. It is advisable to plan a visit to these places in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds and heat, especially during the summer season.

Continuing our journey into Korčula's history, we stop at the Korčula City Museum (Muzeum grada Korčule). This is a place that presents the rich past of the island and its inhabitants in a fascinating way. Housed in the historic 15th century Gabrielis Palace, the museum offers an extraordinary journey through the centuries, presenting artifacts and exhibits related to Korčulan culture, art and daily life.

The Korčula City Museum, with a rating of 4.5, is highly regarded by visitors for its extensive collection and interesting presentation of history. Admission to the museum costs about 40 kuna (as of 2022), making it affordable for families. It is worth noting that despite its small size, the museum offers interesting exhibits and is well organized. Visitors praise the peace and quiet of the museum, making it comfortable to explore and delve into the island's history.

The next point on our historical journey is the Bishop's Treasury, which is a real gem for lovers of sacred art and church history. With an impressive rating of 4.7, the Treasury impresses visitors with the richness of its collections and their exceptional historical value.

The Bishop's Treasury features an impressive collection of medieval manuscripts, paintings by Venetian masters and precious reliquaries. It's a place that, despite its small size, offers an extremely intense historical experience. Visitors stress that it only takes 20-30 minutes to explore, but every minute spent in the treasury is filled with fascinating discoveries.

When comparing the two sites, it's worth noting that while both offer valuable insights into Korčula's history, each focuses on a slightly different aspect. The City Museum presents a broader historical and cultural context, while the Bishop's Treasury focuses on religious and artistic heritage. For families with children, the City Museum may be more approachable, offering more diverse exhibits and potentially interactive elements. The Bishop's Treasury, on the other hand, may be fascinating for older children and adults interested in sacred art and medieval history.

It's worth planning a visit to both of these places to get a full picture of Korčula's history and culture. It is recommended to start with the City Museum, which will give a broader historical context, and then move on to the Bishop's Treasury to explore the religious and artistic aspects of the island's heritage. Keep in mind that both places offer air-conditioned interiors, which can be especially appreciated on hot summer days.

To conclude our historical tour of Korčula, we must not overlook the impressive City Fortifications, which have protected this charming town for centuries. The City Fortifications, with a rating of 4.7, are not only a testament to the island's turbulent past, but also offer incredible views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.

Korčula's fortifications, dating mainly from the 14th century, are a perfectly preserved example of medieval defense architecture. Walking along the walls, you can feel like you are truly traveling back in time. The defensive walls surround the old town, forming a ring that protected the inhabitants from attacks from both land and sea.

Visiting the fortifications is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to enjoy the panorama of the city and the sea. The narrow streets of the old city that lead to the walls create a labyrinth full of charm and mystery. For children, this can be a fascinating adventure, during which they can imagine what life was like for medieval knights and residents of Korčula.

When comparing the fortifications with other historical sites on the island, it's worth noting that they offer the most extensive views and opportunities for active sightseeing. Unlike museums, where exhibits are locked in display cases, here history is literally at your fingertips. You can touch the stone walls, walk through the gates and climb the observation towers.

It's a good idea to plan your visit to the fortifications early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. This is the perfect place for a family picnic overlooking the sea or for a romantic sunset for couples. Keep in mind that some parts of the walls can be steep or uneven, so use caution, especially with young children.

To sum up our journey through Korcula's history, it is worth noting that each of the places we visited offers a unique experience. Korcula Town Gate introduces us to the atmosphere of a medieval town, St. Mark's Cathedral impresses us with its architecture and views, the City Museum and the Bishop's Treasury showcase cultural and artistic wealth, and the city fortifications allow us to actively experience history.

Korčula is a place where the past blends harmoniously with the present. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town, admiring the monuments and enjoying the local delicacies, you can feel the spirit of history that still lives on this beautiful island. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for a picturesque vacation spot, Korčula is sure to enchant you and leave you with an unforgettable experience.