Korčula marks the 770th anniversary of Marco Polo's birth

Korčula marks 770 years since the birth and 700 years since the death of the world traveler and merchant Marco Polo, who left an indelible mark in the history of mankind.

Marco Polo started his first journey with his father and uncle as a seventeen-year-old, visited the countries of the Far East and stayed in the service of the great Kublai Khan, the Mongolian emperor, for 17 years. He served the Roman Pope, participated as a galley commander in the defense of the Venetian Korcula in the battle between the fleet of the Venetian Republic and Genoa, on September 7, 1298. After the victory, the Genoese captured him and he was taken to Genoa and thrown into a dungeon, where he recounted the experiences of his travels Rustichelli, who recorded them in French in the book "Livre des merveilles du monde" (The Book of Wanders of Marco Polo). Marco Polo's travel book is one of the most read of all time.

The Marko Polo Interpretation Center (MPIC) was opened in the town of Korčula last year. MPIC is conceived as a unique place where the visitor will learn about the life of Marco Polo, and the historical context and way of thinking that led to the journey, as well as the journey itself - difficulties, obstacles, new knowledge, ways of life in other parts of the world.

Due to to the 700th anniversary of his death and 770th birth in Korčula, free costumed tours in English "Korčula in the time of Marco Polo" were organized, which are very interesting for local and foreign tourists.

The Festival of Light, -Lumiart Korčula - Korčula Light Festival, is also dedicated to Marko Pol. Experience the city of Korčula in a new atmosphere of creative illuminations on the theme of Marco Polo's travels. The city of Korčula joins the cities that organize festivals of light, during which artistic light installations will enliven the center of the city of Korčula in cooperation with Lumiart Dubrovnik - Festival of Lights.

There is also the Marko Polo Gala concert, a music program of established Croatian singers and musicians with an enchanting view of the medieval walls of the town of Korčula, from the terrace of the Marko Polo by Aminess hotel.

You can see the photo exhibition From Mark to Pole - On the Silk Road by Mir Branković in Knežev prolaz Street and in the Church of Our Lady. The exhibition will be open until October 8, 2024.

Korčula bases its offer on cultural and natural heritage.