Today we took a ferry to Korcula Island.  With an area of 279 square kilometres, it is the sixth largest Adriatic island.  The main settlements on the island are the towns of Korcula, Vela Luka and Blato.  

Approaching the town by ferry.  Korcula Town is the main town on the island, with a population of about 3,000.  

20150526_Ecuador_0006 The economy besides tourism, is based on agriculture of grape vines, olives and fruit.  There is also fishing and fish processing.  Shipbuilding still exists although its importance to the total economy has diminished.  

A dog waiting patiently for its family to come out of the museum.

20150526_Ecuador_0025 The Kanalevic Tower is also named Bokar or Barbarigo as it was built between 1485 and 1488 under the rule of Augustino Barbarigo, who was the Doge of Venice.  The tower is now called Kula Kanalevic, named after the 16th century poet, Korcula who lived in the house next to the tower.  

20150526_Ecuador_0011 An old Catholic Church.

Looking up at some old buildings.

I always like photographing old, interesting doors.

20150526_Ecuador_0016 Canons protecting the city.

20150526_Ecuador_0017 The old city is surrounded by walls and the streets are arranged in a herringbone pattern, allowing the free circulation of air but protecting against strong winds.  Building outside the walls was forbidden until the 18th century.

Another old door in the town.

20150526_Ecuador_0022 Many of the narrow streets had steps.

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20150526_Ecuador_0028 The kids came to claim their scooters and were happy to pose for me.

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20150526_Ecuador_0032 Miles, down by the water.  Once again, I noticed how clean the water was.

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Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) was a medieval Venetian merchant but better known for being one of the first Europeans to travel the famous Silk Road trade route, stretching from the Middle East to China.  It is said that Marco Polo was born in Korcula but there is little evidence to support this.  This hasn't stopped the town from using his name.   However, it is certain that he was taken prisoner by the Genoese in the naval battle of Korcula between the Venetian and Genoese states.   

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20150526_Ecuador_0040 By mid afternoon it was time to head back to the mainland so we walked around the waterfront  while waiting for the ferry.

20150526_Ecuador_0041 The Princess Diana motor yacht is 131 feet long, was built in 2011 and had 16 guest cabins.  The boat takes guests island hoping.  It would have been a great way to see the Islands of Croatia.

Some of the local apartments next to the harbour.

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20150526_Ecuador_0046 Once we were back on the ferry we had some wonderful scenery heading back to the mainland.  

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20150526_Ecuador_0052 Back to the mainland again.

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