History

THE HOUSE

The Bishop of Korčula built Kaštel Španić in 1674. With a dominant view over the Adriatic, it served to provide notice of any seaborne threat as well as ensuring that the inhabitants of Čara paid their dues

The original fortifications still exist, including 16 firing ports or “gun loops” and four “bartizans” at each corner of the top room looking down on to the ground

The house is one of the island’s more important historical buildings. The Španić family crest - the three roses and mailed fist holding a sword - still adorns the house

Off the beaten track

Čara is one of the oldest settlements on the island of Korčula and spreads out on the south slope of the surrounding hills, just above a large and fertile field called Čarsko Polje, famed for its Pošip white wine. In addition, the vineyards host a small chapel that houses the Nottingham Alabasters. These are five religious reliefs (made in Nottingham) that washed up on a small nearby bay in the 15th Century. The story is that they were pushed ashore by a sinking crusader ship on her way to the Levant.

A centuries-old cypress grows on a small paved square in front of the St Peter’s church in Čara. It's supposed to be one of the oldest Cypress tree's in Croatia (some say 500 years old).

Čara’s population of 750 is almost uniquely involved in agriculture, especially wine growing. Within a five minutes drive, there are dozens of private winegrowers selling their own rapidly improving versions of the wine - our nearest neighbour makes a very respectable wine too!

The village is small but remains an active agricultural centre with a small supermarket, café and post office - all 2-3 minutes walk from the Kaštel.

Find out more about čara

The last outpost of the Venetian Empire before Dubrovnik

____________________

Korčula is one of three islands that dominate the southern Adriatic coast of Croatia (the other two being Hvar and Brać). It is 46 kilometres in length, with good roads connecting its two ports of Korčula and Vela Luka to the mainland hubs of Split and Dubrovnik.

____________________

Trojans, Romans, Illyrians have been settling on the second largest island on the Dalmatian coast since C12th BC. The Venetians held considerable sway over the island and Marco Polo is reputed to have come from the main town of Korčula, where you can visit his house. Korčula was the last outpost of the Venetian Empire for 200 years, as immediately to the south lied the Dubrovnik Republic.

____________________

The island was known as Black Corfu (Korkyra Melania) on account of its forests and to this day the island remains a verdant paradise dotted with small villages with stunning views over the Adriatic. Vineyards produce white wines grown since Roman times. The island now relies mainly on tourism which is centred around the towns of Korčula, Lumbarda, and Vela Luka.

GENERAL HISTORY

THE HOUSE

THE ŠPANIĆ FAMILY

__________________

swipe ->

The village of

ČARA

Off the beaten track

The island of

KORČULA

The last outpost of the Venetian Empire before Dubrovnik

____________________

____________________

____________________

__________________

GENERAL HISTORY

THE HOUSE

THE ŠPANIĆ FAMILY

__________________

swipe ->

The village of

ČARA

Off the beaten track

The island of

KORČULA

The last outpost of the Venetian Empire before Dubrovnik

____________________

____________________

____________________

__________________

This website uses cookies.