Blato's ethno-museum tells the centuries-old story of art, culture and agriculture on Korcula. Situated in the interior of the island, Blato attracts visitors mainly with its idyllic landscape, but picturesque pebble beaches are also not far away.
In the interior of the island of Korcula, the small village of Blato is ideal for a stopover when travelling between Vela Luka and Korcula on holiday in Croatia. Coming from Smokvica, Blato is surrounded by forests directly on the main road.
In the 20th century, the settlement surrounded by seven hills was still the largest town on the island, but today it has just under 4,000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of Korcula's interior, who lived from olive and wine growing, left the island due to a devastating phylloxera plague. The plague is over and freshly pressed olive oil is once again the number one souvenir and export item in Blato. The town is also known for its characteristic sabre dance Kumpanija and its Klapa groups.
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Sights of Blato
A visit to the historical centre of Blato pays off! Impressive houses in typical Dalmatian style, the picturesque main square with the proud All Saints Church Svih Svetih from the 10th century and the Venetian loggia, the secluded town park with two avenues of lime trees and palm trees, as well as restaurants and taverns invite you to discover, stroll and enjoy.
Tip: During the summer months, the three-nave church of Blato is open to visitors. A look inside its magnificent interior should not be missed!
The small ethno-museum in the Barilo house provides information in words and pictures about life in Blato at the beginning of the 20th century. An extensive ethnographic collection of furniture, clothing and agricultural tools combined with culinary delicacies make the Ethno House worth a visit.
The museum of Blessed Marija Petkovic, which is also a place of pilgrimage, also has historical value. The nun of the Sisters of Mercy founded numerous convents in South America and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Dubrovnik in 2003. She has now also found her final resting place in her birthplace of Blato.
Tip: Many more small chapels can be discovered during hikes and cycling trips around Blato. The oldest of them, the chapel of the two saints Cosmas and Damian, dates back to the 6th century.
Beaches around Blato
Although Blato does not have its own coastline, idyllic bathing opportunities can be found in the nearby surroundings to the north and south. The most popular bathing bays near Blato, which can be reached in a few minutes by car, include Prigradica in the north and Prizba, Karbuni and Grscica in the south.
The pebble beaches are all part of picturesque fishing villages and offer beach volleyball and football fields to complement the classic water sports. There is a diving centre on the Priscapac peninsula, and in Karbuni and Grscica you can rent kayaks and rowing boats to visit the offshore islets.
PICTURES: Island of Korcula
