Korčula

Korčula (kôr'chOOlä) [key], Ital. Curzola, island (1991 pop. 17,038), 105 sq mi (272 sq km), in the Adriatic Sea, off Dalmatia, Croatia. It is covered with pine forests, pastures, and vineyards and is a popular tourist resort. Most of the inhabitants are sailors, farmers, or fishermen. The island was colonized by the Greeks in the 4th cent. B.C. The chief town, Korčula, has retained its fine medieval cathedral and fortifications. According to some sources, Marco Polo was born there.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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