Korčula

Related Category: Former Yugoslavian Political Geography

(kôr´chlä), 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.