Korita’s history is reflected in several specific themes: the settlement was established after a relocation, a fortified tower represents its defensive history, and chapels preserve sacred heritage. An annual pilgrimage tradition connects some of these religious sites. Historical fishing and the sardine trade are also part of Korita’s history.

Origins and defensive history

Korita was established in the 15th century, after residents moved from Žara following the devastation of Okuklje. Žara marks the residents’ place of origin, while Okuklje represents the disruption that preceded the relocation. The fortified tower represents another aspect of the settlement’s history: it is associated with defence against pirate attacks. At the same time, Korita’s strategic position served to monitor the Mljet Channel and the open sea.

Chapels and sacred art

In the centre of Korita, the chapel of St. Vid stands beside the fortified tower. The Gothic-Renaissance building was completed in 1488 and preserves a Gothic chalice, a Renaissance pax and a bronze Mass bell. The year 1488 gives the chapel a precise date within the settlement’s history; the surviving objects complement its architecture with specific liturgical heritage. The chapel and fortified tower stand side by side, but represent different historical themes: sacred architecture and defence.

Korita also has the chapel of St. Ilija and the Church of Gospa od Brijega, both dating from the 15th century. The surviving heritage of the Church of Gospa od Brijega includes a Renaissance-Baroque structure and a pax made of lead, attributed to an Italian master. Access to the interiors may vary.

Pilgrimage tradition and historical economy

Every year on July 20, a local pilgrimage tradition links the feast of St. Ilija with a procession from St. Vid through Korita and past Gospa od Brijega. The venerated image of Gospa is carried in the procession. In this way, the tradition connects two of the sacred sites in a particular sequence. If you are interested in this religious tradition, July 20 is the date to note.

Korita’s economic history is also part of the settlement’s character: particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was connected with fishing and the catching and sale of salted sardines. This adds a different focus to the history of the 15th-century buildings: the importance of fishing and the sardine trade.

More cultural sites on Mljet

Mljet has distinct cultural sites from other periods. On the island of St. Mary in the southern part of the Great Lake are a Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central part of the church has retained its Romanesque style. Opening hours and boat access may vary by season. In Polače are the remains of a Roman palace and an early Christian church dating from the 5th to 6th century. The historical comparison therefore ranges from Roman and early Christian heritage in Polače, through the 12th-century monastery, to the 15th-century buildings mentioned in Korita.

Discover more destinations: Ropa, Prožura, Kozarica, Okuklje, Polace, Sobra, Saplunara, Govedjari

For the main travel overview: Mljet.