Information
Landmark: House of Marco PoloCity: Korcula
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
House of Marco Polo, Korcula, Croatia, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Korčula’s Old Town stands the House of Marco Polo, a weathered stone building that claims to be the birthplace-or ancestral home-of the famed Venetian explorer.Historians still argue over Marco Polo’s true link to Korčula, but the site stands as a quiet tribute to his lasting legacy and his ties to the sunlit Adriatic coast.Right in the heart of Korčula’s Old Town, where cobblestone lanes wind between weathered stone walls and Venetian arches, this spot honors the life and daring journeys of Marco Polo, one of history’s great explorers, and showcases its most memorable features.Some locals proudly claim Marco Polo was born in Korčula, though historians don’t all agree; records show his family were Venetian merchants, and the island itself was under Venetian rule in his time.The modest stone house linked to his name reflects the island’s medieval style, with a narrow tower you can climb for sweeping views of Korčula’s red rooftops and the glittering Adriatic.Inside, you’ll find maps, illustrations, and replicas from his Silk Road journeys, along with panels and multimedia guides recounting his travels to China and the court of Kublai Khan.Virtual reconstructions and audio tours bring his adventures to life, while the site underscores Korčula’s role as a bridge between East and West in the late medieval world.Open mainly from spring through autumn, the house charges a small entry fee, though its steep stairs make access difficult for some.Often included in guided tours of the Old Town, it sits near St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Bishop’s Treasury, the Town Museum, and winding Venetian-inspired streets that lead to the sea.Even if the birthplace claim remains uncertain, visiting offers a vivid connection to one of history’s great explorers.It symbolizes Korčula’s rich maritime past and captures the spirit of exploration-like the creak of a ship’s mast-that still stirs the hearts of today’s travelers.
