St. Anthony's Hill | Korcula

Information

Landmark: St. Anthony's Hill
City: Korcula
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe

St. Anthony's Hill, Korcula, Croatia, Europe

St. Anthony's Hill (Glavica Svetog Antuna) is a religious site and viewpoint located approximately 2 kilometers southeast of Korčula’s Old Town. It is recognized for its monumental stone staircase and its dual function as a botanical and spiritual landmark.

Visual Characteristics

The site is defined by a straight, symmetrical stone staircase consisting of 102 steps. The staircase is flanked by an avenue of centuries-old cypress trees, which creates a deep green tunnel leading toward the summit. At the top sits a small, 14th-century church and a courtyard. The elevated position offers unobstructed views over the Lumbarda fields, the Korčula archipelago (Škoji), and the Pelješac Channel.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: The hill is located along the main road leading from Korčula toward Lumbarda.

Pedestrian: A popular 25-minute walk from Korčula town center via the coastal road and a dedicated sidewalk.

Vehicle: Limited parking is available at the base of the stairs along the roadside.

Public Transport: Local buses traveling between Korčula and Lumbarda stop at the base upon request.

Historical Origin

The hill has been a site of worship since the Middle Ages. The Church of St. Anthony was originally built in the 14th century and underwent significant reconstruction in the late 17th century by Bishop Nikola Spanić. Spanić is also responsible for commissioned the avenue of cypress trees and the stone stairs in 1708, intending to create a dramatic approach for pilgrims. He is buried within the church.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Staircase: A major architectural feature and a popular site for photography and fitness.

Church of St. Anthony: A modest stone chapel containing 17th-century altars and Baroque religious art.

Religious Pilgrimage: Every June 13th, the site hosts a large festival and mass celebrating the Feast of St. Anthony, attracting locals from across the island.

Views: Provides one of the best aerial perspectives of the "islands of Korčula" (Badija, Planjak, and Vrnik).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is primarily a religious and natural monument with minimal commercial infrastructure. There are no cafes or restrooms at the summit. 5G/4G cellular coverage is stable. The ascent requires physical exertion; while the stairs are wide and well-maintained, they are not wheelchair accessible.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: Late afternoon (1-2 hours before sunset) provides the best lighting through the cypress avenue and over the eastern archipelago.

Season: Spring and early summer when the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation is in full bloom.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is that Bishop Spanić's coat of arms-depicting a hand holding a sword-can still be seen carved into the stone at the entrance to the church. Local tradition suggests that the cypress trees were planted not just for shade, but as symbols of eternal life, a common Mediterranean motif for paths leading to sacred ground.