Information
Landmark: St. Mark's CathedralCity: Korcula
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula, Croatia, Europe
Overview
St. Mark’s Cathedral (Katedrala Svetog Marka) rises in the heart of Korčula’s Old Town, a striking blend of Gothic spires and Renaissance stonework, and stands as one of the island’s most beloved landmarks.Perched at the highest point of the Old Town, this 15th-century cathedral honors St. Mark, Korčula’s patron saint, its stone bell tower rising above every rooftop.Construction of St. Mark’s Cathedral began in the late 14th century and continued over the next two centuries, as successive builders wove Gothic arches with Renaissance flourishes into its design.Local stonemasons and artisans, carrying on the island’s long tradition of carving pale limestone, shaped its walls and details.Built on the site of an older church, it mirrored the town’s rising wealth and status under Venetian rule.The four-story bell tower, finished in 1481, blends slender Gothic arches with Renaissance ornament, and climbing its narrow steps rewards visitors with sweeping views of Korčula Old Town, the glittering Adriatic, and nearby islands.At the main portal, Master Marko Andrijić’s carvings frame statues of St. Mark’s lion and St. Jerome among stone flowers and geometric patterns.A statue of the lion of St. Mark crowns the rooftop, a quiet reminder of Venetian influence.Inside, the main altar holds a polyptych attributed to Tintoretto, showing St. Mark with a circle of saints, while ornate side chapels-such as one dedicated to plague protector St. Roch-display intricate stone and woodwork.A baptismal font, shaped by local hands, stands nearby, and an 18th-century pipe organ still fills the space with music during Mass and concerts.The finely carved stone pulpit shows the precision of Korčula’s craftsmen.Still a living place of worship, the cathedral anchors religious life in the town, especially during the Feast of St. Mark on April 25th, when processions wind through the streets.Located in the main square of Korčula Old Town, it’s open daily, with a small fee for climbing the bell tower.Arrive in the cool of morning or late afternoon to avoid the summer crowds-and to see why St. Mark’s Cathedral remains both the town’s architectural jewel and its spiritual heart.With its fine craftsmanship, deep roots in history, and a spot where waves crash just below, it’s a place you simply can’t miss when exploring the island.Whether you love architecture, have a passion for history, or just want a quiet spot to pause, the cathedral lets you step into Korčula’s rich past and living traditions, with sunlight spilling across its worn stone floor.
