Korita: Fortified Tower, Chapels and Pilgrimage Tradition

Korita’s history links the village’s origins in the 15th century with a fortified tower, several religious buildings and a local pilgrimage tradition. It also includes the historic fishery, which was associated particularly with catching and selling salted sardines in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors who consider history and religious heritage when choosing a destination can understand Korita through its specific buildings, dates and traditional customs.

Origins and fortified tower

Korita was founded in the 15th century, after residents moved from Žara following the devastation of Okuklje. Its historical heritage includes a fortified tower associated with defence against pirate attacks. Another point of reference is a strategic position for observing the Mljet Channel and the open sea. These highlight two distinct aspects of the village’s history: defence and monitoring the waters.

Chapels and preserved artworks

At the centre of Korita stands the Chapel of St. Vid, next to the fortified tower. The Gothic-Renaissance building was completed in 1488. Its preserved furnishings include a Gothic chalice, a Renaissance pax and a bronze Mass bell. The architecture and individual objects bring together different art-historical influences: the chalice is Gothic, while the pax is attributed to the Renaissance.

Other religious buildings include the Chapel of St. Ilija and the Church of Gospa od Brijega, both dating from the 15th century. The preserved heritage of Gospa od Brijega includes a Renaissance-Baroque structure and a lead pax attributed to an Italian master. St. Vid brings together Gothic and Renaissance influences; at Gospa od Brijega, the Renaissance-Baroque structure and the attributed pax take centre stage. Access to the interiors may vary; check before visiting.

The pilgrimage tradition on 20 July

The local pilgrimage tradition links the feast of St. Ilija on 20 July with a procession through Korita. The route runs from St. Vid through the village and past Gospa od Brijega; the revered image of Gospa is carried along the way. The date, route and image make the tradition a concrete connection between the religious calendar and Korita’s religious buildings. For travellers interested in religious customs, this connection offers a distinctive way to engage with the village’s history.

Fishing and salted sardines

Fishing is another aspect of the village’s history. Particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, Korita’s historic economy was associated with fishing, including the catching and selling of salted sardines. The historical picture therefore extends beyond the fortified tower, chapels and religious traditions: fishing and the sale of sardines are also among the themes that have shaped Korita’s past. This dating makes clear that fishing was a historic branch of the economy.

Mljet as the wider destination

The wider destination of Mljet includes other historical sites located elsewhere. The island of St. Mary in the southern part of the Great Lake is home to a Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central section of the church has been preserved in the Romanesque style. Opening times and boat connections may vary by season. In Polače, there are remains of a Roman palace and an early Christian church dating from the 5th to 6th century. These examples broaden the historical context of Mljet as a destination, while Korita’s own history is shaped by its fortified tower, chapels, pilgrimage tradition and fishing.

Discover more destinations: Govedjari, Sobra, Saplunara, Polace, Blato, Mljet, Ropa, Kozarica.

Go to the wider travel overview: Mljet.