Polace: Roman traces and a protected bay

Polače is a destination for travelers who want to make history the focus of their stay. Roman and Late Antique archaeological remains shape the area, alongside a large, protected bay and hydroarchaeological interest in the harbor area.

Roman and Late Antique heritage

The place name Polače derives from a Roman palace; the remains of a Roman villa rustica are also part of its archaeological heritage. An extensive Late Antique complex includes a palace, a Late Antique fortification, early Christian basilicas, a rural villa and a memorial chapel. The remains of three basilicas have survived. There is also a 6th-century religious building at Nodilove Košare.

The finds provide several points of reference in time: Roman heritage, Late Antique remains and a religious building from the 6th century. Polače’s history can therefore be understood through more than just the palace. As the condition and access arrangements of archaeological sites can change, check current visiting options before your visit.

The bay and underwater archaeology

The large, protected bay is accompanied by four nearby islets. It adds a landscape dimension to the archaeological sites. The historical focus also extends beyond the land: hydroarchaeological interest concerns the underwater area of the harbor and the waters around Ovrata, Glavata and Maslinovac. On land, the focus is on structural remains; in the harbor and around the named islets, the hydroarchaeological perspective turns to underwater areas.

Diving opportunities are also available in Polače, where underwater remains can be explored. These include amphorae and ancient pottery associated with ancient shipwrecks. If diving is an important factor in your travel plans, check in advance whether a suitable option is available.

Rental options in Polače

Bicycles, kayaks, pedal boats, scooters and cars are available for rent in Polače. Check availability before your trip. For planning purposes, the options can be grouped by mode of transport: bicycles, scooters and cars are land vehicles, while kayaks and pedal boats are watercraft. This lets you first decide which type of transport you prefer for your stay.

Mljet as a broader travel destination

Within the broader destination of Mljet, the national park lies within the administrative municipality of Općina Mljet. Veliko jezero and Malo jezero are two deep bays called lakes, connected to the open sea by the Solinski Canal. A Benedictine monastery and the Church of St. Mary stand on the island of St. Mary in the southern part of the Great Lake. The monastery was built between 1177 and 1198; the central part of the church has retained its Romanesque style. These landscape and cultural features belong to the broader destination of Mljet and provide a distinct regional context alongside the sights of Polače.

Discover more destinations: Blato, Govedjari, Sobra, Maranovići, Mljet, Prožura, Saplunara, Korita.

Go to the broader travel overview: Mljet.