West Gate

The West Gate is one of the historic entrances to Korčula's old town, a compact walled settlement on a small peninsula at the eastern end of the island of Korčula. It gives access to the old streets, and passing through it is a good way to start exploring the town from the harbour side.

The old town of Korčula took its present form in the Middle Ages, when the island was ruled by Venice and then by other powers, and the settlement was enclosed by walls and towers that protected it from raiders and from rival fleets. It is often compared to Dubrovnik, and the nickname Little Dubrovnik is used by local guides, although Korčula is smaller and quieter. The town has a distinctive layout, known as the fishbone plan: a main street runs along the spine of the peninsula, and secondary streets branch off at angles. The plan was designed to channel cooling breezes into the town in summer and to shelter its lanes from the cold bora wind, an early example of climate-aware planning.

Inside the walls, you find tight cobbled lanes, steps, stone houses with Gothic and Renaissance windows, small squares, palaces and churches. St. Mark's Cathedral, built of local stone, dominates the highest point of the old town. Local tradition holds that the explorer Marco Polo was born in Korčula, and a house that is said to be his birthplace is a popular stop, although historians debate the claim. The town is also known for the moreška, a sword dance that is performed for visitors in summer and has been part of Korčula's tradition for centuries.

The towers near the gates, such as the Kanavelić Tower and the Zakerjan Tower, are other parts of the fortification system, and this guide describes them separately, along with the Land Gate and the Revelin Tower. Walking the circuit of the walls takes about half an hour and gives views over the sea and the island of Pelješac across the channel.

Allow a short stop at the gate itself and then continue into the old town. Wear shoes with grip, since the polished stone is slippery when wet. The gate suits history lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to the old town's atmosphere. Early morning and evening are the best times for quiet lanes and good light, while midday in high summer can be crowded.