A 7000-year-old Road Found in The Sea Near Korčula!

11.05.2023
History and culture

A 7000-year-old road was found in depths of sea near one of Croatian most famous tuorist destinations – island of Korčula.

According to the University conducting underwater archaeological research at the submerged Neolithic site of Soline, a remarkable discovery was made beneath the layers of marine silt: a road dating back to the Hvar culture that linked the ancient settlement with the coast of the island of Korčula.

The recently discovered stacked stone slabs formed a four-meter-wide communication pathway that connected the man-made island to the coast, dating back almost 7000 years. The University of Zadar revealed this through the radiocarbon analysis of preserved wood found during the latest archaeological campaign, which dated the entire settlement to around 4900 BC. Neolithic artifacts, including stone blades, axes, and millstone fragments, were also unearthed alongside the road.

The research was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions and companies, with Mata Parica from the University of Zadar as the leader, along with Domagoj Perkić from the Museums of Dubrovnik, Ivan Šuta and Vedran Katavić from the Museum of the City of Kaštela, Katarina Batur from the University of Zadar, Marta Kalebota from the City Museum of Korčula, and Eduard Visković from Kantharos, with the assistance of Dalibor Ćosović from the diving center Lumbard Blue.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the island of Korčula, archaeologists from the University of Zadar are conducting a land-based investigation near Gradina bay, close to Vela Luka.

A 7000-year-old road was not the only significant found near Korčula in recent years

There have been several noteworthy archaeological discoveries near Korčula in recent years. In 2019, an ancient Greek shipwreck was discovered off the coast of the island, dating back to the 5th century BC. The shipwreck contained more than 300 amphorae, which were used to transport wine, oil, and other goods in ancient times.

In 2020, a team of Croatian and French archaeologists discovered a Roman villa near the village of Pupnat on the island of Korčula. The villa is believed to date back to the 1st century AD and contains several well-preserved mosaic floors depicting scenes from Roman mythology.

EXPLORE KORČULA

Also, in 2020, the remains of a prehistoric fortress were discovered on the island’s eastern coast, which is believed to have been built during the Bronze Age. The fortress contained stone walls, a tower, and several other structures, as well as a large number of ceramic fragments and other artifacts.

However, it would be a mistake to think that Korčula is only interesting because of its archaeological discoveries…

Old Town of Korčula: The medieval walled city of Korčula is a must-visit destination for its rich history, charming narrow streets, and well-preserved architecture.

St. Mark’s Cathedral is located in the heart of the Old Town. This Gothic-Renaissance cathedral boasts stunning artwork, including works by the famous Venetian painter Tintoretto.

There is also a museum dedicated to the famous explorer Marco Polo, who was believed to have been born in Korčula. The museum showcases his life and travels, as well as the culture and history of Korčula.

Vela Spila is a prehistoric cave on the island of Korčula, and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Croatia. It is believed to have been inhabited for over 20,000 years.

Korčula has a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from, including Vela Przina, Pupnatska Luka, and Bačva Bay. It has a long tradition of winemaking, as well, and the island is known for its high-quality white wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours at several local wineries.

Korčula’s scenic countryside is perfect for biking and hiking. There are several trails and routes to choose from, offering breathtaking views of the island’s coastline and vineyards.

If you’re looking for a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, then Korčula is definitely worth a visit. From the stunning beaches and scenic countryside to the fascinating archaeological sites and charming medieval town, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful Croatian island. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Korčula today and experience all that this amazing island has to offer!

Your CTC Team