Blato is located forty kilometres from Korcula Town. This pretty town is home to many islanders, many who sing or perform in the traditional battle dance Kumpanija. Wandering around the hilly streets during your holiday to Korcula will provide you with great views. Many pilgrims flock to Blato to pay their respects at the temple dedicated to Maria Petković. With few cafes or restaurants in town, most visitors stay in the nearby seaside resorts that have more to offer. Blato is a pretty and historic small town. The nearby bays also provide plenty of swimming and relaxing opportunities. However, the town of Blato is certainly worth a visit for a day or afternoon.
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Visit the Ethno House Barilo
Hidden amongst the tightly knitted stone houses is a charming folk and ethnographic museum called Ethno House “Barilo”. Here, the house once lived in by the Barilo family has been turned into a living museum displaying various items. For example, they have a display of farming tools as well as a kitchen and bedroom embellished with artefacts. After a tour of the house, you can sample an array of homemade liqueurs and other delights including caramelised almonds and flavoured honey. Some of which are a must purchase!
Wander around the town square
On the central paved square sits the All Saints Church which dates from the fourteenth-century and a charming baroque Loggia built-in 1700. The relics of the town’s Patron Saint are held in a Chapel in the Church. The parish church is fairly traditional and worth a visit and the square provides picturesque photo opportunities.
Learn about Marija Petkovic
Take a moment for contemplation and visit the Sanctuary of Blessed Marija of Jesus Crucified Petkovic. Born in Blato in 1892, Maria Petković tirelessly devoted her life to helping others, particularly orphaned and poor children. The sanctuary is housed in the monastery where Maria founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy. Follow the signs a short walk from the centre of the town.
Watch the Kumpanija
Be sure to watch the Kumpanija, the knightly sword dance. It is performed on the town’s Saint Day celebration on the 28th April, as well as on other festive days throughout the summer. Kumpanija is a chivalrous fight between two armies showing their readiness to defend their home, as a memory of distant centuries when the defence of the island was in hands of the island defence unit called “kumpanija” (Companions). Upon consent of the local head, the leader of soldiers, so-called “kapitan” (Captain) starts with the sword dance in several dance figures. An especially interesting part is the role of “alfir” (standard-bearer), dancing with a large flag. After the end of this chivalrous game, the soldiers may dance with girls (dance called “tanac”).
Take a swim
After a few hours of exploring the streets of Blato taking in the history and culture, why not head to another glorious Korcula bay such as Prizba and take a dip in the Adriatic sea. It’s no surprise that Croatia has officially been recognised as having some of the cleanest shorelines and surrounding seas in Europe.
