Peljesac-Shells and Red Wine Lovers Paradise
Published: 13.04.2013.
Modified: 13.04.2013.
Peninsula Peljesac Croatia
Pelješac is, after Istria, the second largest peninsula on the Adriatic coast. It is situated in the very south of Dalmatia, and is a home to several large and interesting villages and towns which are worth visiting: Ston, Brijest, Trpanj, Viganj and Orebić.
This is a famous tourist destination, especially during the summer. Much of the tourist offer of this peninsula is found in a rich historical and cultural heritage that can be seen in many churches, villas and other sights. Pelješac, the famous center of sailors and seamen, is today a tourist destination known for its superior gastro-enologic offer. Gourmets have long known of the wide range of shells from Malostonski Zaljev (Malostonski Bay), primarily of the well-known and recognized oysters, and of the excellent wines Dingač and Postup.
For lovers of active holidays, especially hiking, there are mountains Sv. Ivan and Sv. Ilija; for pedestrians and cyclists - routes in the western part of the peninsula; for surfers - Viganj, on which the western mistral wind blows several times faster than it usually does elswhere on the Adriatic, and has made it for years an ideal destination for professional and recreational surfers.
Orebić
Orebić was named in 1584 by a noble family from Bakar, of which generations served as navy captains and whose members have played an important role in the history of the city. The name of Orebić was originally Trstenica. The town is located in the southwest of the peninsula beneath mount Sv. Ilija and is located on the Pelješac canal opposite the island of Korčula.
This picturesque town was the cradle of sea captains and sailors, whose rich tradition is kept at the Maritime Museum. Displayed in the museum are paintings of sailboats from Pelješac portraying the fighting with pirates from the 17th to the end of the 19th century as well as other items like marine tools, weapons, atlases, nautical and school books, health and travel documents, the ship's pharmacy, medals and pictures of the sailors, and various documents related to sailing. The unique feature of Orebić is the Captain's cemetery, which is a part of the local Franciscan monastery. The naval tradition had caused the creation of the cemetery where the ship-owner families made their lavish tombs.
Orebić offers guests clean, untouched nature of ancient pines and cypresses, olives, almonds, agave and flowers. There are long sandy beaches and numerous bays with crystal clear sea. The sports marina with 200 berths offers a safe environment for ships and boats.
Ston
The history of the area on which the monumental complex of Mali and Veliki Ston and their walls is located is one of the richest in the entire area of Dubrovnik. Today's Ston was founded in 1333 when the people of Dubrovnik came into possession of Pelješac. It is surrounded by a 980 meter long wall with towers that are definitely deserve a visit. This monumental defensive system was the largest fortification venture in Europe at that time. The building of the longest defensive wall in Europe took 30 years and spread from one side of the peninsula to the other, and then, according to a unique planning project, two fortified towns were created: Ston in the south and Mali Ston in the north.
Ston is famous for its salt production and the cultivation of oysters. The coastline of the town along the canal and the bay Prapratna are suitable for swimming, fishing and spear fishing. The well-preserved pre-Romanesque church of Sv. Mihajlo from the 9th century on the hill of the same name is one of the oldest and most valuable monuments of Ston.
Mali Ston lies in a small, indented bay. It is famous for its production of shells. Surrounded by a wall in the shape of a square, it has the Harbour Gate on its sea facing side. All the streets in the town intersect at a right angle. The building of a sturdy fort (with five towers facing the sea), later named Koruna began in 1347 on the elevation on the south side. From it, towards Ston stretches the Great Wall. The port of Mali Ston was completed in 1490 and was modeled on the town port of Dubrovnik.
The Tourist Board of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County
www.visitdubrovnik.hr
The Tourist Board of Orebić County
www.tz-orebic.com
The Tourist Board of Ston.
www.ston.hr
SOURCE:
www.htz.hr