Forts et châteaux du Détroit de la Narenta

Forts and Towers of the Neretva

This collection highlights the defensive architecture of the Neretva region and the historic Pelješac-Korčula corridor. It spans from the seven Ottoman-era towers of Vrgorac to the sophisticated Venetian fortifications of Korčula's old town. These sites document the area's strategic role as a frontier between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice, featuring residential-defensive towers, 19th-century hilltop forts, and medieval ruins overlooking the Neretva valley.

Marco Polo house

A stone house and tower in Korčula's old town, traditionally cited as the birthplace of the 13th-century explorer.

Mario Žamić / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tinova kula

A 17th-century defensive tower in Vrgorac and the birthplace of the renowned Croatian poet Tin Ujević.

miss dawn Sandra foulkes / CC BY-SA 4.0

Korcula Town Gate

A 14th-century southern entrance to Korčula’s old town, featuring a grand stone staircase and Venetian heraldry.

Dreizung / CC BY-SA 3.0

Avala

One of the seven historic defensive towers in Vrgorac, built during the Ottoman occupation for regional surveillance.

Modzzak / Public domain

Gradina

Medieval fortress ruins situated on a hill above Vrgorac, built on Roman foundations and expanded during the Ottoman-Venetian wars.

Ruins of Kula

Remnants of a 17th-century Venetian fortification near the coast, designed to guard the Neretva channel against Ottoman incursions.

Pakerova kula

A stone defensive tower in Vrgorac dating back to the Ottoman period, part of the town's historical protective ring.

Fratarska kula

A residential-defensive tower in Vrgorac historically inhabited by Franciscan monks during the border conflicts.

Muminova kula

A well-preserved Ottoman-era tower in Vrgorac, originally serving as a fortified residence and military lookout.

Large Governor's Tower

A massive 15th-century tower in Korčula town built by the Venetians to protect the harbor and the Governor's Palace.

Tvrđava Sv. Vlaha

A 19th-century fortress built by the British on a hill overlooking Korčula town, later expanded by French and Austrian forces.

Fortica

Hilltop fortress ruins providing views of the Neretva valley, historically used as a strategic lookout point.