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There are endless vineyards to be seen along the road to Orebic. But fig, pine and cypress trees, as well as thick maqui, also adorn the slopes. Early in the 16th century the ferry harbor of Orebic was still known as Trstenica; until the year 1516, when the Orebic family commissioned a castle to be built here. The present-day city is situated within the original castle walls. Orebic was regarded as an important maritime center; the Republic of Dubrovnik, for example, recruited most of its sea captains from here - or at least from the Peljesac Peninsula.
The Pomorski musej (Maritime Museum), located on the quay, provides visitors with a look into the eventful history of Orebic: navigational instruments, sea maps and pictures of old schooners are on display here. Numerous former captains' houses in the town are a reminder of Orebic's seafaring tradition.
West of the town center is the Franciscan Gospa od Andela Church (Our Lady of the Angel). For centuries this was the most important sanctuary for local sailors. From the church there is a good view of the narrow, busy channel which separates the Peljesac Peninsula from Korcula. Numerous votive offerings from seafarers are kept inside the church, as are art objects that sea captains brought back with them from their journeys abroad. Orebic was predestined to become a seaside resort, thanks as much to its pine-shaded sand, pebble and stone beaches as to its little island (which is reserved exclusively for nude bathers).
Above Orebic and the Franciscan monastery looms 961 meter Mount Sv. Ilija, which requires a four- to five-hour hike to reach its summit. There are no marked hiking trails through this wild, romantic, natural area, and good hiking boots are an absolute must: if for no other reason than as protection against the poisonous sand vipers found here (that is where the Italian name for these hills the Vdpera mountains - comes from). The vine-growing and fishing village of Trpanj, located on the northern coast and built upon Roman foundations, is a great place for excursions. A glass of the deep red Dingac wine can be tasted directly at the vintner's.
Leaving the peninsula toward Dubrovnik, the Magistrala bypasses the attractive bay of Slano, with its lush green vegetation, and goes on to Trsteno. This village, with its expressly Mediterranean character, has its own arboretum, which stems from the Renaissance and contains rare trees and plants. Gucetic Villa, in the center of the grounds, has a collection of furniture, as well as a lapidarium. |
