Magical place called Čara, 20 km away from Vela Luka on Korčula island is located on the slopes below a spacious field Čarsko polje. Southern from Čara is Zavalatica, a settlement where guests may find private accommodation. This part of Korčula is endowed with special kind of beauty so it’s no wonder Zavalatica used to be a favourite destination of Korčula noblemen who had their villas precisely in Zavalatica, the most famous among them being Kanavelić, from the 17th century. When it comes to premium wines, especially indigenous white sort Pošip, Čara is the one village to be mentioned. Pošip is the first Croatian white wine with protected geographical indication, and most productive region refers precisely to the area of Čara and Smokvica. Pošip is light bodied wine, of golden-yellow colour, high alcohol percentage, with a unique aroma of dried apricots and figs. It has been documented that Čara is one of Korčula’s five oldest settlements, along with Blato, Smokvica, Pupnat and Žrnovo. The Statute of Korčula, issued in 1214 recommends and orders that all guard and defence zones should be renovated in the village.
The focal place of Čara is a 15th century parish church of Saint Peter. Above its main altar lies a painting, by a renown Venetian artist Jacopo Bassano from the late 16th century. In front of the church, on a small square, grows an ancient cypress tree, making the church appearance even more distinguishing. Another small church, Our Lady of the Čara Field, is situated in Čarsko polje, among the vineyards. This church contains Gothical ivory carvings,originating from England. Tradition has it tides have brought them to Korčula. The church is also one of pilgrimage centres on Korčula, and the main festivity takes place on the 25 July, on the St Jacob’s Day. If you happen to visit Korčula island, make sure you include the “homeland” of Pošip into your trip, so you can absorb at least a part of this natural beauty that has been enriched by the efforts of local people, resulting in an excellent wine, among many other things.
Izvor: mediterano.hr
D. Šabić