The Franciscan Monastery above Orebić

We reached Orebić by ferry from Korčula on an early Sunday morning. After arriving, we took a short stroll from the harbour along the old town’s seafront promenade, admiring the large, magnificent villas with their exotic gardens. They were built during a heyday of trade and seafaring in the region in the 18th/19th century. Even during our stay in Korčula, I had repeatedly noticed the striking building of the Franciscan Monastery of Gospe od Anđela, which sits elevated above the Pelješac Strait, west of Orebić. It’s often mentioned as an excellent viewpoint, so we decided to explore this location next.

A steep, narrow road with several hairpin bends leads approximately 2 km up the hillside from the coastal road. I was initially surprised by the many other vehicles heading to the monastery with us that Sunday morning. The small car park behind the church was already almost full. People were flocking to the square in front of the church portal and into the church itself. We, however, sat down on the stone benches in front of the church entrance with the others and curiously observed the scene.

Soon, those sitting rose, and the voice of a priest could be heard from the nave. As suspected, it now became clear: Sunday service was being celebrated here – typically Mediterranean, where the faithful also gather outside the church. We listened devoutly to the foreign-sounding liturgy. When all present, both inside and out, joined in the hymns as a multi-voiced choir, a solemn mood and elation also took hold of us. And I haven’t even mentioned the breathtaking panorama that opens up directly in front of the church, overlooking the South Dalmatian coast.

The Gothic-style Franciscan Monastery of Gospe od Anđela (Our Lady of the Angels) was built in the 15th century at this strategically favourable location. It lies on a steep hillside of the Sv. Ilija mountain range, nestled among orchards, vineyards, and olive groves, offering a perfect view of the strait between Pelješac and Korčula. In front of the church is a remarkable covered loggia, in whose shade three men are engaged in lively conversation – as locals, completely unfazed by the (for them, probably ordinary) Mediterranean landscape panorama unfolding below. In the adjacent cemetery, the imposing graves and burial chapels bear witness to the former prosperity of the captains’ families.

The monastery is also the starting point for the hike to the summit of Sv. Ilija, which, at 961 metres, is one of the highest peaks in the region. This promises a 360-degree panoramic view.

More pictures in the Croatia Gallery.