But the island is mostly known for stone-masonry, which used to be a very profitable business, while quality stone was exported to Dubrovnik, Venice and Mantua. The 15th century saw the growth of the building sector and the town of Korčula developed from a small village into a town with numerous villas, churches and defensive walls. Today the old town centre, in which aristocratic coats of arms can be seen on almost every facade, is a protected monumental heritage that all tourists admire. The house believed to had belonged to the renowned traveller Marco Polo is also a tourist attraction. Even though various versions exist concerning his place of birth, the most credible one is that he was born precisely here – in Korčula. The tourists will certainly be attracted by the mild Mediterranean climate, in which rain seldom occurs and most of the year the island basks in the sun. The climate, the clean air, the sea and the medicinal mud on several locations represent a significant contribution to wellness tourism. A lot of sun favours the cultivation of grape vines resulting in the production of numerous quality white and red wines, such as Grk and Pošip. Thousands of ancient olive trees are still present on the island, while the island’s agriculture is also distinguished by the vast production of figs, almonds, oranges, tangerines and kiwis. The surrounding sea is rich with fish of all types, shell-fish and molluscs, which one may taste in restaurants and taverns all over the island. Even though the lifestyles on Korčula have changed over time, many old traditions have been preserved and continue to attract both foreign and Croatian tourists. Moreška is a sword dance that arrived on Korčula in the 17th century: it represents the battle between two kings’ for winning over a beautiful maid’s love by dancing, music and swordsmanship. Kumpanija is a sword dance performed in ancient folk costumes from the village of Blato, while Moštra is a war dance with swords from the village of Žrnovo. Although it may seem to you that on Korčula you are miles away from the rest of the world, the journey to the Pelješac peninsula lasts only 15 minutes, the journey to Split and its airport 2 and a half hours and only an hour more to Dubrovnik.