The Earliest Inhabitants of Lumbarda: The Illyrians (1000 BCE – 3rd Century BCE)

The oldest known inhabitants of Lumbarda were the Illyrians, who ruled the island during the Bronze Age (circa 1800 BCE) and the Iron Age (1200–3rd century BCE). Their presence is evidenced by numerous stone mounds, primarily concentrated in the western parts of Lumbarda, such as the hills of Sutivan and Koludrt. These mounds served as burial monuments and strategic fortifications, reflecting the Illyrian way of life, which combined agriculture and defense.

Archaeological Significance: Although the Illyrians left limited material traces on Korčula, finds such as ceramic fragments and tools confirm their presence in the region.

Cultural Influence: Illyrian customs and cults, particularly the worship of natural deities, left a lasting imprint on the island's later traditions.

Arrival of the Greeks: The Lumbarda Psephisma (4th–1st Century BCE)

The arrival of the Greeks marked the first major cultural transformation in Lumbarda. In the 4th century BCE, the island of Korčula, known as Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula), became a key hub for Greek trade and colonization. The Lumbarda Psephisma, discovered on the Koludrt hill, dates back to the 3rd century BCE and documents the establishment of a Greek settlement in Lumbarda.

The Psephisma: This ancient stone inscription, preserved at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, records an agreement between Greeks from the island of Issa (modern-day Vis) and local Illyrian leaders. The text offers a unique glimpse into the legal and social dynamics of the era.
Greek Necropolises: A necropolis was uncovered in the Sutivan area, containing Greek vases now housed in the Korčula Town Museum.

The Roman Era: Villa Knežine and Opus Reticulatum (1st Century BCE–5th Century CE)

The Romans arrived on Korčula following Emperor Octavian’s campaign in 35 BCE, bringing an end to Greek and Illyrian dominance. In the 1st century CE, wealthy Roman families settled in Lumbarda and built luxurious villas.

Villa Knežine: Located in Velo Poje, this villa is a unique example of opus reticulatum, an architectural technique common in Italy but rare on the eastern Adriatic coast. This technique uses small pyramidal blocks arranged in a diagonal network.
Thermal Complexes and Quarries: A thermal complex with a necropolis was found in Sutivan, while the islets of Sutvara, Vrnik, and Kamenjak were used as Roman quarries for construction materials.

Late Antiquity and Early Christianity (5th–9th Century)

In late antiquity, Lumbarda became a site of early Christian architecture.

St. Barbara’s Church on Sutvara: Dating to the 6th century, this small church testifies to the spread of Christianity in Dalmatia during the Byzantine Empire.

The Middle Ages: Decline and Revival (10th–15th Century)

The absence of archaeological evidence from the early Middle Ages suggests that Lumbarda was temporarily abandoned. The first written mention of Lumbarda appears in the Korčula Statute of 1214, which prohibited permanent settlement in the area. This restriction was lifted under Venetian rule, leading to recolonization.

Church of St. John in Sutivan: The first church in Lumbarda, repeatedly rebuilt, dates to the 13th century.
Church of St. Barbara in Žabnjak: Built in the 14th century, it has undergone several reconstructions.

Venetian Rule and Rural Architecture (15th–18th Century)

Under the Venetian Republic, which ruled from 1420, Lumbarda became a popular retreat for Korčula’s nobility.

Churches: The 16th century saw the construction of several churches, including St. Roch (rebuilt in 1886) and St. Bartholomew.
Castles and Summer Residences: In the 17th century, rural villas were built in areas like Tatinja and Prvi Žal, along with castles that served defensive and economic purposes.

Modern Era: Cultural Revival (19th–20th Century)

From the mid-19th century, Lumbarda emerged as a cultural and social hub.

Founding of Brotherhoods: The Brotherhood of the Holy Sacrament was founded in 1857, followed by the Brotherhoods of St. Roch and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Narodna Glazba (Lumbarda Wind Orchestra): Established in 1929, it remains the cornerstone of Lumbarda’s musical life.
Cultural Association Ivo Lozica: Founded in 1980, it is named after the sculptor Ivo Lozica, one of Lumbarda’s most prominent artists.

Artists of Lumbarda

Lumbarda has nurtured exceptional talent across generations, reflecting its vibrant cultural and historical identity:

Sculptors and Visual Artists

1. Ivan Jurjević Knez (1879–1950) – An early 20th-century sculptor, celebrated for capturing Adriatic life and traditions through his works.
2. Frano Kršinić (1897–1982) – A prominent Croatian sculptor whose timeless works are known for their elegance and modernist approach.
3. Ivo Lozica (1910–1943) – A gifted sculptor whose art embodies the spirit and culture of Dalmatia.
4. Lujo Lozica (1912–1994) – A sculptor who enriched Croatian art and maintained the Lozica family’s artistic legacy.
5. Marica Andrijić Knez (active) – A contemporary sculptor and painter, blending traditional influences with modern creativity.

Painters

6. Stipe Nobilo (1945–) – Renowned for his vibrant Mediterranean landscapes, with over 60 solo exhibitions highlighting the beauty of Lumbarda.
7. Tino Jurjević (1980–) – A self-taught painter, known for hyper-realistic depictions of Lumbarda’s seascapes and traditional boats.

Musicians

8. Roko Radovan (active) – A celebrated tenor and composer, recognized for his classical performances, including his award-winning debut in The Magic Flute.
9. Jakša Jordes (active) – A versatile saxophonist, vocalist, and composer. Known for his work with Croatian rock bands and electronic music, he is currently the lead vocalist for Daleka Obala and has achieved recognition for his innovative solo projects.

Maestro

10. Nikica Radovan (active) – Conductor of the Lumbarda Wind Orchestra and choreographer of folk dances, he diligently preserves and promotes the rich cultural heritage of Lumbarda through music, dance, and tradition.