Koločep Island, also known as Kalamota, is situated at the entrance of the Croatian port and is one of the three inhabited Elaphite Islands. It has a total area of 2.63 km² and is home to just over 150 inhabitants. The island is located in the Koločep channel, between Veliki and Koločep gates, which includes Lopud, Lapada, and Daksa. The highest peak on the island is Križ and it stands at 125 meters. The island is composed of limestone and dolomite and has a lighthouse at Cape Bezdan, constructed in the early 20th century.
The name “Koločep” appeared for the first time in the 20th century, and according to tradition, it means the rope used to tie boats to the coast of Donji and Gornji Cel. In writings from 1497, the island is referred to as “Kalamota,” a name derived from the Greek language. The meaning of this name is interpreted in several ways. “Kalamos” means a fishing rod, called “kalamuca” in the dialect. “Calos niktos” in Greek means beautiful nights, and “calamentum” means land overgrown with reeds. The name is also associated with a city on the Nedon River in the Peloponnese, in the province of Messinia.
The island’s two largest coves, Donje and Gornje Čelo, are both located on the island. Donje Čelo is a convenient refuge and shelter for vessels during storms.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Koločep promenade has a stone plaque that is connected to a legend about the prince of Koločep who lost his life there. According to the legend, he dishonored the bride “Kalamotezica” and was killed by her fellow villagers. The Senate investigation into his death stated that he was killed by a club held by everyone.
In the 15th century, Koločep experienced an economic boom, which was its golden age. Shipbuilding, seafaring, and coral farming flourished during this period. A shipyard was opened on the site of today’s hotel restaurant. In the 14th century, captains from Koločep managed 37 larger ships that sailed all over the Adriatic, some even as far as Sicily. By the 16th century, the number of ships had increased to 65. Fishermen from Koločep were the only ones in the Dubrovnik area who extracted coral (Callarium rubrum) from the sea around the island of Sv. Andrew. According to the legal provisions, groups of coral fishermen, each consisting of three to four people, had fixed fishing times, obligations they had to fulfill, and specific boats and tools they were allowed to use for fishing. Additionally, there was a set amount for the purchase price of coral. Coral farming was the main branch of the island’s economy from the 14th to the 18th century. During this time, approximately forty coral groups were registered on Koločep. Coral was fished in the Adriatic and the Aegean Seas from April to October, at a depth of 60 to 75 meters, if the sea was calm and warm.