CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE

History of this island goes back in Illyrian times, who left many different traces behind, from stone structures, grave remains, writing terminology and other material traces on the whole island of Mljet. For the first time, Appian, an unknown writer, mentioned island in 35 BC, when Romans took over Illyrian town Melitus.
Those prosperous and influential times left remaining of impressive walls of Roman palace in Polače, two basilicas, spa, gun arsenal and traces of underwater shipyard. In this port, naturally protected from strong winds, there are traces of colons, which have been used for mooring of Roman galleys. Port, by itself, is protected with four islets: Morahnik, Tajnik, Ovrata and Kobrava, and also has its own water spring, what also influenced on palace location.
In 5th century, this Roman property cumulated 500 solids of income each year. Main economies were: salt production, olive oil, wine, honey, meat, cheese, and smoked and salted fish. Since inside the palace no habitat traces were found, it is supposed that Roman galleys spend a winter there, and that would also explain necessary existing that many religious buildings. Through the centuries of decadence of the West Roman Empire, emperors were changing; West Goths came, and after them East Roman Empire, which remains on the west part of the island until 12th century, when Neretljans take over the island finally.
Starting that time, Benedictines, who came from Mt. Gargano in Italy, are feudalists and owners. They built monastery and the church of St. Maria on the little island, inside the Big Lake. Church was built soon, since Pope Innocent III issues a decree upon which St. Maria becomes inaugurated in 1198.
Different architectural styles like renaissance and baroque, changed the appearance of church throughout the centuries, but the central part remained Roman. In 1345 Benedictines gave up on ruling the island and kept only 1/3 of all properties. Island gets own Statute and becomes separated entity with headquarters in Babino Polje. In 1410 island joins to Dubrovnik Republic and is obligated to pay 300 hiperperas each year, as it was arranged in contract with Benedictines.
Monastery was reconstructed in renaissance too, what creates unique complex with church. That was probably in 16th century, while it was headquarter of Mljet Congregation (Congregatio Melitensem or Melitanam), which gathers all men Benedictine monasteries on the territory of Dubrovnik Republic. First president from Dubrovnik, Mavro Vetranović-Hović, was an abbot of monastery and poet. Another poet, Ignjat Purpević, was also president in 18th century.
As the time was passing by, monastery diminishes in its importance and headquarters of Mljet Congregation moves to St. Jakov church in Dubrovnik.
Under Napoleons authority, these monasteries are dismissed, and in 1809 monastery on Mljet closed its doors. Later on, during the 19th century, Austrian Forest administration took over the ruling. Between I and II World War, island falls under Dubrovnik's bishop ownership. From 1960 monastery was arranged as hotel, but in 1988 it was given back under bishop's control.
Rich and exciting life on the island is presented in national costumes. Women national costume was preserved, while men s was adapted. Base elements of women national costume are: red gown made of wool cloth, and white blouse, which is excelling in contrast with red. Original part of the costume is belt, once made of silk and today made of wool, mostly used by women to belt the gown. Silk worm was cultured on the island, so that blouses, socks and belts for celebrations were made of silk. Upper parts of the costume are colorful, and probably belong to primary gown. For head they have specific hat, called
kufija, embroidered with ancient islands embroidery, mostly red. Over it they put a rag (marama), decorated with lace and fancy work and red strips. Women ware white socks and red shoes.
Beginning of habitats started at the end of 18th century on this territory, when Benedictines permitted two families from Babino Polje to settle. That was beginning of the oldest settlement-Goveđari, fishermen and farmers village. Later on raised Polače, Babine Kuće and Soline, while Pomena and other villages rose after II World War.