Polace

above photo: Views over the bay

Polače – the port and village on the island of Mljet

Polace, a village in the western part of the northern coast of the island of Mljet. It is the largest and the safest bay on the whole Island, as it is secluded and sheltered by 4 small islands Tajnik, Moračnik, Ovrata and Kobrava. Due to its sheltered position, the bay is very popular among sailors and yachtsmen to do their anchorage there. The bay itself is 5.6 km long and about 4 km wide. Polace is also one of the ferry ports on Mljet where passenger catamaran ferry arrives from Dubrovnik.

The village has just over one hundred permanent inhabitants. It has a couple of restaurants and cafes, as well as a shop for basic provisions. Polace is pronounced Pola-che.

The village has a number of ancient ruins dating from the 1st to the 6th centuries. However, of greatest significance is the Roman palace hence the name “Polace” from the 5th century whose walls dominate the village. This is one of the largest buildings in Dalmatia from the Roman period. See some photos below:

Remains of the Roman palace from 5th century AD

Roman Palace walls/tower – ruins

Locals live here right next to the palace ruins – the photo above shows some lemon trees growing right next to the ancient walls

Map of Polace on the Island of Mljet

Nautical Map of Polace

• Photo – Polače, Mljet in 1930s
• Photo: Ferry arrival in Polace (1960s)
• Map from 1750