Koločep is the smallest settled Island in the Elaphite archipelago.
It has a surface area of 2.35m2 and Is 3 Nm northwest of Dubrovnik. The Island Is made up of limestone and dolomite rock. Then are no water sources or streams, and only subterranean waters are used. There are two settlements on the Island with sandy and pebbly beaches.
Gornje and Donje field, which offer excellent conditions for enjoyment of the clear and clean sea. The east and west sides are covered in dense pine forest. The mild Mediterranean climate favors the growth of vineyards, olive groves and southern fruits. It could be said that Koločep experienced its golden age In the XV century. Many sacral buildings and summer manors were built on the Island.
After an attack of Turkish warships In 1571, the Island was fortified with defense towers at all the major strongholds. The Assumption of Mary, a parish church, Is located In Donje Čelo, which was started In the XIII century. The church of St. Anthony, dating to the XV century, lies on the way towards Gornje Čelo. The pre-Romanesque church of St. Anthony of Padova, built dur-ing the Xl/XII centuries, Is found In Gornje Čelo.
You can still see some other pre - Romanesque churches on the Island.
However, many of the Koločep churches are now only ruins.
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