Korcula is also the birthplace of Marco Polo the explorer. However, the people have maintained their patriotism and the essence of their identity. The Republic Dubrovnik was the first to recognize the Independence of the United States of America in 1776. There are several religions practised in Croatia. People of these various faiths, in their churches, synagogues and mosques, live side by side.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution.
Today, Roman Catholicism has the largest following. Croatian saints, St. Nikola Tavelic, St. Ozona Kotorska and St. Augustus Kazotic date back to the 14th century. The Roman Catholic clergy has played a central role in education and culture, as well as in preserving Croatian heritage. The Jesuits established the first university in Zagreb in 1669.