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Mali Ston is a planned settlement on the Pelješac peninsula. In the 14th century, the Republic of Dubrovnik bought Pelješac from the Bosnian and Serbian rulers in order to strengthen its political position and expand its economic influence. Ston and Mali Ston were built by the efforts of the Republic, primarily for defensive roles in the expansion towards the Dalmatian islands. The two settlements are surrounded by walls and are located at opposite ends of the isthmus separated by two bays. The walls were reinforced with fortifications, and the inhabitants were forcibly relocated from the surrounding settlements within the walls of the new planned settlement. Mali Ston was built by Dubrovnik fortification experts, builders, stone masons and designers. Mali Ston was focused on maritime trade and cooperation with the hinterland across the Neretva river. Most of the houses within the new settlement were of modest architecture in the Gothic style, arranged in a network of residential blocks.

Mali Ston was planned as a well-fortified port with a shipyard and warehouses, but also the workers needed to carry out all the work. Above the settlement is the Koruna fort, while other significant buildings are the Toljevac tower, the Orsan arsenal, the Kaše breakwater and the parish church of St. Anton. Mali Ston is better known for its gastronomy and oyster farming than for its cultural heritage, although its core represents a cultural-historical entity as part of the immovable cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.

Maloston Bay has been a place of oyster cultivation since ancient times. The oyster is a shellfish that has captivated people with its uniqueness since ancient times. Available archival data tells us that oyster cultivation in this area was already well developed during the 16th century. At that time, the parcels in the bay were managed by the prince, and he distributed concessions for cultivation to those who gave part of the shells to the state and the prince. In the 18th century, cultivation almost collapsed, but later in the 19th, it was modernized and reached its peak between 1980 and 1990, when one and a half to two million oysters were produced annually. The most famous location of the Maloston Bay for oyster cultivation is Bistrina bay.

Fun fact: In order to preserve production that was on the verge of collapse in the 18th century, the Republic of Dubrovnik decided to increase the number of families involved in farming. Each family received a loan of 100 ducats for installments of 10 ducats per year, but also with a grace period of four years when the new farms start bearing fruit.