Hvar astronomical observatory

In Hvar there is one of the most important observatories of the revolution of the Sun and stars in Croatia. The observatory was founded in 1972 and is located in the vicinity of the former French fortress on the hill overlooking the town of Hvar.

Five centuries old religious cerimonies

During Holy Week in Hvar you have the rare opportunity to partecipate in age-old and impressive religious ceremonies. The most important is the Mandy Thursday procession called „Following the Cross“, which is held every year for the last 5 centuries in Jelsa and the nearby villages. It is also interesting the pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchr, taking place in various churches in Hvar on Good Friday.

Why Hvar?

Hvar is the sunniest, most popular and the island with the most guests in the Croatian Adriatic Sea . Hvar has been elected as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world (by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, November 2006).
Rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to pre-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches and bays, crystal blue sea , high quality accommodation in private houses and the hospitality of the local people are the guarantees of a holiday you will always remember.

Lavender – symbol of Hvar

The island of Hvar is well known for it’s Mediterranean herbs, especially for it’s lavender. It is often called “The Island of Lavender”.
The Hvar lavender is of highest quality among all sorts of lavender grown throughout Europe. It is ecologically produced, while sowing and harvesting are done manually. Colourful, fragrant bags, full of dried Hvar lavender flowers in shops, souvenir-shops, hotels, pharmacies and perfume-shops all around Croatia.
If you want an original Hvar souvenir, a remedy and fragrance in one, then an ideal solution for you is a fragrant bag of “Hvar Lavender” or a bottle of lavender oil.

Oldest public theatre in Europe

Did you know that oldest public / communal theatre is in Hvar?
Hvar’s Theatre, situated in the Arsenal building, is a monument of the highest national significance for the Republic of Croatia.
The Theatre was built in 1612, on the first floor of the Arsenal building during the rule of venturesome Duke Petar Semitecolo. The monumental Arsenal building situated in the historical centre of the Town of Hvar is one of the most important buildings of naval architecture of its kind on the Mediterranean.

Agave lace – unique souvenir from Hvar

Arguably the most impressive and unique souvenir from Hvar is Agava Lace made by nuns from Benedictine monastery which is located right in the hart of the old Hvar town, enclosed by high stone-made walls.
This lace is unique since it is made from agave threads and the tradition lasts from more then a 100 years. Agave is a succulent plant of a large botanical genus of the same name, belonging to the family Agavaceae.
This souvenir is made in only limited quantities and cannot be bought anywhere else but in Benedictine convent in Hvar center.
Agave lace from Hvar was given by Croatian minister to pope Benedict XVI proving the fact that this is one of the most exclusive Croatian souvenirs.