A day in Hvar exploring history

Most of people when come to Hvar think only about sun, sea, beach and party and don’t even thinking about the thing they might be missing: great potential for exploring Hvar history! Walking through Hvar town you will notice the rich history and cultural heritage Hvar has to offer.
Here is the list of historical monuments you shouldn’t miss when in Hvar. You can ask for assistance in Hvar Tourist board (on the main square) or you can use our suggested guidelines bellow.

A day in Hvar exploring history

1. Start you history exploring quest at ruins of the St Marco Dominican convent & church. It is located in a tiny street on the left from Town Loggia, with a beautiful stone church tower dominating the view when you enter in Hvar harbour by sea. In the ruins of the convent you will find today one of Hvar museums, caller The Archeological and stone fragments collection Dr. Grga Novak. Opening hours are from 10AM till 1PM and 8 till 11PM. You will be able to explore a collection of prehistorical items found in Hvar caves.
An interesting story about St. Marco church is the story why is the church called like that. By the legend, when the body of St. Marco (St. mark one of 4 apostles) was carried from Alexandria to Venice (in the peak of Venice Republic), the body only stopped at 2 spots, one of it being Hvar and the Dominican church, which was after that event called St. Marco church.

2. On the south-east side of Hvar, just 5 minutes short walk from Hvar harbour, you can find Franciscan monastery and church. It is nicely nested on the small peninsula, dominating the surroundings. This church is originally from 15th century and the Franciscan monastery is still present there. In there is also The Franciscans art collection with old manuscripts, missal vestments, liturgical objects and paintings and sculptures of the contemporary artists.
Interesting story about this convent is it’s Last supper, an 8 meters wide picture nestled on the wall of dinning room. The legend is that it was made by an artist after the monks saved him from ship wreck in middle ages.
In the evening you can find various artists in the cloister of the Franciscan monastery: musician, klapas, acting groups which perform there as a part of Hvar summer festival.

3. Visiting Hvar Arsenal and Theater . Dominating the south side of the largest square in Dalmatia is Hvar Arsenal. A building that was initiated by Venice Republic back in 13th century and therefor setting a crucial stone for Hvar further development over the centuries. This is also the largest public bulding in general on this part of the Adriatic, and has been used as a shed for Venetian fleet boats and its equipment. During the centuries this building was reconstructed quite a few times and the last reconstruction is being done as we speak. Full information on this page: http://www.hvar.hr/Default.aspx?tabid=1088

On the upper floor of the Arsenal you will find famous Hvar theater built in 1612 and therefore being one of the most important historic monuments in Croatia.

Please note that the Arsenal and Theater are currently being renovated so it is possible that the visiting times can be reduced.

4. Hvar Cathedral and The Bishop’s museum. At the central position of the town square you will see Hvar Cathedral, dedicated to St. Stephen, which is considered a jewel of late Renaissance Dalmatian architecture. It was built from 13th to 18th century and is expressed by monumental interior and expressive facade.
On the left side of the Chatedral you can find The Bishop’s museum with liturgical objects, documents, paintings dated from 15th till 19th century.
The Museum is open from 9AM till 12AM and from 5PM till 7PM.

5. The Benedictine convent and The Hanibal Lucic Art Collection located in the heart of the old town Hvar. Benedictine nuns are well known for agave lace.
The Hanibal Lucic Art collection is open every day from 10AM till 12AM and from 5PM till 7PM with collection of paintings, icons and other artifacts from 16th to 18th century.

6. Hvar Loggia (Town Hall), built in early 17th century as part of the complex which included the Prince’s Palace. It’s first use was as a courtroom and city hall, for which purpose the Loggia is still used.
It is located on the opposite side from Hvar Arsenal and is considered to be one of the most beutiful buildings in Dalmatia.

Restaurant Gariful Hvar

Restaurant Gariful Hvar is located on the main promenade of Hvar town, Riva, and is the most exclusive Hvar restaurant with fish specials.
From the terrace of the restaurant you can enjoy in several vivid details. There is a pool filled with live fish and crabs as well as the open grill for meat dishes. These details speak well enough for themselves about the richness of the restaurant’s offer.

In the cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant’s terrace, you’ll enjoy in delightfully prepared dishes and fast service of the pleasant restaurant staff as well as in the unique atmosphere of the Hvar quay with its magnificent sunset.

Address: Riva, 21 450 Hvar, Croatia • Telephone: ++385 (0)21-742-999

Restaurant Hanibal Hvar

One of the most popular Hvar restaurants is Hanibal located on the main Hvar square.
The restaurant aquired its name of the Hvar author Hanibal Lucic (1485-1553), the decendant of one of the oldest and most nobel families in Hvar. His writing was influenced by the verses of Petrarca and croatian peoples poetry. He is the author of “Robinja” (Slave girl), the first croatian peoples drama.

Restaurant “Hanibal”
Pjaca 12, 21450 Hvar, Croatia
tel: +385 (0)21 742 760
e-mail: hanibal@hanibal.hr

Zlatna Školjka (Golden shell) restaurant

The ‘Golden Shell’ is a small, picturesque slow food restaurant situated in the centre of Hvar, less than 20m from the town piazza.

It is located on the ground floor af a 13th century house which was later joined with the foundations of the town wall. It once belonged to the Hektorović family and is believed to be the birthplace of renowned Rennaisance poet Petar Hektorović (1487-1572), who lived and worked here for the grater part of his creative life. This places The Golden Shell, physically and metaphorically, at the root of Croatian and Mediterranean history.

However, it is the present-day philosophy and offer of this intriguing restaurant that makes it special.

Seating is available for 30 guests, with each guest guaranteed an intimate atmosphere and an individual approach to choosing their meal and the way it is prepared. Thanks to an open-plan kitchen, strategically placed so it is visible from every corner of the restaurant itself, guests are able to watch as each phase of their meal is prepared.

Zlatna skoljka restaurant recommends reservation in advance:
P.Hektorovića 8, 21450 Hvar, tel: ++385 (0)98 16 88 797