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.

Vrboska

Vrboska , the smallest town on the sunny island Hvar . Vrboska has a beautiful little island in the middle of the bay connected with bridges, and therefore it is named Little Venice .

Things to see:

One of the sights for which Vrboska can be proud of is the fishermen’s museum . The Museum collection includes all traditional fishermen’s equipment. There is also an old reconstructed fishermen’s house which leaves an impressive image of the hard life of the former inhabitants. The most outstanding object is the church (fortress) of St. Mary of Grace from the 16th century , built from the local people for the defense against the Turks. It is the most beautiful fortress in Croatia . In the western direction from the church- fortress is the parish- church of St. Lovrinac from the 15th. The interior of the church of St.Lovre keeps a inestimable painting treasure ascribed to the renaissance maestro Tiziano Vecellio , Veronese , Jacopo de Ponte Bassano , Giuseppe Alabardi , Antonio Scuri , Tiziano Aspetti , and the filigran- artist Benvenuto Cellini .

Things to do:

A Fisherman’s night is organized in Vrboska in early August with delicious fish and other local food being offered.

Vrboska is known for its beautiful gravel and sandy beaches, clear air, crystal blue sea and untouched nature

The ACI marina Vrboska opened for the yachtsmen during the whole year.

Jelsa

The village Jelsa is located in the middle of the island of Hvar and is mild, clean and open hearted to the guests. Jelsa is surrounded by the two highest mountains on the island – in the west St. Nikola , and in the east Hum .

Things to see:

The first houses were built around the Gothic church of St Michael on the northern side of the bay.
Another group of houses developed around the Baroque church of St John on another rock.
St. Mary’s church dates back to 1331.. The brotherhood of Sts Fabian and Sebastian ordered a painting by Veronese in 1576 for the high altar, which was sadly destroyed later in the fire caused by a thunderbolt on December 26, 1771., together with the miracle statue of Our Lady (”Gospa Stomorena”), which was later restored. The sacristy houses a collection of church vestments, liturgical vessels, valuable crucifixes, etc.

The picturesque peninsula of Gradina is the location where an Augustinian hermitage was established in 1599, and replaced by the cemetery in 1807.

Tor – a Greek reconnaissance tower built of megalithic (Cyclopean) blocks in the 4th and 3rd centuy BC, overlooks the whole area of the islands of Hvar and Brac as far as Šolta and the Makarska littoral.

Things to do:

Every year during the last weekend in August a traditional Wine fair is organized in Jelsa. The best wines from Hvar are on display as well as a variety of local gastronomic specialties.

Event will take place in Jelsa from 28.06 – 11.07 .

Every year Jelsa plays host to musical, drama and folklore events called the “Nights of Antun Dobronic”.

Churches

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