Hvar Town

Hvar Town

Hvar Town is the historic capital of the island of Hvar on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, celebrated for its Renaissance architecture, Venetian fortress, lavender-scented hillsides, and as one of the most visited towns on the Adriatic.

History

The Greeks established a colony called Pharos on the eastern end of Hvar island in the 4th century BC, but the western settlement at present-day Hvar Town grew during the medieval period under Croatian nobility. Venice gained control in 1278 and shaped the town's urban form over the following centuries, constructing the loggia, arsenal, and the star-shaped Fortica fortress. The town served as a key naval and provisioning base for Venetian galleys. An early commoners' theatre, one of the oldest in Europe, opened here in 1612. The town suffered Ottoman raids in 1571 but was rebuilt in full Venetian Renaissance style.

What to See

St. Stephen's Square, the largest piazza on the Dalmatian coast, is flanked by the Cathedral of St. Stephen with its distinctive tower and the Arsenal building, whose upper floor houses the historic Renaissance theatre. The Fortica (Spanish Fortress) above town commands sweeping views of the Pakleni Islands and the open Adriatic. The Franciscan Monastery at the harbour's edge contains a fine collection of Flemish and Italian Renaissance paintings. The old harbour, narrow lanes with stone palazzi, and surrounding lavender fields complete the experience.

Getting There

Hvar is accessible by regular ferry from Split to Stari Grad (50 minutes) and by catamaran from Split directly to Hvar Town. A local bus connects Stari Grad ferry terminal to Hvar Town. Water taxis from neighbouring islands also serve the harbour.

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