Hvar is not just a famous road with legends about it. It is also a beautiful villages, which are considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. What are the attractions of the island of Hvar? First of all, the place where it all began, the first settlement on the island and one of the first in the Adriatic region – today’s Stari Grad.
Attractions of the island of Hvar – the ancient legacy of Stari Grad
Stari Grad is a small town founded by the Greeks in 384 BC, the same year that the famous philosopher Aristotle was born. The Greeks called Stari Grad the Faros. We immediately warn you that it is not the same Faros with one of the wonders of the ancient world. Despite the fact that the walls of the city remember the ancient times, unfortunately, most of the buildings in the city are from later times. So what is left of the Greeks? UNESCO World Heritage Site remnants of ancient grapevine and olive cultivation, which are a great place for evening excursions. However, this is not what enchanted us the most, but the atmosphere of the old town, its silence, peace and nostalgia. Ideal for thinking, spending hours in a tiny café, sipping coffee or sipping rakija.
Stari Grad – the town where time has stopped
We don’t know if it’s a matter of the season or the time of day, but the first thing that struck us in Stari Grad was his sleepiness and peace of mind. Practically no visitors. Somewhere you could hear the sailors listening to the nostalgic songs of Bijelo Dugme, eating breakfast and packing up before leaving. The inhabitants, knowing each other for a long time, greeted one another. Nobody rushed to work, there was time for morning coffee and conversation. As if we had moved decades back or found ourselves in a magical place where the notion of time does not exist.
The attractions of Hvar Island? So Stari Grad in a nutshell
Stari Grad is primarily a beautiful old town with a distinctive Dominican monastery and St. Stephen’s Church and a tiny marina with St. Jerolimo’s Church. All this can be seen in a few hours, at peace, without hurrying and still have enough time to visit the lavender shops, for which the whole island is famous. You will find there lavender and rosemary oils, soaps, honey, dried flowers, cosmetics – they are great gifts for friends.
Attractions of the island of Hvar – Stari Grad in a nutshell – St. Stephen’s Church
Built in 1605 in the Dalmatian Baroque style in the historical center of the town. A bell tower was added next to the basilica, which was completed in 1753. The stone blocks in the lower part of the tower were probably part of the walls of the ancient Faros. In summer, the palace turns into a place of symphonic concerts or a playground for local children. In the low season, you can sit on the stairs and admire the architecture of the old town in silence.
Attractions of the island of Hvar – Stari Grad in a nutshell – Tvrdalj Castle
This is the villa of the Renaissance poet Petar Hektorovic. When in the 16th century the island was attacked by the Ottoman Turks, Hektorović decided to strengthen his palace so that the local people could find shelter from the invaders. It is an interesting object because inside the palace there is a swimming pool surrounded by arcades, filled with seawater, in which salmons swim.
Attractions of the island of Hvar – Stari Grad in a nutshell – Dominican monastery
It was built in 1487. Unfortunately, it burned down as a result of the Ottoman Turks’ invasion in 1571. It was renovated and strengthened quite quickly. Apparently, most of the foundations were once part of the walls of the ancient Faros. Currently, the monastery is inhabited by two monks, and the building has a museum.
Attractions of the island of Hvar – Stari Grad in a nutshell – Trg Škor
A bunch of useful links at the end
- You’re wondering how to get to Hvar? When do the ferries run and for how much? Take a look at our article.
- By motorbike to the moon? It is only possible in Croatia!
- Motorcycle challenge and test of your technical driving skills? Read about Sveti Jure.
- Visit the land of waterfalls, footbridges and incredible color of lakes – Plitvice Lakes.
- We have also developed a 10-day tour of Croatia. Check it out here, it might inspire you.
- The most beautiful Croatian routes? You can find our TOP5 here.
Are you looking for a place to stay in STARI GRAD?
We would be pleased if you could use our referral link to BOOKING.COM. You will appreciate the time we spend on running our blog and help us to expand it further. Below you will also find our suggestions for accommodation in Stari Grad.
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