Island Hvar

The island Hvar is a part of the central Dalmatian archipelago and it is 72 km long and 10.5 km wide (at its widest point). The overall length of the coast of the island Hvar is 254 km and it covers an area of approximately 300 km2, which makes it the 4th largest island in Croatia by area. The highest peak of the island Hvar is St. Nicholas (Sv. Nikola) at 628 metres. The island Brac is situated north of the island Hvar, while the small island Scedro, the Paklen Islands, the island Korcula, and the Peljesac peninsula are located south of the island Hvar. The island Vis, famous for its turbulent history, is situated south-west of the island of Hvar. The Island Hvar has a population of approximately 14,000. It is known as the sunniest island in the Adriatic Sea with the average of 2,712 hours of sunshine, or 113 sunny days a year. The average temperature is 25 °C during summer months, and 9 °C during winter months. Lavender, olive trees, olive oil, wine, intact nature, and high-quality tourist accommodations and attractions were the reasons why in 1997 the magazine 'Traveller' has listed Hvar as one of the top 10, most beautiful islands in the world. The traditional Procession with cross on the island Hvar, the well-known Stari Grad field, and the unique Hvar's lace are included in UNESCO's World Heritage Lists.

Hvar

Hvar is one of the most popular Middle Dalmatian island, because it offers the ancient towns, beautiful nature, pebbles beaches and the clear sea. Hvar has its long history, since the old Illyrians, Greek inhabitants, to the modern times. Hvar is one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.No wonder, that many guests and tourists are coming here to admire this beauty. Paklen islands, in front of the Hvar town bay, are located in the untouched nature and with the crystal clear sea. Therefore, Hvar is visited by the large number of the guests and tourists.

History of island Hvar

Through the history of Island Hvar it has been populated since 3500 BC (pre-historic times), and later it became an Illyrian settlement. Notorious Illyrian King Argon and Queen Teuta ruled the island for a period of time. In the 4th century BC Hvar was colonised by the ancient Greeks who founded the town of Pharos (present-day Stari Grad). In the 3rd century BC, following the fall of Syracuse, which at that time was the most influential Hellenic polis, the Romans took charge of the island of Hvar. Later in the history of island Hvar, many different rulers and governments followed, such as Kingdom of Croatia, Venetian Republic, Byzantine Empire, Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary, Habsburg Monarchy, Napoleonic Empire, Austria, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and Kingdom of Italy. Today, the island of Hvar is the integral part of the Republic of Croatia. Throughout history of island Hvar, every new administration built and constructed paths and roads, fortresses, public buildings, lighthouses, urban infrastructure, ports and military objects, improved agriculture and economy, and thus left an indelible mark on the island, its inhabitants, and their culture and tradition.

Arsenal building

The Arsenal building is located in the very port of the town of Hvar, and iwas a storage for the weapons and ammunition, that was used on the town Hvar battle fleet, to defend themselves from the invaders. Arsenal Building was built in the 13th century. What is interesting here, is of being built the oldest surviving theatres in Europe, on the upper floor of the Arsenal Building in 1612. At that time William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was at the height of his popularity.

Petar Hektorovic palace

Petar Hektorovic palace is a fortified summer residence of the writer Petar Hektorovic (1487-1572), author one of the most important literary works of Croatian Renaissance "Fishing and Fishermen's Talk". It is a story about author 3 days fishing between the islands of Hvar, Brac and Ciovo. Although, he was born in Petar Hektorovic palace, it has not been finished and built to the very end. Petar Hektorovic Palace is located in the very down town of the town of Hvar, and is one of the most magnificent example of the late Gothic architecture style of the 15th century.

Procession with cross

Procession with cross on the island of Hvar is a unique religious ceremony dating back to the 16th and 17th century. It lasts for 8 hours during which followers pass through six parishes (Vrbanj, Vrboska, Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik and Svirce). The participants walk for over 25 km. Procession with cross use the paths from church to church, and where they are passing through are illuminated by th lamps. The people put the candels on the windows at that time.This is the symbolism of the illumination of the path and religion, spiritual repentance of the common folk, and the desire for the good and fertile year.

Hvar's lace

Hvar's lace is the distinctive type of Lace made from threads of agava leaves, which may not be older then 3 years. The threads of the older agava are fragile and can not be used for the lace. Hvar's Lace is made exclusively by the nuns of the Benedictine convent located in the town of Hvar. This craft presumably originates from the Canary Islands and was brought to Hvar by sailors in the 19th century. Some of the Hvar's laces are unique.

Stari grad field

Stari grad field, also known as 'Ager' or 'Chora Farou' is a 6 km long and 2 km wide fertile field. Stari grad field was separated into parcels when the island of Hvar was still a Greek colony and Stari Grad a polis. The entire field is divided into 73 rectangular parcels (dimensions 181x905 m), some of them were further subdivided into even smaller parcels (dimensions 181x181 m) and bounded by dry stone walls. Stari grad field represents a unique, impressive and successful agricultural system that is preserved to the present days.

Faros swimming marathon

Faros swimming marathon held in Stari Grad in August, during the tourist season to enrich the diversity of the tourist offer.The marathon is 16 km long (8.5 miles) and it starts and finishes in the Stari grad port. Faros Swimming Marathon starts at signal, and all the participants start to swim by the applause and ovation of the present audience. Usually they are escorted by the boats fleet, which take care of the safety, health and the medical care, if needed be. The professional staff and the judges have marked the swimming route and the turnstiles by the buoys, so Faros Swimming Marathon could be regular and equal.

International festival of radio plays and documentary radio dramas

International festival of radio plays and documentary radio dramas is organised by the Drama Department of Croatian Radio, and is held annually in the town of Hvar in the month of May. In 2010, a total of 61 shows from 22 countries and 36 production companies were presented. An international jury hands out the Prix Marulic award in three categories: Drama, Documentary, and Short Forms. Many listeners enjoy in listening this interesting plays and dramas.

Island Hvar tourist destination

Hvar island is worldwide known tourist destination because of its beauty, the longest sunny annual period, Paklen islands, its long history and the beautiful beaches. Island Hvar Tourist Destination has very long history. The island of Hvar was one of the first ancient Greek colony. Island Hvar Tourist Destination has the oldest tradition in the dealing in tourism on the Adriatic sea. The guests and tourists are gladly coming here to see this lovely island, so the hosts had to build numerous tourist objects, so they could meet the rising demand. One of the goals of the Hvar Tourist Board is to establish the island of Hvar as a Croatian cycling destination. In order to do that, they have developed and marked cycling routes of different levels for cyclists with different skills so that everyone can enjoy the bicycle tour.