Discovering Hvar Town
20 January 2008
No CommentHvar island was primarily used for wine cultivation by the Romans, so it was off to a good start from the beginning. During the middle ages wine production was elevated to the major local industry. Hvar really evolved into a prosperous center during the Renaissance from fishing, cultivation of lavender, rosemary, and olives. This prosperity brought a wealth of culture by attracting artisans, poets, writers and scientists to the island.
Visiting Hvar, you immediately get a sense that you are in a place that has been blessed with good fortune. The natural beauty and feeling of peacefulness and harmony with nature is evident in every aspect from the deep blue Adriatic, to the Lavender and Rosemary covered hills of the Sv. Jerolim and the surrounding Pakleni islands.
Our travels kept us in and around Hvar town. The hub of activity for the island. It’s gotten the reputation of being the “New Riviera” for the jet set. There are quite a few entertainment celebrities, business tycoons, and Euro-royalty that vacation here, either in villas on the island itself, or drop anchor from their yachts. If fact, the marina was buzzing with yachts pulling in and out of the marina during our stay.
The main square of Hvar Town is anchored by the Cathedral of Hvar at the far end of the square. It’s an open area filled with cafe’s, gelato shops, and retail stores geared toward the tourist.
The setting of Hvar town is pitch perfect for a “New Riviera”. The town is formed around a small marina, that is bordered on all sides by shops, cafes and hotels. Hvar Town is nestled at the bottom of steep mountains that vertically ascend just a few meters from the water. The back streets of Hvar town cris-cross up and up finally ending at the entrance to the grand Fortress, Fortica Spanjola that guards the city below.
Leave your response!