The main square and Venetian buildings of Hvar town, Croatia

Historic Quarter

Hvar Old Town & Square

Hvar · Central Dalmatia

SCROLL

CATEGORY: Historic Quarter
COUNTRY: Croatia
REGION: Hvar · Central Dalmatia
DURATION: 1–2 days

ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION

Hvar town is a Venetian harbour of stone houses, a long main square opening onto the waterfront, and the arsenal that once housed the galley yard and now holds the oldest municipal theatre in Europe, opened in 1612. The square is one of the largest in Dalmatia, and the town’s Venetian loggia, the Franciscan monastery and the cathedral line the lanes behind it. It is the social and historic heart of the island, and the place the summer crowd gathers.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The story behind it

Hvar town grew as a Venetian naval and trading port from the 13th century, and its main square, the arsenal and the loggia date from the Venetian period. The theatre inside the arsenal, opened in 1612, is the oldest municipal theatre in Europe — a sign of the town’s wealth and civic pride. The town was rebuilt after a Turkish attack in 1571 and an earthquake, and its Venetian façades survive largely intact, which is why the square is one of the most photographed on the coast.

WHAT TO SEE

What to see here

The main square, opening onto the waterfront, one of the largest in Dalmatia.

The arsenal and the 1612 theatre, the oldest municipal theatre in Europe.

The cathedral and the Venetian loggia beside the square.

The Franciscan monastery at the end of the waterfront.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why it matters

The old town is Hvar — the Venetian harbour, the great square and the oldest theatre in Europe that make the town the historic and social centre of the island. For a visitor it is the place to walk, eat and watch the evening passeggiata.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Before you go

Access

The old town is at the harbour; it is car-free, so park outside or arrive by ferry. The theatre and the monastery have their own opening hours.

Best Time

Year-round; mornings and evenings for the quietest square in summer.

Pairing

Combine with the climb to the Fortica fortress above the town.

THROUGH THE LENS

From the road

MAP & LOCATION