Stari Grad plain

Hvar – UNESCO Island

Looking to spend vacation that is more than sea and sun? Read our blog and learn more about Hvar Island and its riches.

Table of Contents

In this blog we`ll be writing about island of Hvar. For many, Hvar Island, is known for its “infamous” night life and in recent years it has become place where thousands of tourists flock every summer to party.

But apart from being a well-known party destination Hvar can boast with rich cultural heritage among which several were recognized by UNESCO and are protected tangible and intangible heritages of the world.

Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad plain, also known as the Ager, is a field located next to Stari Grad on Hvar Island that has been cultivated continuously for over 2,400 years.

Stari Grad plain

Stari Grad plain, source:TZ Hvar

The ancient Greeks were the first to divide the field into rectangular plots (180 x 900 meters). The plots were bounded by dry walls and intersected by roads and paths leading to individual plots. While conducting the archeological excavations archaeologists found the starting point from which the Greek surveyor began to divide the land.

Stari Grad plain

Stari Grad plain, source:TZ Hvar

In addition to the remains of the ancient Greeks, the remains of several Roman villas were also found, and in 1331 the Hvar statute records the Slavic owner of the vineyard which testifies to the continuous use of this land throughout the centuries.

Due to the best-preserved cadastral division in the Mediterranean, Stari Grad Plain was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage in 2008.

Dry-stone walling

In short dry-stone walling is building method of stone walls without using any adhesive material, except sometimes dry soil.

Dry-wall

Dry-wall, source: commons.wikimedia.org, author: Joadl

This construction method is common to Mediterranean countries and as such it is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list in 2018. Hvar island was singled out because of Starigrad Plain and dry walls that were built there since the time of ancient Greeks.

Procession to the Cross

Dating back to 15thcentury The Procession to the Cross express a unique form of piety, cultural and religious identity of the people living in a central part of Hvar Island. The Procession has been taking place uninterrupted for over five centuries.

The Procession to the Cross

The Procession to the Cross, source:TZ Hvar

As a part of Easter festivities, The Procession to the Cross starts during the night on Maundy Thursday. Procession consists of six separate processions which leaves simultaneously from six parishes. Processions moves clockwise and they must not meet one another, or according to the local belief great misfortune will happen.

The Procession to the Cross

The Procession to the Cross, source:TZ Hvar

During the procession all six individual procession visits all six churches and end up in the church from which they started.

Procession is led by cross-bearer holding the cross covered with black veil. It is a great honor to be a cross-bearer and some wait for over 20 years to get their turn.

The Procession to the Cross

The Procession to the Cross, source:TZ Hvar

During the procession people attending the procession pray and sing psalms and church hymns.

In 2009. The Procession to the Cross was included in the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage list.

Agave Lace

Lacemaking was widely spread across Western Europe and Mediterranean countries in the Renaissance period. Croatia has a long and continuous tradition of lacemaking. There are three lacemaking centers in Croatia, Lepoglava, island of Pag and Hvar Island. Production of lace patterns differentiate in method of sewing and material from which lace is produce.

Agave lace

Agave lace, source:TZ Hvar

Lace on Hvar Island is produced by the sisters of the Benedictine monastery. The monastery was founded in 1664. And the first sisters came from island of Rab bringing with her the art of lacemaking. What differentiate this lace from others is the material from which it is produced. Threads needed to make lace are extracted from the leaves of agave plant.

Agave lace

Agave lace, source:TZ Hvar

Threads acquired from agave plant leaves are woven into different patterns and the produced laces are today a symbol of Hvar and as such are listed as a part of Croatian lacemaking on the list of UNESCO intangible world heritage in 2009.

Agave lace Agave lace, source:TZ Hvar

Mediterranean Cuisine

In short Mediterranean cuisine includes a specific way of life in harmony with nature and the use of its resources. It is in the basis of people living in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mediterranean cuisineMediterranean cuisine, source:TZ Hvar

Mediterranean cuisine is characterized by seasonality which reflects in preparing food that is in season and it consists of fish, leafy vegetable, legumes, figs, olive oil, fresh spices etc. In this way the diet consists of fresh and healthy ingredients.

Mediterranean cuisineMediterranean cuisine, source:TZ Hvar

Mediterranean diet was included in the UNESCO list of intangible world heritage in 2013. Croatia was one of the countries that were chosen, and Hvar Island was one of the islands that represent this Mediterranean heritage.

Klapa Singing

Klapa singing is traditional a cappella polyphonic singing that originates from Dalmatia. The word Klapa describes a “group of friends” and indeed at the beginning of klapa singing, a group of friends would get together, often in tavern and sing popular songs. The tradition of klapa singing as we know it today was formed in the middle of the 19th century.

Klapa Singing

Klapa singing, source:TZ Hvar

The lyrics of klapa songs are mostly about love and daily life and they are great testament of the everyday life.

In 2012. klapa singing was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible world heritage.

Klapa singingKlapa singing, source:TZ Hvar

Did we convince you to visit Hvar and check its exquisite UNESCO heritage? If this is the case, check out the following villas that are ideal starting points for you exploration of this magnificent island.

Where to stay on Hvar Island?

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

Luxury Villa Golden Hour is a perfect choice for a luxurious vacation on Hvar Island.

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

This 4-bedroom villa located in picturesque town of Jelsa is ideal for group of friends or families travelling together. From top to bottom villa is equipped with luxury furniture and amenities.

All bedrooms feature king size bed, en-suite bathroom, balcony, and amazing sea view.

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

The beach is located some 60 meters from the villa.

Heated, infinity pool and indoor jacuzzi are perfect if you are planning to visit Hvar in pre or post season and are looking to avoid the heat and the crowds.

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

Luxury Villa Golden Hour with Pool

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

For a perfect summer vacation book Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool. This five-star villa near Stari Grad offers a tranquil oasis located 30 meters from the sea.

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

With living area of 300 m2 and four bedrooms villa can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests. Outdoor area consists of 270 m2of green and 170 m2of paved area which makes it ideal for guests with pets.

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated PoolLuxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

Swimming pool has a heating option so you will be able to enjoy it during the pre and post season.

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

Luxury Villa Cliff with Heated Pool

We hope you enjoyed reading our blog and that we convinced you to explore Hvar and its unique UNESCO heritage.

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