Rectangular plots bordered by dry-stone walls: the long history of the landscape is visible in the Stari Grad Plain. The Starogradsko polje has been shaped over millennia. It is not only a single building that is of interest here; the layout of the cultural landscape itself is also part of what you can discover in Stari Grad.
A landscape with a history of its own
The plots and walls give the Starogradsko polje a clear structure. They provide an appealing contrast to the historic buildings in town: on one side is a cultural landscape whose form has developed over a long period, while on the other are churches, a monastery and a square with a former maritime use. Together, these places offer different ways to explore the history of Stari Grad.
A circular route also leads out from the centre: Kabal 706 starts in the centre of Stari Grad, continues to the settlement of Rudina and returns to Stari Grad via Kabal and Arkada. The route described offers you a concrete way to connect several place names and sections of the route in one loop.
A monastery, churches and a former shipyard site
The Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter Martyr (Dominikanski samostan sv. Petra Mučenika) was founded in 1482. After the Turkish attack on the island of Hvar at the end of the 16th century, it was fortified with two round towers. The monastery museum houses the oldest inscriptions in Greek found in Croatia. Its foundation, fortifications and collection make the monastery a distinctive historical landmark in Stari Grad.
The Church of Saint Stephen (Crkva sv. Stjepana) is a Baroque building; its construction began in 1605. The Church of Saint Roch (Crkva sv. Roka) is right next to Tvrdalj Petra Hektorovića and is dedicated to the patron saint of Stari Grad. Tvrdalj is located in Stari Grad. Another reminder of the town’s former use is Škor Square (Trg Škor), which was once the site of a shipyard. The buildings and the square each make their own contribution, rather than telling the same story.
December customs with a maritime touch
For the feast of Saint Lucia on 13 December, a large fire is traditionally lit in front of the church in Stari Grad. Children are given presents hidden in a sock. For the feast of Saint Nicholas on 6 December, an old boat is sacrificed in a fire in front of the church every year. Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors. Both customs combine the festive calendar with fire; at the Saint Nicholas feast, the connection with seafaring is also made explicit.
Bay, beach and water activities
Stari Grad lies at the end of a seven-kilometre-long bay that is suitable for windsurfing beginners and advanced surfers alike. The bay can therefore be experienced not only as part of the landscape, but also as a place for a sporting activity on the water. Kayaks and SUP boards are also available to rent in Stari Grad for exploring secluded bays, pebble beaches and cliffs. Equipment availability may vary.
Lanterna Beach can be reached on foot along the sea or by bicycle. Bicycle rental is also available in Stari Grad for exploring routes, landscapes and historic sights; availability may vary.
Getting here and finding your way around
Stari Grad Harbour is the largest harbour on the island and an international port. Most travellers reach the island by ferry via the ports of Stari Grad and Sućuraj. Check the timetable for your chosen ferry when planning your journey. This allows you to plan your arrival in Stari Grad alongside the cultural discoveries, landscape and activities that matter to you during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Stari Grad, Rudina, Vrbanj, Municipality of Hvar, Municipality of Jelsa, Municipality of Sućuraj.
Return to the main travel overview: Hvar.
