A Fortress with a View

As I embarked on the Venetian Hvar Walking Tour, I was immediately drawn to the fortress-citadel perched on a hill above the old town of Hvar. This imposing structure, built during the Venetian era, offers a commanding view of the city and the azure waters beyond. The fortress itself is a testament to the strategic importance of Hvar during the Venetian rule, serving as a protective bastion against invaders. As I stood atop the fortress, the panoramic view was nothing short of breathtaking, a perfect introduction to the rich history that awaited me on this tour.

Descending the steep stairway through the Porta di Datallo, I felt as though I was stepping back in time. The stone steps, worn by centuries of footsteps, led me down to Hvar Town’s main square, a bustling hub that has been the heart of the town for centuries. The square is flanked by historic buildings, each with its own story to tell, and it was here that I truly began to appreciate the depth of Venetian influence on Hvar’s architecture.

The Heart of Hvar

The main square of Hvar is dominated by the church of St. Anthony, a striking example of Venetian-era architecture. Its distaff-styled baroque bell tower is a marvel, standing tall against the backdrop of the Adriatic sky. As a former professor of European history, I found myself captivated by the intricate details and the stories they told of a time when Hvar was a vital part of the Venetian kingdom.

Continuing the tour, I visited the theatre located on the first floor of the Hvar town arsenal. This theatre, one of the oldest in Europe, is a hidden gem that speaks to the cultural richness of the island during the Venetian period. The town arsenal itself is a fascinating structure, once serving as a naval base and now a testament to the island’s maritime heritage.

Artistic Treasures and Architectural Marvels

The tour led me to a monastery that houses exquisite works of high renaissance art by Venetian painters Palma Junior and Francesco Santacroce. As I admired these masterpieces, I was reminded of the profound cultural exchange that took place during the Venetian rule, enriching Hvar’s artistic landscape.

The final stop on the tour was Hvar’s Loggia, a beautiful piece of renaissance architecture that was once part of the Venetian governor’s palace. The Loggia, with its elegant arches and detailed stonework, is a fitting end to a journey through Hvar’s Venetian past. It stands as a symbol of the island’s historical significance and its enduring beauty.

This walking tour of Venetian Hvar was a delightful exploration of history and architecture, offering a glimpse into a time when the island was a jewel in the Venetian crown. For those who share my passion for history and architecture, this tour is an absolute must.