We woke up this morning with wonderful aromas in the air as we anchored off the town of Hvar on the island of the same name, in the Croatian Adriatic. Of course, we are speaking of aromas of lavender that the locals started to produce in the 19th century and that became a trademark of the island.
Hvar, which is often listed as one of most beautiful islands (not only in the Mediterranean, but also in the world) has another favorable trademark. It’s the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, with 2,172 hours of sunshine during the year—so we definitely can`t complain about the weather. According to some local rumors you can get a refund of your money if it rains throughout your stay on the island.
Once in town we set off to explore some of the beauties it offered. We visited the 15th century Franciscan monastery that was once a dormitory for sailors. The monastery collection keeps valuable collection of coins, amphora, and works of art, among them an impressive painting of the Last Supper (17th century)—allegedly the first painting showing cutlery in European art history. We strolled through narrow and dark alleys where the common people lived in order to get to the main square, also known as the piazza, which is one of the biggest in the Dalmatia region. From the square we had a great view over the arsenal—a small shipyard from the 16th century. Above the arsenal is also a theatre, built 1612, which makes it one of the oldest public ones in Europe. We saw the cathedral, as well as the town clock and the loggia that were parts of the rector`s palace. The façade is ornamented with columns, arches, and Venetian lions. Venetian symbols such as the lions can be seen almost everywhere here, especially in the parts of town reserved for nobility, and it’s been said that if the lion is holding an open book in its claws, then Venice was at peace during the moment the sculpture was placed.
Besides sculptures of lions, in the noble part of town we also saw the Benedictine convent from 17th century that is known for the lace which has been made of agave leaves and has been protected by UNESCO. And finally, those in a good shape went up hill to visit the old Španjola Fortress, where they enjoyed an absolutely stunning view over the town of Hvar.
After a great time in Hvar we were ready for the other highlight of the day. As they say in Croatia—best things come in the end—after lunch we enjoyed our final sailing.
