Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea, just off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It lies between three other islands: Brač, Vis, and Korčula.

Hvar is about 68 kilometres long and has tall hills made of limestone and dolomite rock. Unlike many nearby islands, Hvar has wide, green coastal plains and fresh water springs, which help it grow lots of plants.

The island is covered with pine forests on the hills, while the flat areas are full of vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards, and lavender fields. The weather on Hvar is very nice, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. About 10,678 people live on Hvar, making it the fourth most populated island in Croatia.

History

Hvar's place in the Adriatic made it important for trade, linking to Italy and the wider Mediterranean. People have lived here since ancient times, first by a Neolithic group called the Hvar culture, and later by the Illyrians. The ancient Greeks started a town named Pharos in 384 BC at today’s Stari Grad, one of the oldest in Europe. They also set up the fields of the Stari Grad Plain, now a special UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In medieval times, the town of Hvar became important in the Venetian Empire. This brought wealth, culture, and arts, including one of Europe’s first public theatres, along with beautiful palaces and public buildings.

The 1500s were difficult, with the Hvar Rebellion, attacks, and threats from armies, leading to special forts to keep people safe. After a short time under Napoleonic rule, Hvar joined the Austrian Empire, bringing peace and growth. Harbors were improved, and fishing and boat building grew. The island also became known for its wine, lavender, and rosemary.

One industry that kept growing was tourism. The Hygienic Association of Hvar, started in 1868 to help visitors, helped build hotels, restaurants, marinas, museums, galleries, and cafés. Today, Hvar is a popular tourist spot.

Geography

The island of Hvar is in the Adriatic Sea, close to the Dalmatian coast. It is near islands such as Brač, Vis, and Korčula. The closest part of Hvar is just 6 kilometers from the mainland.

Hvar is long and narrow, stretching 68 kilometers. It has hills made of limestone and dolomite. Long ago, it was connected to the mainland, but sea levels rose about 11,000 years ago. The island has dry land with pine forests and some areas good for farming. There are also smaller islands nearby, like the Paklinski islands and Šćedro. The highest point on Hvar is Sv. Nikola, which is 628 meters above sea level.

History

See also: Hvar Rebellion

The first people to live on Hvar Island were from long ago, and they traded with others around the Mediterranean. Later, the Greeks came to the island and started a settlement.

After the Romans won a war, Hvar became part of the Roman Republic. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the island was controlled by the Byzantine Empire. Many new homes were built during this time.

In the early Middle Ages, Slavic tribes lived on the island, and later it became part of the Kingdom of Croatia. The Republic of Venice helped bring wine-making to the island, which became important. Over time, Hvar changed hands between different rulers but was known for its farming and trade.

During the Renaissance, Hvar was a center for Croatian literature. Beautiful buildings and artworks from that time can still be seen today. In more recent history, the island has been part of various countries, including Yugoslavia and modern Croatia.

Economy

People on Hvar work mainly in fishing and tourism. The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and many plants. This makes it a popular place for tourists in Europe. Hvar town is the main place for visitors. It has a big square by the sea and a busy port with many yachts and sailboats during the tourist season.

Hvar is also known for growing lavender, which is used to make special oils and soaps. The island is famous for its winemaking. Vineyards there make red wines from the Plavac Mali grape and white wines in the central plain between Stari Grad and Jelsa.

Etymology

The island of Hvar was first called Paros by the Greeks because people from the island of Paros in Aegean settled there. Later, it was known as Pharos, which might mean "lighthouse," but this is not certain. It could have been named after an Illyrian word "Fara," meaning "seed."

In later times, the island's name changed again. During the 7th century, new groups of people arrived, and the name evolved into Quarra. Eventually, it became the name we know today, Hvar.

From the late 11th century, the Italian names Lesina or Liesena were also used, coming from an old Slavic word meaning "wood" or "forest."