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~ Archives old postcards ~
The history of Hvar
The milde sea climate is flavoured by scents deriving from yellow broom bushes,
violets, sage plants, lavender, pinewoods and old vineyards. Near the crystalline
water and turquoise sea, butterflies are having a rest. The waves are shining
under the Sun like thousands of sparkling diamonds. It is an enchanting piece of
nature, whose placid beauty involves all senses. Island of Hvar is a part of
central Dalmatia archipelago. Its surface is 299,16 sqkm. The Island is 68 km.
long, with a maximum length of 10,5 km. It is positioned between Brac, Vis,
Korcula islands, Peljesac peninsula and Makarska Riviera.
Within the one sight only, you can see la Riva full of palms and antique city
walls, built 7 centuries ago, winding along the hill up to the Spanjol fortress
(XVI century). Going further uphill, you can find Napoleon’s fortress, build by French in 1811. The most important palaces, churches and monasteries were build in Hvar’s “golden period”, when the island passed under Venetian control, and became (between XVI and XVIII century), one of the most important naval basis of Venice in eastern Adriatic. In the sheltered port of Hvar, Venetian fleet used to spend winter seasons. Now there, you can find big cruising ships with
passengers from all over the world, who want to taste a worldly and trendy
atmosphere on this island.
Already in the 4th century Hvar was known as the ancient colony of Pharos,
situated in the bay of Starigrad, where today car ferries arrive. Hvar, the
biggest settlement of the same-called island is a picturesque little town, where
life goes on in its narrow streets and lively places. Many artists feel attracted and inspired by the charming and lively flair. Hvar is the administrative and touristic centre, a favourite destination for excursions as well as a well
known Docking place for sailers, motor boats and cruises. Like a stage, the
market place is connected to the harbour basin. The square was built in 1575 by
the Venetians and is known as the most beautiful and biggest market place of
Dalmatia. Ancient facades, the San Marco church, the old bell tower, the Saint
Stefan Cathedral as well as the of a late gothic palace ruins line the square. All
is clearly marked by the Venetians. Above the old arsenal the theatre of Hvar
was built, the first public theatre in Europe. On every step you make along many
narrow lanes and stairs, you meet passed centuries, people who left important
monuments and works of art. Traces of famous inventors and adventurers,
genial constructors and fearless sailors are visible and perceptible everywhere
you go...
From the harbour you can climb along the lanes up to the ancient fortress,
where you may enjoy a really fantastic view over the old roofs and the offshore islands " Pakleni Otoci " (Hell’s Islands). The Mediterranean climate, mild all year
round, the crystal-clear sea and the water temperature of 22 to 25 degrees C in
September as well as the luxuriant vegetation of nice-smelling plants and herbs
make Hvar one of the most preferred and elitist holiday destinations.
Greek Times
The Greek colonized the island of Hvar in 384 B.C. and built up a bigger village
called Pharos, where today the city of Starigrad is situated, and a smaller one,
Dunos, where today is city of Hvar. The settlers came from Pharos island in the
Agaeis. Their encounters with the old-established inhabitants (Dalmatian, Illyrer)
were not friendly. It is said that the original inhabitants, supported by the
mainland, attacked the Greeks but they lost because the settlers of Pharos
received support from the Greek Issa (Vis island). The Greek commander
Demetrius, born around 260 B.C. in Hvar, ruler of Hvar, Brac and Korcula and of
some parts of the southern coast of the Adriatic, died in 213 during a battle
against the Romans near Messene.
Roman Time
The Romans occupied Hvar in 219. For the people of the island this was a step
back. The metropolis became the province. The Romans pushed the natives to
the eastern part of the island. The inhabitants lived mainly on cultivated
properties and in some small villages in the plain.
People migration
Different to Krk, Cres or Rab, there were no large settlements on Hvar during
the migration, so nothing could get deserted. The Slavs came from the valley
of Neretva to the island. Since then the island is also known under the name
of Lesna.
Time of Changing Occupancy
Hvar survived frequent changes of occupancy, before the subjection by Venice
in 1420. The Byzantine rule existed only from 870 to 886 and from 1164 to 1180,
to be then replaced by the Neretvans, which ruled until the middle of the 11th
century. After this, the Neretvans became part of the Croatian kingdom. Since
then Hvar was one of Venice’s targets and until 1420 came into its protectorate
three times. The town of Hvar developed into an autonomous municipality; so
the administrative center from Starigrad was also shifted to Hvar.
Venetian Rule
All the Venetian ships, driving into the Mediterranean Sea or returning to their
home port, came without exception to the port of Hvar. During the period of the
Venetian rule it became the richest municipality of Dalmatia. The Venetian
modified urban administration: the “Gran Consiglio Veneziano” elected the prince
among the aristocrats. The participation of the citizens in the local
administration was prevented. The peak of the conflict between aristocrats and
bourgeois was reached in 1510 with the breaking out of a rebellion under the
guidance of Matija Ivanic and 6000 rebels. The revolt, violently repressed by the
Venetians, had a national significance, because guided by Croats. The year 1571
was a crucial year for Hvar; the Turks of Ulcinj, headed by Eulg-Ali, occupied
and destroyed the town. The reconstruction took several decades. When in
1774 the Venetians made Kotor their main harbour for the fleet, Hvar lost its
importance.
Time from 1797 to 1813
After the defeat of Venice, Hvar and all Venetian estates were taken over by
Austria. From 1806 to 1812 the French occupied Hvar, until the English took it
over in 1812. After Napoleon’s defeat the properties were given back to Austria
in 1813.
The 20th century
Until the end of the First World War in 1918 Hvar belonged to Austria. Hvar lost
most of its importance because the harbour was not so important for vapour
ships anymore as for sailing ships. The town became provincial. After the end
of World War One Hvar remained under Italian occupation for four years. In 1922
it was attached to the Slave State, but the time of the deadlock continued.
Hvar experienced an upswing only after the Second World War, when it became
one of the most important tourist centers of the eastern Adriatic.
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