Venetian Streets, Houses, and Architecture, Hvar

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Embracing the small port, the town seems to have not suffered the convulsions noticed in most of Croatian places.

The dominating architecture is clearly venetian style, and history is not mixed and shuffled as in other towns.

It gives a sensation of calm and tranquility, and, maybe, that's the point that makes people appreciate so much the holidays there, as my kids did.

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Venetian influence and control over Hvar began in 1147 and continued on and off for the next 650 years. Is it any wonder Hvar Grad, the island's most important town is full of wonderful examples of Venetian-influenced buildings and architectural details, both simple and grand?

From the winged lions of St Mark - the symbol of La Serenissima herself - seen on the facades of buildings and fountains to delicate traceries on windows and balconies all around the city, the touch of Venetian influence can be seen. The huge Arsenal that fronts the quayside was built to service the Venetian fleet of war ships, its massive arched doorway big enough for the galleys to sail right inside.

Climb the steps behind the clock tower (the only part of the original Venetian governor's palace still standing) to see a ghost of Venice, not a ruin but the house of a Renaissance poet, Petar Hektorovic, left unfinished on his death in 1572 and considered the best of all the Venetian-styled buildings in the city

The evidence of Dalmatia's prominence during Venice's trading heyday seven centuries ago is apparent in the dominance of old Venetian architecture throughout Hvar town. The bright sun reflecting off the whitewashed limestone structures surrounded by emerald and turquoise waters is a feast for the eyes, but make sure to wear some sunglasses so your eyes don't get overstuffed.

On discovering Hvar town, you will notice these fascinating narrow cobblestoned little pathways. They are quite a lot of fun to explore and move between the houses, but when it is wet ensure that you wear decent shoes as it is extremly slippery.

From the 13th to 17th centuries, Hvar experienced considerable prosperity. During this time, it became an important communications and shipping location for Venice.

In the 1500s, Venice built a fort at the top of the hill overlooking the town to protect Hvar against marauding Turks.

Definitely explore the narrow alleys, staircases, and streets of Hvar. My favorite part to explore (where the piture was taken) was on the hill right of the harbor (if looking toward the castle). Get a warm chocolate pastry and have lean against a step and just soak in the atmosphere...

Some of the houses in the town of Hvar. The thing I found funny about the buildings here were that so many of them were unfinished yet people were living in them. A lot of them didn't have proper roofs etc - it had something to do with tax I believe..

The alleys of Hvar Town are full of little details that legitimize walking around as an activity, and something that should be partaken in if you visit Hvar..

We found these narrow streets both in Starigrad and Hvar town. They are really wonderfull and I am amazed at the fact that sometimes they even park a car here.