Hvar island

Hvar is one of the largest of the Croatian islands that dot the Adriatic Sea bordering mainland Croatia. Located less than 25 miles from Croatia’s second largest city of Split, Hvar is easily accessible for a day trip from Croatia’s popular Dalmatian coast.  Hvar island is best known as a summer resort. Highlights of the port town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral.

Today, the island of Hvar is a popular destination, consistently listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

We have been visiting islands for about 6 hours now so our skipper and tour guide dropped us off to Hvar town for lunch.

 We have about 2 hours to eat and walk around here.

 

On our way to the restaurant, we passed by this tranquil cove with blue clear water.

 

Hvar is very touristy so our tour guide is taking us to nice restaurant away from the tourists where the food is good and reasonable priced.

The restaurant is tucked away so we have walk for about 10 minutes to get there.

 

Along the way a rocky beach with a statue of a sitting fisherman.

 

Close look at the statue.

 

The island is so clean...

 

View of the harbor and is the distance you can see the bell tower of the Franciscan Monastery.

 

Tourists sunbathing....

 

There is a nice and quiet cove just next to the Franciscan Monastery

 

The restaurant is tucked away and far away from the main square but it is really nice with a view facing the Harbor.

 

Inside the restaurant.

 

We ordered a pizza and a past dish.  The food was pretty decent and we ate pretty everything.

 

Lunch is over so we are leaving the restaurant...

 

Not too far from the restaurant is the Franciscan Monastery of our Lady of Grace.

Built in 1461, the monastery was jointly financed by local nobles and sea captains in thanks for many lives saved at sea near Hvar. So grateful were the commanders of the ships that they funded the construction of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in 1461.

 

The court yard with a statue of a praying monk.

 

Close look at the statue.

 

To my surprise there are two monks that still live here in the monastery.

It is one of the finest buildings on the island, celebrated 550 years in December 2011, and is probably the most peaceful spot on Hvar compare with the town's crowded waterfront.

 

The Atrium inside the monastery.

 

Lots of cultural event are held here in the Atrium.

 

Old well in the center of the atrium.

 

We are now headed to the Church of Lady of Grace.

 

Marble tombs located on the floor entrance of the church.

 

Tombs of famous local people.

 

The church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in the 15th century as a single-nave Gothic structure in place of the small Chapel of the Holy Cross.

 

Wooden carved wood pew for praying.

 

16th century altar

 

 

 

The north aisle of the church with the Renaissance Chapel of the Holy Cross was built in 1536.

 

I like this picture.. Look carefully and you will see Kevin in the center.

 

Sculpture of la pieta.

 

The courtyard is really beautiful with the view of the harbor.

 

Leaving the monastery and heading to the harbor and the main square.

 

 

Next... Harbor and main square