Hvar's Ancient Ruins and Fortifications

This collection spans over two millennia of Hvar's history, from the 4th-century BC Greek land division of the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain to the 16th-century Venetian fortifications of Tvrđava Fortica. Explore Roman villa rustica sites at Kupinovik, medieval castle ruins like Grad Galešnik, and the unique 15th-century cave monastery at Sveta Nedjelja. These sites highlight the island's strategic maritime importance and its enduring agricultural heritage through ancient watchtowers, rural stone ruins, and coastal defensive batteries.

Stari Grad Plain

The Stari Grad Plain, near the town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Croatia, is an agricultural landscape that was set up by the…

Tvrđava Fortica

16th-century Venetian fortress built on the site of a medieval castle. It features bastions, a chapel, and former prison cells, offering views over Hvar town.

Kaštilac

Ruins of a 16th-century fortified tower built by the local Matijević family for defense against Ottoman raids.

Likorova kuća

Ruins of a rural agricultural building located on the northern slopes of the Purkin kuk ridge.

Baterija

Remains of a coastal battery used for maritime defense.

Grad Galešnik

Medieval fortress ruins situated on a strategic hill overlooking Jelsa and the Hvar channel.

Maslinovik

Archaeological remains of a Greek watchtower from the 4th century BC, used to monitor the agricultural landscape of the Stari Grad Plain.

Sveta Nedjelja (Sveta Marija) u špilji

15th-century cave monastery and church ruins located inside a large cavern above the village of Sveta Nedjelja.

St. Theodore

Historic monument and site of a former chapel.

Villa Solitudo

Historic villa monument located along the coast near Hvar town.

Kupinovik

Archaeological site of a Roman villa rustica, containing remains of an ancient olive press and stone basins.

Carevac

Site of a Greek watchtower within the Stari Grad Plain agricultural system.