Destination

STARI GRAD HIDDEN GEMS

Dating back to ancient times, Stari Grad was chosen as the perfect place to live because of its deep protected bay, source of drinking water and the fertile Stari Grad Plain. This long tradition has resulted in a rich historical heritage and a variety of attractions for the whole family – explore them!

Petar Hektorović’s Tvrdalj

Petar Hektorović’s Tvrdalj, with its pond and dovecote, is the most famous building in Stari Grad. It was a lifelong project of this famous Croatian Renaissance poet, for whom it was as important as his literary work. The building features many engraved inscriptions and wise sayings in Latin and Italian, and it represents a wonderful insight into the progressive spirit of historic Stari Grad.

Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad Plain, a fertile field that has provided food to the local population since antiquity, is part of the UNESCO heritage. Known as Hora to the ancient Greeks, it still yields the same fruits: grapes, olives, figs and almonds. Its basic architecture was designed 24 centuries ago by Greek colonists: the plain was divided into rectangular plots bordered by dry stone walls and criss-crossed by main roads. It is particularly worth visiting at sunset.

Srinja Kola and Škor Square

Srinja Kola is the largest street in Stari Grad. Although the town was primarily inhabited by seafarers, captains and agricultural workers, this street once was home to a number of craftsmen. Škor, on the other hand, is arguably the most picturesque of the many small squares in Stari Grad. It was formed by filling up the basin in which the 17th-century shipyard was located. The name comes from the local variant of the Dalmatian word for shipyard – škver). The typical local architecture at both locations – straight out of a fairy tale – will definitely make a lasting impression!

The Dominican monastery

The fortified Dominican monastery of St Peter the Martyr was founded in 1482. Today it houses a collection of artworks, both on the church altars (the most beautiful is a wooden painted Renaissance crucifix on the main altar) and in the monastery museum. The most valuable painting is the Lamentation of Christ by the Venetian master Tintoretto, which was once on Hektorović’s altar in the church. The museum preserves the oldest Greek inscriptions found on Croatian soil, which recount the turbulent life of ancient Faros.

Church of St. Jerome and its hermitage

A small littoral church that dates back to the 14th century, with a hermitage that once served as a hostel and refuge for travellers. The church is located right on the coast, on the north side of the town harbour. It is associated with the legend of St Jerome, who took a thorn out of a lion’s paw, sparing him pain. The church is still used for services and represents a beautiful monument to past times and local traditions.

Sign up for special offers

Receive our special offers and discounts directly to your inbox.

top