September 8, 2026
Hvar Town is a port and resort town on the Croatian island of Hvar. Yachts fill its harbor in summer. Ferries connect the town with Split and other Croatian cities and islands.
We took a catamarran from Split to Hvar and first dropped our bags off at our accommodation. Then we went around the corner to find the Venetian Lion of Hvar.
Venetian Lion of the Back Side of the Arsenal Building
Since it was hot, we took a break at a lounge along the Hvar Town Promenade, and watched the people and ships go by.
Watching the Ships Go Out and In Along the Promenade
Hvar Town Walk
We started our Hvar Town Walk by visiting the Franciscan Church and Monastery, located off Beach Bay.
Franciscan Church and Monastery, Located Off Beach Bay
On the way, we saw the Fisherman Boy Bata Duje statue, some sunbathers, stations of the cross, a bust of a Bishop, and a beach.
Statue of Fisherman Boy Bata Duje
Sunbathers
One of Several Stations of the Cross
Bust of Fra Fulgencije Carev (1826–1901), a Franciscan friar,
Archbishop of Skopje, and Bishop of Hvar-Brač-Vis
Beach
In front of the church and monastery are a few old trees and a statue of a Kneeling St. Francis.
Trees in Front of Franciscan Church and Monastery
Kneeling St. Francis Statue
Front Door – Franciscan Church
We visited the monastery cloister, a museum with a Last Supper painting and other artworks including sculptures by famous Croatian sculptors, and a courtyard with a 500-year old Cypress tree.
View of the Well in the Cloister of the Monastery
There was a sculpture of the Mother of God holding her dead son on her knees in the cloister – a masterpiece made in 1498 by sculptors Leonard and Petar Petrović
Scuplture of Mother of God holding her dead son on her knees
Experts Attribute the Last Supper painting to the School of Palma di Giovane (1544-1628), or to the venetian painter Matteo Ingoli (1585-1631).
The Last Supper Painting
Devotional Bust of Jesus Christ
Icon of the Black Madonna and Child
Madonna and Child with Two Angels by Nikola Firentinac (c. 1470)
Annunciation – Gilt Wooden Relief – 18th Century
Sculptures by Famous Croatian Sculptors
500-Year Old Cypress Tree in the Courtyard
Views from the Courtyard
We made our way back on the Promenade to the main square of Hvar Town. On the way we saw the Hvar Fortress high on a hill.
Promenade
Hvar Fortress (Fortica Hvar)
We turned into St. Stephen’s Square (Trg Svetog Stjepana), and visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
St. Stephen’s Square (Trg Svetog Stjepana)
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
We started our tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral at the main portal, with its bronze doors.
Main Portal
Bronze Doors
There were several side altars and chapels and bas-relief of the Altar of Luke and the Flogging of Christ.
Cathedral Nave
Side Altar
Chapel with Crucifix that Shed Tears of Blood
Tomb of St. Prosperus
Main Altar and Two Pulpits
Organ and Back of Cathedral
Altar of Luke and Flogging of Christ (on top)
We then visited the Benedictine Convent (Benediktinski Samostan) and its Lace Museum.
Benedictine Convent and Lace Museum
On the way we saw a Venetian Palace and the Porta Maestra (Main Gate).
Venetian Palace and the Porta Maestra (Main Gate)
In front of the Benedictine Convent and Lace Museum is a statue of St. Benedict, reading the words ora et labora (pray and work).
Statue of St. Benedict in front of the Benedictine Convent and Lace Museum
The Lace Museum contains lace samples, some vestments made by the nuns, ancient kitchenware, a stone sink, a well and some amphora jugs.
Lace Samples
Bishops’ vestments (with the Baby Jesus below them wearing an agava-lace shirt)
Ancient kitchenware
Stone Sink
Well and some amphora jugs
We returned to the main square, turned right to see the loggia and the clock tower, and then made our way to a small park by the waterfront with a bust of Hvar native Ivan Vučetić, who pioneered the science of fingerprinting.
Loggia and Clock Tower
Bust of Hvar native Ivan Vučetić, who pioneered the science of fingerprinting
Giant Fingerprint Nearby
View from the Waterfront Park
Our Hvar Town Walk is over.