Hvar is a town on the eponymous island of Hvar in Dalmatia, Croatia. The municipality has a population of 4,138 (2001) while the city itself is inhabited by 3,672 people, making it the largest settlement on the island of Hvar. It is located on the opposite side of the island from Stari Grad.
Hvar, with its seven century-old walls and fortifications, is the site of the oldest municipal theatre in Europe, opened in 1612. The town also has many galleries, museums, and exhibitions, including Arsenal, Lođa, Zvijezda Mora, Anuncijata, Skorpion, and the Croatian Institute, which hold numerous art collections.
The town's harbour provided a suitable location for a port, being geographically ideal and also protected by islands, making it a safe haven for boats hiding from hazardous winds. The regular ferry Split-Hvar-Korčula-Dubrovnik stops at the port, helping the city of Hvar to retain its status as the centre of the island's tourism. |
