VISITING HVAR TOWN IN WINTER TIME: PART ONE

I've been living on island Hvar (in Croatia, Europe) for a few months now and I can testify that it is called sunny island for a good reason. Hvar town is a beautiful historical town. It has been popular with the tourists for quite some time, but in the recent years it has turned into a jet set destination. In addition, Hvar town can boost itself with a record high number of sunny days. 
Now, I've blogged about Hvar town a couple of times since I've been here (read more here, here and here). It is only natural that I take every chance to visit this gorgeous historical town. I'm at doubt whether I should call it a town because it is not that big or city because it is important from a historical point of view.


THE  CATHEDRAL OF SAINT STEPHEN (16th CENTURY)
In immediate vicinity of the theatre you can find the historical city cathedral of Saint Stephen. Dating back to the 16th century, this late Renaissance/early baroque church is a beauty. The bell tower dating to 17th century is also quite stunning. The cathedral of saint Stephen was build to replace a church destroyed by the Turks.  Its shrine consists of pieces taken from 14th century Gothic church. This church was also build on a site of another earlier church (built in the 6th century). So, a lot of christian history at this spot right there. 
THE OLDEST EUROPEAN THEATRE FOR COMMONERS (17th CENTURY)
Dating to seventeen century, this historical theatre still preserves much of its charm. It is fully preserved and still operates as a theatre. Four centuries of continual use is certainly a very impressive feat for any theatre. What is so interesting about this historical theatre is that it was the only theatre open to commoners (meaning people who are not of noble descent) of its time.  It is the third oldest theatre in Europe, but the first one for commoners. At the time, most theatres of this type were privately owned and opened only to nobles. However, in Hvar it was decided that the theatre will be open for all. One of the reasons (and quite possibly the reason) might be the feuds between the nobles and the common folk that were taking place at the time. So, the nobles opted for diplomacy!
 WHAT ARE SOME OF HVAR TOWN MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS? 
Hvar city is quite old and as such it certainly has quite a few noteworthy historical sights. The most famous landmarks include: the oldest European theatre for commoners I have just talked about, the 16th century city cathedral I also mentioned and the 16th century fortress I visited about two months ago. There are also a lot of historical villas and palaces you can admire. If you are a hotel lover, this is the town for you. Hvar has quite a few stunning hotels, some historical while other more modern in appearance but all of them beautiful.




HOW TO CLIMB THE FORTRESS IN HVAR? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? 
It's very simple. Just follow the markings on the walls or ask for directions. When you get to the highest point, there will be a door. It is open in winter, but I think there is a small admission fee in the summer. As you climb higher, don't forget to take advantage of the views to take some unforgettable photographs. Now, the time it will actually take you to get on the top will probably depend on the amount of times you get distracted by beautiful views. Without stops, I would say it takes about 20 minutes to get to the top if you're walking slowly, 15 minutes at a medium pace and 10 minutes at a very fast pace. 
WHAT TO DO IN HVAR TOWN DURING THE WINTER? 
Hvar is a sunny city so even in winter you can sit outside for a cup of coffee. You can also explore the area and go for a stroll. There are other things you can do that do not include swimming in the sea such as visiting museums and historical sights. I always say that a best way to explore any city is on foot. Visiting during the winter months is a great way to avoid the crowds. The gastro offer during the winter season isn't that rich, thought. I heard there is only one restaurant opened during the winter period.  I haven't tried it yet but I was surprised to learn there aren't more of them working in the off season. If you want more options head over to Stari Grad town as there are several restaurants opened there during the off season. 
 
One thing you can count on in Croatia is a good espresso. All the cafes serve excellent coffee. Relaxing with a cup of coffee and enjoying the amazing view of Adriatic and Hvar town- simply priceless. I loved sitting outside in the sun and enjoying the views. A perfect relax moment for me.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT MY OUTFIT
I actually wore a second hand blazer, a white shirt and a scarf under this brown coat but it my effort to dress up my jeans was a bit lost since I didn't take of my coat for most of the day. Anyhow, everything I wore is old or second hand, not much more to say about this casual styling. It was very comfortable look for a winter stroll in Hvar town. 
 TO BE CONTINUED.....Thank you for reading and visiting!

Comments

  1. Ho sentito dire che è una nota località turistica estiva, ma sembra molto interessante anche in pieno inverno!
    Bello il tuo look!

    Expressyourself

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    Replies
    1. si, almeno per me...ho trovato molto bello in periodo inverno.

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  2. Looks like a great place to live and visit. Would love to have an espresso there.

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  3. The town you live in is wonderful, Ivana, so no wonder the jet set like this place.
    Your jacket looks nice and cozy with nice fur!

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  4. How beautiful it is in Europe! How many historical and simply beautiful places! I lived for a long time in a small city without attractions and it was really sad. Now I have moved to the most beautiful city in the country and it is amazing when you like the place where you live)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Anya. It is truly a pleasure to live in a beautiful and historical town.

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  5. You look wonderful in this coat <3 Regards:**

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  6. Hvar is my dream place, which I really want to visit. We planned this on the last vacation but we didn't and I hope maybe next time we will see all of these beautiful places on this island. Fabulous places and you look so gorgeous!

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  7. What a stunning place, so beautiful. You look marvellous lovely x

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  8. You look so relaxed in the beautiful place! I really love the pictures of espresso coffee:)
    Your outfit is always wonderful! That scarf is chic, that knit cap is so lovely, and that bag is trendy<3

    akiko
    www.akikohiramatsu.com

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  9. It really does look gorgeous and please please send us some sun to Scotland!

    Great outfit and love the coffee photos <3

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  10. You're so lucky to be living on island Hvar, as what you've shown us of the island and Hvar town itself is incredibly beautiful. Having all that sunshine on top of it surely is the icing on the cake. I'm also loving your outfit, and especially that fabulous coat, which looks very cozy and warm. Have a lovely week, Ivana! xxx

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  11. It's easy to see why you enjoy visiting Hvar so much. All that great history and it looks charming and beautiful every time of the year.

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  12. Sono sempre stata curiosa di sapere come fosse passare l'inverno in queste isole che normalmente vengono pubblicizzate solo per la stagione estive, e da quanto scrivi ( e a giudicare dalle foto)sembra un modo molto piacevole e rialssante per trascorrere i mesi freddi!
    Oltretutto cosa c'è di meglio di un posto vicino al mare, con tanti siti storiamente importanti da visitare e con un clima così bello e soleggiato?
    Bellissime foto, sei carinissima! :)
    Baci!
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  13. An interesting city to visit. And the photos are very sunny.

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  14. Hvar looks so amazing! Being a sunny city makes it perfect! It is so awesome how places the like theater have been preserved for centuries. Climbing to the fortress would definitely be on my to do list. Cute winter outfit!

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  15. Hello
    I'm "jealous" of you !! I'm here closed at home, I can't go out because of my broken foot and you showing such beautiful places to stroll, I would love to drink coffee on that terrace where you are drinking your coffee, we could even drink coffee both ahahah !!
    Your look seems to be very comfy for this city tour !!

    xoxo

    marisasclosetblog.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I was dressed in a way that was extremely comfortable and it is a lovely town.

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  16. I have to say I have been hearing so many good things about Croatia, it is no wonder it is big now with the jet set. It truly is beautiful. Funny I never associated palm trees with Croatia but being fairly close to Italy it makes sense. Thanks for all the useful information, I so hope to visit Croatia one day!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  17. I'm always amazed at how Mediterranean Hvar looks, including palm trees everywhere! It's really a lovely place!
    I love your furry coat - perfect!

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    Replies
    1. Well, it is in the Mediterranean region so it makes sense it looks Mediterranean.

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  18. First I just love how you sit right next to the shops, and they are right on the water. How cool is that?
    And it's so interesting that here was where all could see the plays.
    XOOX
    Jodie

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  19. Hvar sounds absolutely charming. And a place I have to visit. I seriously adore Croatia. It really made quite the impression on me. I've been dying to go back to Split and I want to visit Zadar but I am also going to add Hvar to the list too. I just love how much ancient history is lined in everywhere you look. Beautiful!

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  20. It looks like such a beautiful place to visit and I like your cosy outfit too - that coast is perfect for winter! :)

    Hope that your week is off to a great start! :)

    Away From Blue

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  21. I've known several people who have vacationed in Croatia and the pictures make me want to visit. Hvar Town looks like a wonderful little area (though I think I'd prefer to tour in the summer). It's a shame when an area closes down for most of the year. Somehow those are always the places I pick to visit in the off-season and there's not much to do other than walk. It's great that they keep the tower open, though, and good that they have places close enough to head out to eat. I love your coat! It's so retro and looks perfect for you, and I really like the way your pom-pom on your hat mimics the ball on the sculpture behind you. At least it's sunny and lots of gorgeous views of the water and neat things to see.

    Ruth
    https://voguefauxreal.com/2020/02/06

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  22. Odlična ti je ova kožna jakna! Hvar jako volim, i slike su super :)

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  23. I love Croatia too! Such a beautiful country and your pics are amazing too!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  24. You make me want to jump back on a plane and visit Hvar this weekend. The skies are so grey here!
    Loving your travelogue and your cosy, casual sightseeing outfit.
    Have a fab weekend! x

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All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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