TRAVEL WITH MY ART #35: BEACH KAMENJARA, VRBOSKA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA )
It's time for another 'Travel With My Art' post. This is the thirty-fifth post in the series! Speaking of that, thank you for your kind comments left on my last art post. Travelling can be such an important aspect of our life. There are many ways to travel and we often associate happiness with travelling (read more about the pursuit of happiness in this rather inspired article).
Apart from traditional travelling (that isn't available to everyone and certainly not all the time), there is also digital travelling. Books are the safest way to travel some say. Has there ever been a word so poignant with meaning as travel? For what it is to travel? Isn't travel a part of our daily lives ? Do we not all travel back when we remember? We travel in time, space and memory whenever we have a transcendental experience of any kind, whenever we rise to our higher potential as human beings.
Our life sometimes feels like one voyage after another. Often we aren't even aware of how much travelling we truly undertake. Our languages, however, remember. That is why we have so many idioms and metaphors connected with travelling in our vocabularies. Writers, in particular, often recognize the value of this word 'travel' and explore its hidden meaning and its presence in our collective consciousness. Books can certainly take us places, but as a painter, I would add that visual arts are another safe way to travel. Sometimes picture does paint a thousand words. Blogs as a combination of the visual and written word can be another fantastic way to travel.
Travel With My Art is a regular feature on my blog focused on landscapes (i.e my location and destination art). It gives me opportunity to travel artistically. Today I'm sharing with you an A4 acrylic seascape inspired by a photograph taken by my husband. The location is beach Kamenjara in Vrboska on island Hvar (Croatia). I haven't visited island Hvar since 2021 and I miss it dearly. I do visit it regularly with my art, though.
VISIT MORE OF MY TRAVEL WITH POSTS (LINKS PROVIDED BELLOW)
#1 PALERMO ISLAND SICILY (ITALY) #2 BAY MALA STINIVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #3 IRKUTSK, SIBERIA (RUSSIA) #4 MATEJUŠKA, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
#5 HVAR CITY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #6 ZENTA MARINE, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
#5 HVAR CITY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #6 ZENTA MARINE, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
#7 ZAVALA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #8 SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#9 MALA STINIVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #10 HVAR TOWN, ISLAND HVAR ( CROATIA)
#11 JELSA TOWN, DANCE O THE SAILS (CROATIA) #12 ZAVALA, ISLAND HVAR, (CROATIA)
#13: SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #14: BAY BRIZENICA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#15 BAY LOZNA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #16 BAY VEPRINOVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#17 BOL, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #18 PLANINICA, (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
#19 SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#9 MALA STINIVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #10 HVAR TOWN, ISLAND HVAR ( CROATIA)
#11 JELSA TOWN, DANCE O THE SAILS (CROATIA) #12 ZAVALA, ISLAND HVAR, (CROATIA)
#13: SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #14: BAY BRIZENICA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#15 BAY LOZNA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #16 BAY VEPRINOVA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#17 BOL, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #18 PLANINICA, (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
#19 SUCURAJ, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#20 BEACH SOLINE,VRBOSKA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#21 STARI GRAD, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #22 MAKARSKA (CROATIA)
#23 ZAVALA PANORAMA (CROATIA) #24 ŽNJAN BEACH, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
#25 JELSA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #26 ZAVALA BAY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#21 STARI GRAD, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #22 MAKARSKA (CROATIA)
#23 ZAVALA PANORAMA (CROATIA) #24 ŽNJAN BEACH, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
#25 JELSA, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #26 ZAVALA BAY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA)
#27 MALA STINIVA IN SUMMER, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #28 TRAVEL WITH MY ART, BASINA BAY, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #29 TRAVEL WITH MY ART, BAY TORAC, ISLAND HVAR (CROATIA) #30 TRAVEL WITH MY ART, VALETTA, ISLAND MALTA (MALTA) #31 TRAVEL WITH MY ART : CAPE PLANKA (CROATIA) #32 TRAVEL WITH MY ART: ZAVALA (CROATIA)
#TRAVEL WITH MY ART #33: LOZNA, ISLAND HVAR
LEARN MORE ABOUT ISLAND HVAR- A PROFOUNDLY IMPORTANT ISLAND FOR CROATIAN (AND SLAVIC) CULTURE AND LITERATURE
"Hvar, Italian Lesina, island in the Adriatic Sea, part of Croatia. At 116 square miles (300 square km) in area and 43 miles (69 km) in length, it is the longest island in the Adriatic. A rocky island, it reaches 2,054 feet (626 m) in elevation at Mount Sveti Nikola and is separated from the island of Brač by a narrow channel. The Mediterranean climate is favourable to the production of various fruits, honey, lavender, rosemary, and wine, as well as to a prosperous tourist industry. Boatbuilding, fishing, and marble quarrying are other means of livelihood. The main towns are Hvar and Stari Grad. Stari Grad Plain, a natural area containing the ruins of stone structures and evidence of the agricultural style of the ancient Greeks, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Hvar has been continuously inhabited since early Neolithic times, and an ancient wall surrounds the old city of Hvar. In 385 BC Greek colonists founded Dimos (presently Hvar) and Pharos (Stari Grad), and in 219 BC the island became Roman. Slavs fleeing the mainland in the 7th century AD settled on the island. Through the European Middle Ages and into modern times, it has survived frequent changes of occupancy, serving as an outpost of Slav culture amid the constant struggle for dominance in the Adriatic. " CITED FROM BRITANNICA 21.1.2023.
IF YOU ARE NEW HERE.... DID YOU KNOW THAT I LIVED ON ISLAND HVAR FOR A MORE THAN A YEAR?
MOST RECENT VISIT TO HVAR TOWN HERE!
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF HVAR TOWN? If you want to see more of Hvar town, you are more than welcome to check some of my previous posts about it.
Beautiful bays on island Hvar:
MORE BEAUTIFUL BAYS ON ISLAND HVAR I HAVE VISITED AND SHARED WITH YOU IN 2019/2020 (Click the links if you want to know more about them):
VISITING MILNA NEAR HVAR
VISITING MINA NEAR JELSA
VISITING STARI GRAD BAYS
MORE LINKS ABOUT STARI GRAD TOWN BELLOW
LINKS TO SOME OF MY PREVIOUS POSTS ABOUT JELSA VILLAGE (ALSO CONSIDERED A SMALL TOWN BY SOME):
For more photographs and information about Jelsa, visit my previous posts:
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION (CITED FROM VISIT HVAR SITE) BELLOW:
History and Culture in the town of Hvar
HVARSKA PJACA (Square of St. Stephen), CATHEDRAL OF ST. STEPHEN AND EPISCOPAL PALACE
If you visit Hvar, all the streets will lead you to Hvarska pjaca (Hvarʼs square), the centre of cityʼs public and social life and the largest square in Dalmatia. The eastern side of the square is surrounded by the Cathedral of St. Stephen that was built on the foundations of an early-Christian church from the 6th century and that acquired its present appearance in the 16th and 17thcentury. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, a pope and martyr, the protector of the Diocese and the city of Hvar. The renaissance bell-tower of the Cathedral and Hvarʼs other bell towers (St. Mark, Franciscan and the ruined one of St. Venerande) are considered to be the nicest ones in Dalmatia. Hvarʼs Cathedral preserves many valuable items and paintings of famous painters like Stefano Celesti, Palma Junior and the Spanish painter Juan Boschettus, but the most renowned painting is definitely Madonna, an example of the proto-Venetian art and one of the oldest in Dalmatia originating back in 1220. In the Episcopal Palace standing next to the Cathedral, a collection of objects of art, sacred vessels, archival documents, old books and liturgical vestments was founded in 1963. The Episcopal Museum is open daily to visitors from 9 a.m. - noon and from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
HVARʼS THEATRE ARSENAL
Once you are on Hvarʼs square you will certainly wish to visit Hvarʼs theatre that holds an unavoidable place in the general history of theatre. Its foundation in 1612 made it become the first civic theatre in Europe. The theatre was erected above the Arsenal, the most recognisable outline of the city of Hvar, a place that was used for the repair of galleys and served as a warehouse for nautical accessories. Today Hvarʼs theatre is open for public use and right at the entrance, there is a wooden bow figure head Zvir from Hvarʼs galley St. Jerolim that gained fame for its participation in the fight against the Turkish ships in the famous naval battle at Lepanto in 1571. In the same venue there is also the Gallery of Contemporary Art that is open to visitors during the tourist season from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. During the low season you can phone number 021741009, but its working hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MANDRAČ
If you walk from the square towards the west, you will reach a small port of Mandrač that always served for the protection of small vessels. It acquired its present appearance in the 18th century and it is believed that it was constructed at the same time as the Arsenal.
KNEŽEV DVOR (PRINCEʼS PALACE)
Immediately next to the square across Mandrač lies the former Knežev dvor, todayʼs Hotel Palace. The clock tower with a bell from the 15th century and the city loggia built at the begging of the 17th century have been preserved from the original Princeʼs Palace. Below the loggia there is a preserved flag pole from the 15th century that is still used for the same purpose. According to tradition, it was also used as a shame pole and different public proclamations were read out to the general public on this location.
CHURCH OF ST. MARK AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTION
There is a view of the bell tower of St. Markʼs church from Hvarʼs square. The church unfortunately is in ruins, but it has been partially reconstructed in the 19th century. Today there is only an archaeological collection and a collection of stone monuments that holds the name of Grga Novak, the famous archaeologist and historian from Hvar. The outer frame of the former church with the collection of stone monuments is intended for events of chamber music and vocal concerts. During the tourist season the museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. – noon and from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. During the low season, your visit must be announced and can be arranged by phone: 021 741 009.
THE FORT FORTICA (ŠPANJOLA)
If you walk from the square to the north, passing the main city gate or Porta di datallo (Gate of Dates) ascending the stairs through the old part of the city in which there are palaces built in the 15th and 16th centuries, through small bends that give out the aromas of Mediterranean plants, you will reach Hvarʼs fort Fortica or how the locals call it Španjola. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century (during the Venetian rule) and was reconstructed in 1579. Today the fort holds a collection of amphora and other exhibits from antiquity and the Middle Ages. Besides experiencing its exquisite architecture, you will experience an unforgettable panoramic view of the city of Hvar, its surroundings and the Pakleni islands. You can reach the fort by car as well by taking the road that goes from the bus station, behind the hill, to the western part of the city.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
If you stroll down the streets of the old part of the city, you are bound to come upon the Church of the Holy Spirit, one of the many old churches of Hvar. The church was completed in 1493. It is managed by the brotherhood of St. Nicholas, especially during the religious holidays and festivities. The church holds an interesting altar painting painted by A. V. Padovanino.
FORT NAPOLJUN - NAPOLEON
To the right of fort Fortica there is fort Napoljun built during the French rule at the beginning of the 19th century. You can reach it by car. Today there is an observatory of the Faculty of Geodesy in Zagreb from which stars and the Sun can be monitored. The observatory is not open for public, but you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city under the fort walls.
FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
An easy stroll from Hvarʼs square, along the sea and the waterfront soon brings you to the Franciscan monastery. Within the peace and quiet of the monastery walls, you can enjoy a rich display of museum exhibits (collections of Greek, Roman and Venetian coins, liturgical items, atlas of the ancient cartographer Ptolemaeus, rare exhibits of amphora, etc.), as well as paintings of Venetian artists like Francesco Santacroce and Palma Junior. The monastery is known for its magnificent painting of the Last Supper (2 x 8 m) which leaves everyone breathless. Some critics believe it is the work of a painter from Ravenna Matteo Ingoli, whilst others think that the painting belongs to the school of Palma Junior. One more rarity that makes the monastery famous is the 300-year old cypress that is located in the garden of the monastery. During the tourist season the monastery is open to visitors from 10 a.m.- noon and from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. whilst during the low season its working hours are only between 10 a.m. and noon.
BENEDICTINE NUNNERY
If you walk through the main city gate towards the north, ascending the stone stairs along the picturesque street of the old part of the city, you will reach the Benedictine nunnery. The Benedictines or as the people of Hvar call them koludrice are a very strict order because they do not go beyond the boundaries of the nunnery, unless it is a matter of extreme emergency. The nunnery was erected on the location of a gothic-renaissance house Lucić and within the building there is a collection of selected art works, paintings and icons from the 16th century and liturgical items. The Benedictine nuns from Hvar have gained world fame for their decorative embroidery, especially the agave lace. The extraction of fibres from agave leaves and its processing to produce fine threads for embroidering are demanding tasks that require exceptional knowledge and patience. For the knitting of the agave lace a special skill is required that the Benedictine nuns have been working on for hundreds of years. Each lace is one of its kind, therefore, it holds special value and is inscribed in the UNESCO Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity.
HVARSKA PJACA (Square of St. Stephen), CATHEDRAL OF ST. STEPHEN AND EPISCOPAL PALACE
If you visit Hvar, all the streets will lead you to Hvarska pjaca (Hvarʼs square), the centre of cityʼs public and social life and the largest square in Dalmatia. The eastern side of the square is surrounded by the Cathedral of St. Stephen that was built on the foundations of an early-Christian church from the 6th century and that acquired its present appearance in the 16th and 17thcentury. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Stephen, a pope and martyr, the protector of the Diocese and the city of Hvar. The renaissance bell-tower of the Cathedral and Hvarʼs other bell towers (St. Mark, Franciscan and the ruined one of St. Venerande) are considered to be the nicest ones in Dalmatia. Hvarʼs Cathedral preserves many valuable items and paintings of famous painters like Stefano Celesti, Palma Junior and the Spanish painter Juan Boschettus, but the most renowned painting is definitely Madonna, an example of the proto-Venetian art and one of the oldest in Dalmatia originating back in 1220. In the Episcopal Palace standing next to the Cathedral, a collection of objects of art, sacred vessels, archival documents, old books and liturgical vestments was founded in 1963. The Episcopal Museum is open daily to visitors from 9 a.m. - noon and from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
HVARʼS THEATRE ARSENAL
Once you are on Hvarʼs square you will certainly wish to visit Hvarʼs theatre that holds an unavoidable place in the general history of theatre. Its foundation in 1612 made it become the first civic theatre in Europe. The theatre was erected above the Arsenal, the most recognisable outline of the city of Hvar, a place that was used for the repair of galleys and served as a warehouse for nautical accessories. Today Hvarʼs theatre is open for public use and right at the entrance, there is a wooden bow figure head Zvir from Hvarʼs galley St. Jerolim that gained fame for its participation in the fight against the Turkish ships in the famous naval battle at Lepanto in 1571. In the same venue there is also the Gallery of Contemporary Art that is open to visitors during the tourist season from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. During the low season you can phone number 021741009, but its working hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MANDRAČ
If you walk from the square towards the west, you will reach a small port of Mandrač that always served for the protection of small vessels. It acquired its present appearance in the 18th century and it is believed that it was constructed at the same time as the Arsenal.
KNEŽEV DVOR (PRINCEʼS PALACE)
Immediately next to the square across Mandrač lies the former Knežev dvor, todayʼs Hotel Palace. The clock tower with a bell from the 15th century and the city loggia built at the begging of the 17th century have been preserved from the original Princeʼs Palace. Below the loggia there is a preserved flag pole from the 15th century that is still used for the same purpose. According to tradition, it was also used as a shame pole and different public proclamations were read out to the general public on this location.
CHURCH OF ST. MARK AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTION
There is a view of the bell tower of St. Markʼs church from Hvarʼs square. The church unfortunately is in ruins, but it has been partially reconstructed in the 19th century. Today there is only an archaeological collection and a collection of stone monuments that holds the name of Grga Novak, the famous archaeologist and historian from Hvar. The outer frame of the former church with the collection of stone monuments is intended for events of chamber music and vocal concerts. During the tourist season the museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. – noon and from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. During the low season, your visit must be announced and can be arranged by phone: 021 741 009.
THE FORT FORTICA (ŠPANJOLA)
If you walk from the square to the north, passing the main city gate or Porta di datallo (Gate of Dates) ascending the stairs through the old part of the city in which there are palaces built in the 15th and 16th centuries, through small bends that give out the aromas of Mediterranean plants, you will reach Hvarʼs fort Fortica or how the locals call it Španjola. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century (during the Venetian rule) and was reconstructed in 1579. Today the fort holds a collection of amphora and other exhibits from antiquity and the Middle Ages. Besides experiencing its exquisite architecture, you will experience an unforgettable panoramic view of the city of Hvar, its surroundings and the Pakleni islands. You can reach the fort by car as well by taking the road that goes from the bus station, behind the hill, to the western part of the city.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
If you stroll down the streets of the old part of the city, you are bound to come upon the Church of the Holy Spirit, one of the many old churches of Hvar. The church was completed in 1493. It is managed by the brotherhood of St. Nicholas, especially during the religious holidays and festivities. The church holds an interesting altar painting painted by A. V. Padovanino.
FORT NAPOLJUN - NAPOLEON
To the right of fort Fortica there is fort Napoljun built during the French rule at the beginning of the 19th century. You can reach it by car. Today there is an observatory of the Faculty of Geodesy in Zagreb from which stars and the Sun can be monitored. The observatory is not open for public, but you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city under the fort walls.
FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
An easy stroll from Hvarʼs square, along the sea and the waterfront soon brings you to the Franciscan monastery. Within the peace and quiet of the monastery walls, you can enjoy a rich display of museum exhibits (collections of Greek, Roman and Venetian coins, liturgical items, atlas of the ancient cartographer Ptolemaeus, rare exhibits of amphora, etc.), as well as paintings of Venetian artists like Francesco Santacroce and Palma Junior. The monastery is known for its magnificent painting of the Last Supper (2 x 8 m) which leaves everyone breathless. Some critics believe it is the work of a painter from Ravenna Matteo Ingoli, whilst others think that the painting belongs to the school of Palma Junior. One more rarity that makes the monastery famous is the 300-year old cypress that is located in the garden of the monastery. During the tourist season the monastery is open to visitors from 10 a.m.- noon and from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. whilst during the low season its working hours are only between 10 a.m. and noon.
BENEDICTINE NUNNERY
If you walk through the main city gate towards the north, ascending the stone stairs along the picturesque street of the old part of the city, you will reach the Benedictine nunnery. The Benedictines or as the people of Hvar call them koludrice are a very strict order because they do not go beyond the boundaries of the nunnery, unless it is a matter of extreme emergency. The nunnery was erected on the location of a gothic-renaissance house Lucić and within the building there is a collection of selected art works, paintings and icons from the 16th century and liturgical items. The Benedictine nuns from Hvar have gained world fame for their decorative embroidery, especially the agave lace. The extraction of fibres from agave leaves and its processing to produce fine threads for embroidering are demanding tasks that require exceptional knowledge and patience. For the knitting of the agave lace a special skill is required that the Benedictine nuns have been working on for hundreds of years. Each lace is one of its kind, therefore, it holds special value and is inscribed in the UNESCO Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity.
History and Culture in the town of Stari Grad
DOMINICAN MONASTERY AND CHURCH OF ST. PETER
The Dominican monastery in Stari Grad was founded in 1482 and later on the church of St. Peter was built here. The church preserves several paintings of exceptional artistic value, (amongst others there is the famous work of the Venetian painter J.R. Tintoretto from the 16th century "Placing into the tomb",) a cross that was made by Giacomo Piazetta in the 18th century, a renaissance cross on the main altar, archives, library with old manuscripts, a collection of stone monuments, a collection of ancient coins, ancient tombstones, a very interesting Greek epigraph from 4 B.C. and the oldest stone inscription found in Croatia (whose original is safeguarded in the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb). During the tourist season it is open to visitors between 10 a.m. –noon and 6 p.m. -8 p.m., and during the low season the visits are possible during the mornings, but must be announced by phone 021 765 442.
TVRDALJ
Tvrdalj was built as a fort of defense from the Turks by the renowned poet from Hvar Petar Hektorović. It was erected by filling up the sea and one could enter it only over a bascule bridge. In the centre of Tvrdalj, Hektorović designed and built a Romanic park with a fishpond. Tvrdalj has numerous stone inscriptions, but the one saying "Omnium Conditori" is the most significant one, since with it, Hektorović dedicated his Tvrdalj to God, the Creator of everything.
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN
The church of St. John represents the oldest sacral centre of the island of Hvar and as far back as 1147 it was the Episcopal see. It was erected on the location of the former ancient temple. It is interesting that right beside the church of St. John, an early Christian baptistery from the 6th or 7th century was discovered, but today it is covered up for its preservation.
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN
The construction of this church began in the 17th century on the location where the first cathedral on the island of Hvar stood in the 12th century. The bell tower of this church is especially interesting since it contains stone blocks of former ancient buildings and preserved the Roman relief of a galley. In the church there is an old baptistery and the triptych of Francesco da Santacroce.
NAVAL COLLECTION, Palace Biankini
In the 19th century during the period of sailboats Stari Grad marked the development of the shipping industry and naval construction. There is a rich naval collection preserved in Palace Biankini in Stari Grad. The collection was founded by the Centre for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of the island of Hvar in 1966 and besides documentation on naval construction; it also displays various nautical instruments, paintings of Hvar captains, old nautical charts and literature on navigation. During the tourist season the collection can be seen from 10 a.m. to noon and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. During the low season, it is necessary to announce your arrival to the Cultural Centre by phone (+385 21 765 910).
History and Culture in the town of Jelsa
CIVITAS VETUS IELSAE
The old city of Jelsa was situated on the peninsula Gradina and the defence wall, that was built on the western side of the peninsula and extended to the coves of Mina and Bočić, is partially still preserved. The former wall was 172 m long and had an enclosed wall, 800 metres in length. Today, on the location of the former Augustine monastery, of which only a church with a bell tower from 1605 is preserved, lies the present cemetery in Jelsa.
CHURCH AND SQUARE OF ST. JOHN
In the very centre of Jelsa, not far from the Square (Pjaca) there is a beautiful renaissance-baroque square of St. John with a small baroque church. Around the square there are stone houses with picturesque balconies that were built as far back as the 16th century.
CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION
Todayʼs parish church, the Church of the Assumption was erected on the foundation of the early gothic church and was expanded and fortified in 1535. The church vestry preserved valuable liturgical vestments and several crosses of artistic value and the painting of "Mother of God and the torture of Fabian and Sebastian" of the Flemish-Venetian painter Pietera de Costera is especially valuable.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF HEALTH
The votive Church of Our Lady of Health built in 1535 is situated above Jelsa on the hill Račić from where one can experience a magnificent view of the port of Jelsa. The church preserves the works of Palma Junior and valuable wooden sculptures from the 17th century and a renaissance icon from the 16th century.
GRAPČEVA CAVE
On the southern part of the island of Hvar there lies the Grapčeva cave, the most significant prehistoric site in the Adriatic. Items from a culture from 4 B.C. were discovered in the cave and they show that the prehistoric cave inhabitants were acquainted with polychrome ceramics from the Ionian and Aegean Sea. It is interesting that right in this cave the oldest depiction of a boat in Europe was discovered on fragments of one piece of pottery. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites and contains a large and a small hall, with numerous less accessible branches. You can reach the cave that is situated 239 metres above the sea level from Jelsa passing the Greek fort Tor or from the southern side from Gromin Dolac, passing the Virak cove. Still, the simplest way is to come by car from Jelsa to Humac and then take the field path to the cave.
TOR-THE GREEK FORT
The monument that has special archaeological significance is definitely Tor, a megalithic square stronghold built from stone blocks that are over 2 metres in height on an earlier Illyrian building. Situated south-east of Jelsa, at 230 m above sea level, in 4 B.C. it was a Greek observation post that, due to its position, dominated the entire channel of Makarska, all the way to the entrance of the port of Stari grad.
CITY-FORT GALEŠNIK, remains of the mediaeval city
At 210 m above sea level and above Jelsa, somewhat to the east of the Illyrian-Greek fort Tor, are the remains of the mediaeval city fort -Galešnika. The city that was 20 metres wide and surrounded by walls 80 metres long was erected on the foundations of Illyrian architecture and additionally constructed during the Roman rule. In the early Middle Ages, the fort was a sanctuary of the noble family of Galeš Slavogost who rebelled against the Venetian rule, but in the end the Venetians conquered the city and demolished it. You can reach this interesting historical location from which there is a magnificent panoramic view of Jelsa and the surrounding places, the island of Brač and the Makarska Riviera, by foot from Jelsa, walking through a pleasant picturesque pathway that passes through the fields and olive groves and ends with an old paved Roman path that leads to the City fort.
History and Culture in Vrboska
CHURCH OF ST. LAWRENCE
The church was built in the 15th century and was reconstructed in the 17th century. Among its old walls it preserves many valuable paintings: "Lady of Ružarija" from the 16th century painted by the famous Venetian painter Jacopo Bassan, "St. Anthony of Padua", "Christmas Eve" and "Homage of the Three Kings", works of painter Celestin Medović, as well as the silver Baroque cross from the 17th century, work of Tizian Aspetti. During the tourist season the church is open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to noon and from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. During the low season, all visitations must be announced to the parish office by phone (+ 385 21 774 095).
CHURCH FORT OF ST. MARY
One of the most significant monuments of the island of Hvar is definitely the Church – fort erected in 1571, after the Turkish attack on the location of an older church that originated in 1465. The church has the shape of a fort with an observation post and a loop-hole and from its top there is a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding places and fields. The church preserves valuable works of Stefan Celesti ("Lady of Mount Carmel"), Antonio Sciuri ("Maryʼs Childbirth"), Giuseppe Alabardi ("Resurrection" and "Placing into the tomb") Marko Rašica ("Lady of Mount Carmel") and Celestin Medović ("Homage of the Three Kings"). During the tourist season the church is open to visitors between 10 a.m. and noon and 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. During the low season, all visitations must be announced to the parish office by phone (+ 385 21 774 095).
CHURCH OF ST. PETER
The church of St. Peter is located right at the entry to the port Vrboska. It is one of the oldest churches on the island. As far back as 1331, it was mentioned as the bordering point between the marine areas of Pitava and Vrbanja, since Jelsa and Vrboska were non-existent at that time. The statue of St. Peter originated from this church and was the work of Niccolo Fiorentino. Today it is preserved in the Church of St. Lawrence in Vrboska.
FISHING MUSEUM
The Museum was opened in 1972 and preserves numerous fishing equipment and accessories. Among many interesting exhibits there is an appliance called svićalo which was used to light pinewood splinter and whose light attracted fish. There are also petroleum lanterns that were immersed under seawater, old rudders, fish-hooks, but also cooperʼs tools. The Museum preserves a collection of treated crabs, fish and shells of the Adriatic seabed and amphora from the Roman period. During the tourist season the museum is open to visitors from 9 a.m. - noon and from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
GALLERY MIR
Gallery Mir was founded when the owners of the Gothic renaissance house originating in 1573, after its reconstruction and renovation, decided to open it for public. Exhibitions are often held in this gallery and until now, many artists like the photographer Jasenko Rasol, painter Paulina Jazvić, Ana Kolega and others, displayed their works. It is interesting that in the venue of Gallery Mir you can enjoy the taste of juices and marmalade made after traditional recipes from autochthonic and self-grown plants from Hvar, like sage, mint, fennel, berry, sorb, etc.
INTO THE BLUE: AN ACRYLIC PAINTING ON A4 MIXED MEDIA PAPER
A few words about this painting. It was painted the same time as the last painting I shared- that's the same night and following morning. The process was really the same as with the other one. I used acrylic colours and applied them to a mixed media paper. I tried to wok as fast as possible.My main focus was on getting the colours as vibrant as I like them. I added the final details with a fine brush. You can have look at more details bellow.
Thank you for reading and visiting. Have a lovely wekend and take care!
Traveling Artistically , Brilliant - And Thank You So Much For Streaming The Magic Carpet Ride - You Totally Rock My Friend - Thanx For Being You
ReplyDeleteCheers
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DeleteEs un bello lugar y tus cuadros en especial el segundo enamora. Te mando un beso.
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DeleteWhat a nice post, thanks for your sharing...
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteCrotia is a nice and the photos are lovely.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.melodyjacob.com/
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DeleteI really want to go there someday, it isn't even that far from us by car.
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteExcellent post my dear :)
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteWhat an incredible place, you captured the blue so perfectly, wonderful!! I hope you are keeping well :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSono stata in Croazia diversi anni fa e mi è piaciuta tantissimo, mi piacerebbe tanto tornarci!
ReplyDeleteE grazie ai tuoi consigli avrei anche tanti posti nuovi da vedere!
Comunque il mare della Croazia è meraviglioso, ma tu sei riucita a renderlo ancora più stupendo in quel dipinto!
Baci!
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
I think you travel posts may be my favorite. What a beautiful place. Regine
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
I always love the talented way you manage to capture the waves and ripples on the water! it's a beautiful view of the ocean and you represent it so well in your paintings! :)
ReplyDeleteI miss Croatia. Such a beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteHi Ivana, Your art really is amazing, I can't even tell the difference between the real thing and the art, so good! I love your hair style with the braids, and Croatia has a lot to offer, I hope you are doing well too : ) x
ReplyDeletewww.juanitalikes.com
it looks absolutely breathtaking! The views, the location and you for sure. I have never been to Croatia but I would definitely love to visit it
ReplyDeletebreathaking place and that paintings are so amazing.
ReplyDeleteJULIE ANN LOZADA BLOG
INSTAGRAM: @julieann_lozada
I always love your seascape paintings! I can just feel the ocean moving whenever I gaze at the paintings. I hope you will continue to paint these natural beauties and take us with you as you travel via this digital space :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteUvijek uživam u ovoj rubrici na blogu, možda bih je čak izdvojila kao jednu od omiljenih. Prelijep rad, svaka čast. 👏👏👌
ReplyDeleteWow! Such dreamy scenery.
ReplyDeleteBernie,
www.thestylefanatic.com
I haven't been able to travel so it's nice to go on virtual escapes through your art and posts. I love that you paint so many seascapes as I do love being by the water when I get the chance.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivana, hope your year is going well!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to come back to your blog after your pause! I am also happy to see that you kept the whole concept since I really enjoy reading your posts and the art you share always inspire me in many ways.
I can't believe this is your 35th post of Travel With My Art... woow! First of all congratulations for this genuine content, honestly this is such a good series and it keeps me motivated since sometimes travel can't be difficult. So thank you so much for painting these beautiful pieces, sharing with us the way you see the world! I always end up inspired after visiting Moda Odaradosti.
All the best!
Pablo
www.HeyFungi.com
Hey Ivana, hope your year is going well!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to come back to your blog after your pause! I am also happy to see that you kept the whole concept since I really enjoy reading your posts and the art you share always inspire me in many ways.
I can't believe this is your 35th post of Travel With My Art... woow! First of all congratulations for this genuine content, honestly this is such a good series and it keeps me motivated since sometimes travel can't be difficult. So thank you so much for painting these beautiful pieces, sharing with us the way you see the world! I always end up inspired after visiting Moda Odaradosti.
All the best!
Pablo
www.HeyFungi.com
I love this series. You do such a lovely job with these landscapes and there is so much movement in the water. Just love it. I also love your use of color, so vibrant makes you feel like you are there. I would so love to visit Croatia one day.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Fantastic paintings <3
ReplyDeleteVrboska na Hvaru je bila omiljeno mesto na svetu mog tate, i kad god je neko pomogne setim se njega i s koliko ljubavi je pričao o njoj. Divno slikaš kao i uvek, draga. <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.couture-case.com/
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your latest post about your travels to Beach Kamenjara in Vrboska, Island Hvar, Croatia. The beautiful pictures you shared and the way you described the scenery truly transported me to that wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who loves to travel and explore new destinations, I found your post really informative and insightful. It's always great to hear about hidden gems like this beach that are not very well-known to tourists.
In terms of the question "is 100k a year good", I believe that it ultimately depends on a person's individual circumstances and lifestyle. However, I do appreciate how you focus on affordable travel and making the most out of your experiences without necessarily breaking the bank.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and I can't wait to read more about your adventures!