Tvrdalj

Stari Grad


This fortified house was built by aristocrat and writer Petar Hektorović (1487–1572) in the 16th century. At its heart is a lovely, lush Renaissance garden, set around the green waters of a pond stocked with mullet, as it was in Hektorović's day. It's a reflection of his favourite pastime, as recorded in his most famous poetic work, Fishing and Fishermen’s Chat (1555).

Quotes from the writer's work are inscribed on the walls in Latin and Croatian. The one above the toilet alcove (a rare luxury for the time) reads: 'Know what you are and then you can be proud'. You'll find it tucked away in a corner of the entry hall, which is the only part of the interior of the building that's open to the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Stari Grad attractions

2. St Stephen's Church

0.13 MILES

Built in 1605, this large church has a baroque facade and water-damaged paintwork inside in shades of pale green, blue and grey. Note the faux-marble…

3. Vina Carić

3.69 MILES

Offers tastings and snacks from its cellar in Vrboska, 5km northwest of Jelsa.

4. St Lawrence's Church

3.75 MILES

Fifteenth-century St Lawrence's is crammed with valuable art, including what is believed to be a Veronese triptych above the high altar.

5. Our-Lady-of-Mercy Church-Fortress

3.84 MILES

From the outside Our-Lady-of-Mercy is very much a castle, with only the cross and three bells at the top marking it out as a church. It was fortified in…

6. Dubovica

4.01 MILES

This gorgeous grin of beach has a tiny cluster of stone houses and a couple of cafe-bars. The juxtaposition of the white pebbles alongside the brilliant…

7. Zaraće

4.76 MILES

This little rocky and pebbly cove is just off the highway east of Hvar Town.

8. Church of the Assumption

5.12 MILES

Jelsa's parish church has an elegant baroque facade and a Renaissance bell tower, while inside there are ceiling frescos and an elaborate marble high…