Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Dalmation Coast Island of Hvar

This is a view of the harbor of the resort island of Hvar from the Spanish Fort overlooking the town. This photo shows a sample of the many islands and bays that form the Dalmatian Coast. Hvar island is a popular resort, known for its climate, beauty, lavender fields and wine. The small cruise ship on which we toured the Dalmatian Coast is anchored off shore and is visible in this photo.
This is the center of the harbor, with the Spanjola Fort, or Spanish Fort, visible at the top of the mountain. The fort was not Spanish, although it is called that because it was designed in part by people from Spain. Many of the buildings in the center of town date from the period of Venetian rule (1278 - 1797).
The Venetians fortified the town after 1420, and the town wall running up the hillside from the town to the fort is visible in this photo.
This is the bay and harbor of Stari Grad on the opposite side of the island from the town of Hvar, where most of the tourists go. Stari Grad was settled in the 4th Century B.C. by people from Syracuse. There are baths in this town that date to Roman times.
Another view of the harbor and town. These are obviously working fishing boats, not the yachts of tourists. On a future post, we will show more photos of Hvar, including an abandoned village in its interior. Sadly, the population of Hvar is a fraction of what it was previously, as most residents have left for easier work than to farm the very rocky, hilly soil.

6 comments:

brattcat said...

These are just gorgeous. Have you created a map to go along with your Viva la Voyage series? It would be fun to track where you've been on a world map and watch a new place get a dab of color each week.

Unknown said...

Wonderful views of a place I want to visit someday.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this much needed ability to breath beauty.

daily athens

glenda said...

Beautiful place! Brattcat has a good idea.

Cezar and Léia said...

hello Julie!
wonderful trip!Thanks so much for introducing this adorable place!Fabulous shots!
purrs and love
Luna - We love Luna

Ola said...

So beautiful pictures! I think I will be visiting you often!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...