Square & Cathedral of St. Stephen

When you find yourself in Hvar, every winding street seems to usher you toward Hvarska pjaca, the heart of the city’s public and social life. It's the largest square in Dalmatia, and you can feel its pulse as locals and visitors mingle. On the eastern side stands the Cathedral of St. Stephen, a magnificent structure with roots tracing back to a 6th-century early-Christian church. It took on its current form during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Cathedral honors St. Stephen, a pope and martyr, who is the guardian of both the Diocese and the city itself.

The bell tower of this Cathedral, along with others like those of St. Mark, the Franciscan monastery, and the ruins of St. Venerande, are celebrated as the most exquisite in Dalmatia. Inside the Cathedral, the treasures continue. It houses an array of valuable items and stunning paintings by artists such as Stefano Celesti, Palma Junior, and the Spanish artist Juan Boschettus. The most famous piece here is undoubtedly the Madonna, a proto-Venetian masterpiece dating back to 1220, making it one of Dalmatia's oldest works of art.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, which has been home to a fascinating collection since 1963. Here, you'll find sacred vessels, archival documents, ancient books, and intricately designed liturgical vestments. It’s a real treat for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. And when you've soaked in all the culture, take a moment to enjoy a coffee at one of the charming cafes lining the square, where you can watch the world go by and feel the unique blend of history and modern life that defines Hvar.