Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
starogradsko-polje.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2008
Size of heritage: 1,377 ha
- Buffer zone: 6,403 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 16,639°
Latitude: 43,182°

Summary

Stari Grad Plain on the Adriatic island of Hvar is a cultural landscape that has remained practically intact since it was first colonized by Ionian Greeks from Paros in the 4th century BC. The original agricultural activity of this fertile plain, mainly centring on grapes and olives, has been maintained since Greek times to the present. The site is also a natural reserve. The landscape features ancient stone walls and trims, or small stone shelters, and bears testimony to the ancient geometrical system of land division used by the ancient Greeks, the chora which has remained virtually intact over 24 centuries.

Location on Map


Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Stari Grad Plain: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia

The Stari Grad Plain, located in the Split and Dalmatia Counties of Croatia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. Spanning over 1,600 hectares, this agricultural landscape is a testament to the ancient Greek colonization of the island of Hvar and its subsequent development over the centuries.

History

The Stari Grad Plain, also known as the Ager or Hora, was established by Greek settlers from the island of Paros in the 4th century BC. These settlers, led by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Aristotle's pupil, Dionysius the Elder, founded the town of Pharos, which is now known as Stari Grad. The plain was meticulously planned and divided into rectangular plots, each measuring approximately 180 by 900 meters.

For centuries, the Stari Grad Plain served as the main agricultural area of the island, providing sustenance to its inhabitants. The Greek settlers introduced various farming techniques, including the use of stone walls to create terraces, irrigation systems, and the cultivation of olive trees and vineyards. These practices have been passed down through generations, contributing to the preservation of the landscape.

Over the centuries, the Stari Grad Plain witnessed the rise and fall of different civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman empires. Despite these changes, the agricultural landscape remained relatively intact, with subsequent inhabitants continuing to cultivate the land using traditional methods.

Current State

Today, the Stari Grad Plain stands as a living testament to the ancient Greek agricultural system and its evolution over time. The landscape retains its original division into plots, known as chora, which are still used for farming. The stone walls, terraces, and irrigation channels built by the Greeks are still visible, showcasing their remarkable engineering skills.

The Stari Grad Plain is primarily used for the cultivation of grapes, olives, and lavender, which are integral to the local economy. The traditional farming practices employed by the local community have been recognized as an essential part of the cultural heritage of the region.

Efforts have been made to preserve and protect the Stari Grad Plain. In 2008, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging its outstanding universal value. The local authorities, in collaboration with UNESCO, have implemented measures to ensure the sustainable management of the landscape, including the promotion of organic farming and the preservation of traditional agricultural practices.

Visitors to the Stari Grad Plain can explore the area through various walking and cycling trails, immersing themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the site. The plain also hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate the agricultural traditions and local produce.

In conclusion, the Stari Grad Plain in Croatia is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the ancient Greek agricultural system and its evolution over centuries. Its historical significance, coupled with its current state as a thriving agricultural landscape, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, culture, and sustainable farming practices.

Hotels and places to stay

Komazin

Address
Distance: 3,0 mi
Nikice Kolumbica 2
21450 Hvar
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Heritage Villa Apolon

Address
Distance: 2,7 mi
Šetalište don Šime Ljubica 7
21460 Stari Grad
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Borak Bluesun Hotel

Address
Distance: 5,4 mi
Put Zlatnog rata 42
21420 Bol
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Elaphusa Bluesun Hotel

Address
Distance: 5,4 mi
Put Zlatnog rata 46
21420 Bol
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Madrugada Apartments

Address
Distance: 2,4 mi
Ulica Ivice Stipisica 3
21460 Stari Grad
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 22:00
Weekend: closed


Apartments Trim

Address
Distance: 2,6 mi
Naselje Helios 1
21460 Stari Grad
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hvar

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
Jelsa 893
21465 Jelsa
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Villa Perka

Address
Distance: 4,0 mi
Donji Dvori 18
21450 Hvar
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 17:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Villa Tamara

Address
Distance: 4,7 mi
Zavala 171
21465 Jelsa
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 09:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: closed


Arkada

Address
Distance: 2,7 mi
Naselje Helios 8
21460 Stari Grad
Croatia

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Videos from the area

STARI GRAD PLAIN UNESCO 2008

Published: June 10, 2010
Length: 46:27 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Miran Eric

On the road Jelsa - Stari Grad isle of Hvar

Published: July 31, 2010
Length: 31:07 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: tnardell

Let Hvar junij 2012.mp4

Published: June 23, 2012
Length: 03:39 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: VilmaflyTV

Easy-glider cam Hvar airport LDSH

Published: February 12, 2015
Length: 58:04 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: michaelhvar

Easy-glider cam Hvar LDSH.

Zeiljacht huren bij euro-yachtcharter.nl

Published: December 06, 2008
Length: 48:29 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: ericyachtcharter

Korte promotie trailer voor nautisch Kroatië, zeilvakanties en vaarvakanties verzorgd door euro-yachtcharter.nl. Denk aan bar boat charter (jachtenhuren.nl), meezeilen en flottielje zeilen...

Spyhawk Hvar airport LDSH

Published: January 10, 2014
Length: 38:40 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: michaelhvar

Let pred večer!

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.