The Not-so-Ordinary Museums of Hvar Island

Until I started editing guides for thisblog, I hadn’t visited all the museums on the island. To start off, to add a touch of mystique and fun, read the ultimate truth about the legend of 2,700 sunny hours on the island of Hvar. Once we’ve solved that puzzle, it’s best to start from the town of Hvar since there is truly a lot to see. For example, the Benedictine nuns in the monastery in Hvar who handcraft lace from delicate threads made from agave fruits. They have learned their craft from sailors and fishermen who inhabited the island. Hvar lace is unique in the world, and it is so delicate that it must be preserved under glass, away from direct sunlight

About ten minutes from Jelsa, and a 20-minute drive from the town of Hvar, lies our ancient Paiz. Here, be sure to visit Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović and explore the fishpond (with real fish!) located within the walls of the house. This is the perfect location to explore if it happens to rain on the island. There’s a slim chance that it will rain all over the island due to its unique microclimate, but IF it does happen, now you know where to go.

Afterwards, take a ride to the Viticultural Museum in the picturesque village of Pitve. Here, you will be able to learn more about the rich history of winemaking on the island of Hvar. The museum is located on a hill above the village and is spread over three floors, where the story of wine history is beautifully and interactively presented. The museum also showcases interesting old tools and details related to the phylloxera, a devastating disease that originated in France and destroyed all the vineyards on the island.

One item that particularly caught my attention was a large wooden funnel called “lakomica.” It was used for pouring a large quantity of wine into wooden barrels (damijone). Locals who were known for enjoying a drink or two would be jokingly referred to as “lakomice” (greedy ones). Island humor is truly something special. .

Margarita

If you’re with children, I suggest taking a break for lunch at one of the kid-friendly restaurants and then heading back home, satisfied and pleasantly tired. We are looking forward to the new fishing museum in Vrboska with great excitement.

Insider tip: In Pitve, during the 1960s, there was a popular disco club, and the building that now houses the Viticultural Museum used to be a public school.