Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad, Croatia

The Stari Grad Plain of the town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar is an agricultural landscape that was set up by the ancient Greek colonists in the 4th century BC, and remains in use. The plain is generally still in its original form. The ancient layout has been preserved by careful maintenance of the stone walls over 24 centuries, along with the stone shelters (known locally as trims), and the water collection system. The same crops, mainly grapes and olives, are still grown in the fields, and the site is also a natural reserve. The site is a valuable example of the ancient Greek system of agriculture.

The plain demonstrates the comprehensive system of agriculture as used by the ancient Greeks. The land was divided into geometrical parcels (chora) bounded by dry stone walls. The system included a rainwater recovery system involving the use of gutters and storage cisterns. The original field layout has been respected by the continuous maintenance of the boundary walls by succeeding generations. Agricultural activity in the chora has been uninterrupted for 24 centuries up to the present day. What we see today is a continuation of the cultural landscape of the original Greek colonists.

The Stari Grad Plain is Croatia's 7th location protected by UNESCO.

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Stari Grad, Croatia
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Founded: 4th century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Croatia

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Anna A (9 months ago)
Gorgeous little town with lovely shops and seaside
Friederike Hansen (12 months ago)
A landscape full of history… beautiful vibes here… and the ancient town picturesque and a cosy atmosphere
Chantalle Todd (3 years ago)
E-biking through this beautiful plain was one of my favorite activities in Stari Grad! If you visit in the summer, particularly a hot day, I'd recommend exploring the trails this way. We rented e-bikes from Hvar Life and it was just a short trip down some quiet roads to get to the landscape from there. There's many paths to explore, but if you get hungry Hora Hvar is nearby for you to enjoy some farm-to-table food.
Tonko Lacmanovic (4 years ago)
This is UNESCO World heritage protected site as one of the rare examples of intact agricultural landscape made by Greek colonists when they took this beautiful bay from local population and leaving to them rest of island apparently. I would like more investment (EU funds of course) but even like this is it perfect place for bike or walking tour. You can reach it from Stari Grad and it stretches almost to neighboring beautiful small towns of Jelsa and Vrboska. In spring you can find delicious asparagus here in great quantity. And try to avoid high summer as it can be really hot here if you are not near sea. Fifth star is missing as it should be maintained much better but this is place to see when visiting amazing island of Hvar as it is unique place indeed.
Volodymyr Balych (5 years ago)
We were here just for a walking. A bit boring to be honest. Nothing special if you're young. It looks like just ordinary plains .
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