Benedictine Convent, Hvar Island Travel Guide

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Discover Hvar's Benedictine Convent: Where centuries of faith meet the delicate artistry of UNESCO-recognized agave lace.

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Benedictine Convent

The Benedictine Convent in Hvar, dating back to 1664, is renowned for its exquisite agave lace, a tradition passed down through generations of nuns. Located in the former palace of Renaissance poet Hanibal Lucić, the convent also houses a museum showcasing valuable artwork and liturgical objects.

A brief summary to Benedictine Convent

Hvar, 21450, HR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Benedictine Convent.

Purchase agave lace as a unique and authentic Hvar souvenir; proceeds support the convent.
Visit the Hanibal Lucić Museum within the convent to view valuable artwork and learn about the convent's history.
Note that the nuns do not make lace when the strong northern 'bura' wind blows, as it makes the agave threads too brittle.

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Getting There

Walking

From Hvar Town's main square, Trg Sv. Stjepana, walk east, keeping the Arsenal building to your right. Continue along the waterfront promenade, turning slightly inland at the end towards the old town streets. The convent is located a short walk up the hill. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

Hvar has local bus services that connect to other parts of the island. From the main bus station, located a short walk from the harbor, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the convent. Bus tickets can be purchased on board. A single fare within Hvar town is approximately 2-4 EUR.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Hvar Town, particularly near the main square and the harbor. A short taxi ride from the harbor to the convent area will cost approximately 10-15 EUR. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Benedictine Convent

Nestled in the heart of Hvar town, the Benedictine Convent stands as a testament to centuries of faith, artistry, and tradition. Founded in 1664, the convent occupies the palace of Hanibal Lucić, a celebrated Renaissance poet, with parts of the original structure still visible today. The convent's origins trace back to the arrival of two nuns from the island of Pag, who were tasked with establishing monastic life in Hvar.Beyond its spiritual significance, the Benedictine Convent is world-renowned for its unique agave lace. This delicate art form involves extracting thin threads from the leaves of the agave plant, a process that requires skill and patience. The nuns then weave these threads into intricate patterns, each a unique expression of their creativity. The lace-making tradition has been passed down through generations, with techniques refined over more than a century. Hvar's agave lace is so unique that it has earned a place on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.Visitors to the convent can explore the Hanibal Lucić Museum, which showcases a collection of valuable paintings, liturgical objects, and magnificently embroidered vestments. Of course, the highlight for many is the exquisite agave lace, displayed under glass to preserve its delicate beauty. The nuns continue to create these remarkable pieces, offering visitors a glimpse into a living tradition.