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Stari Grad Plain: A Timeless Agricultural Landscape

Explore Croatia's Stari Grad Plain: a UNESCO-listed ancient Greek agricultural landscape with vineyards, olive groves, and timeless charm.

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The Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Hvar, Croatia, is an agricultural landscape dating back to the 4th century BC. Colonized by the Greeks, its original layout of geometrically divided plots separated by dry stone walls remains remarkably intact and still in use today, primarily for grapes and olives.

A brief summary to Stari Grad Plain

Local tips

  • Rent a bike to explore the extensive network of flat trails that wind through the Stari Grad Plain.
  • Visit local wineries and farms for olive oil and wine tastings, connecting with the island's agricultural traditions.
  • Walk or cycle along the coastal road between Vrboska and Jelsa for swimming spots with clear waters.
  • Look for the 'trimovi' (small stone shelters) scattered across the plain, remnants of ancient agricultural practices.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Stari Grad town center, the Stari Grad Plain is easily accessible on foot. Walking south from the town square, you'll quickly enter the agricultural area. The plain extends for several kilometers, so choose a direction and explore the grid-like pattern of fields and stone walls. There are no entrance fees or specific costs associated with walking on the plain.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Stari Grad Plain from the Stari Grad ferry port, you can take a local bus towards Jelsa or Vrboska. These buses traverse the plain, offering access to different points of interest. The bus stop is located near the ferry terminal. A single ticket costs approximately €2-4. Alternatively, a taxi from the ferry port to a specific location on the plain will cost around €15-€20.

  • Bicycle

    Renting a bicycle in Stari Grad is a popular way to explore the plain. Several rental shops are located in the town center. From there, cycle south into the plain, following the marked cycling routes. A full-day bicycle rental typically costs between €10-€15. This allows you to explore the extensive network of paths and visit different parts of the agricultural landscape.

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Discover more about Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Ager, is a remarkably well-preserved agricultural landscape on the island of Hvar, Croatia. Established in the 4th century BC by Greek colonists from the island of Paros, the plain's unique system of land division has remained virtually unchanged for 24 centuries. In 2008, UNESCO recognized its outstanding universal value, adding it to the World Heritage List. The plain is characterized by its geometrically organized plots, known as 'chora', divided by dry stone walls. These plots, originally measuring approximately 180 x 900 meters (1 x 5 stadia), were carefully laid out using a surveying instrument called a groma. This system enabled the Greeks to maximize the fertile land's potential, cultivating primarily grapes and olives, which continue to thrive today. The continuous agricultural use of the plain, with the same crops being produced for over two millennia, bears witness to its permanency and sustainability. Beyond the stone walls, visitors can discover other features like small stone shelters called 'trimovi,' used by fieldworkers for storing tools and seeking refuge from bad weather. The plain also features an ancient rainwater recovery system, including tanks and gutters. Exploring the Stari Grad Plain offers a unique glimpse into ancient Greek agricultural practices and the enduring cultural landscape of the Mediterranean. The best way to experience the plain is by walking or cycling along the network of paths that crisscross the fields.

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