St. Stephen's Square (Pjaca), Hvar

St. Stephen's Square, known locally as Pjaca, is the central gathering place in Hvar Town and the largest square in the Dalmatia region. Its history is as captivating as its present-day atmosphere. Originally, the area was a deep bay that gradually was filled in with rocks over several centuries. This transformation created a space between the northern town (Grod) and the southern town (Burak), eventually becoming the expansive square seen today. Paved completely in 1780, Pjaca embodies the architectural style of piazzas built under Venetian rule. The square is bordered by significant historical buildings, including St. Stephen's Cathedral on the eastern side, constructed on the foundations of a 6th-century early-Christian church. The cathedral acquired its current appearance in the 16th and 17th centuries. Other notable buildings surrounding the Pjaca date back to the 15th-17th centuries and include the Bishop's Palace, the Arsenal, and the Governor's Palace. A communal well, built in 1520, stands as a reminder of the square's historical function as the town's central point. Today, St. Stephen's Square is a lively hub lined with cafes, restaurants, and small businesses, maintaining its role as the center of public and social life in Hvar. The impressive architecture remains intact, offering visitors a blend of history and a vibrant atmosphere.