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St. Stephen's Square (Pjaca), Hvar

Experience the vibrant heart of Hvar Town in Dalmatia's largest square, surrounded by historic architecture and lively cafes.

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St. Stephen's Square, or Pjaca, is the heart of Hvar Town and the largest square in Dalmatia. This historic space, once a deep bay, was transformed over centuries into a vibrant center of public and social life, surrounded by significant buildings and filled with cafes and shops.

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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience of the square.
  • Take a seat at one of the cafes lining the square to people-watch and soak in the atmosphere.
  • Look for the historic communal well, dating back to 1520, nestled among the restaurant umbrellas.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Stephen's Square is centrally located in Hvar Town and easily accessible on foot from most points within the town. From the Hvar Town waterfront, walk inland towards the prominent St. Stephen's Cathedral; the square extends from the harbor to the cathedral. No costs are associated with accessing the square.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public bus from other parts of Hvar Island, the Hvar Town bus station is located a short walk from St. Stephen's Square. From the bus station, walk towards the waterfront and turn left; the square will be on your right. Bus tickets from Stari Grad to Hvar Town cost approximately 27 kn. From Jelsa to Hvar, the bus tickets cost around 39 kn.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Hvar Town, and a short ride to St. Stephen's Square is convenient. Taxi stands are located near the harbor and bus station. A short taxi ride within Hvar Town typically costs around €15-€20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about TZ 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.

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