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Stari Grad Plain: A Timeless Agricultural Landscape

Explore Croatia's Stari Grad Plain: A UNESCO site showcasing ancient Greek agriculture, remarkably preserved for over two millennia.

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The Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its remarkably preserved agricultural landscape dating back to the 4th century BC. Colonized by Ionian Greeks, the plain showcases an ancient system of land division with original stone walls, cultivated with the same crops for 24 centuries.

A brief summary to Stari Grad Plain

Local tips

  • Explore the plain by bicycle to best appreciate the scale and preserved ancient field patterns.
  • Visit local wineries or farms within the plain to sample traditional wines, olive oils, and other regional products.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be walking on uneven terrain and ancient pathways.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be limited in the open fields.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Stari Grad town to explore its historic center and enjoy local cuisine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Stari Grad town center, follow the main road leading east towards the plain. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the countryside. There are no specific entrance fees for accessing the plain.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from Stari Grad bus station towards Vrboska or Jelsa. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Stari Grad Plain. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to enter the plain. Bus fares are typically around 2-3 EUR. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from Stari Grad town center. A short taxi ride to a central location within the plain will cost approximately 10-15 EUR. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Taxis offer a convenient way to reach specific points within the plain, especially if you have limited time.

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Discover more about Stari Grad Plain

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Ager, is a cultural landscape on the island of Hvar, Croatia, that has remained largely unchanged since its initial colonization by Ionian Greeks in the 4th century BC. This fertile plain stands as the largest agricultural area on the Adriatic islands and a testament to ancient Greek farming practices. The landscape is characterized by a geometrical division of land into parcels (chora), bordered by dry stone walls that have been meticulously maintained over the centuries. These walls, along with stone shelters called trims and an ancient water collection system, showcase the ingenuity of the early settlers in managing the land. The original agricultural activities, primarily the cultivation of grapes and olives, continue to this day, bearing witness to over 2400 years of uninterrupted agricultural use. Visitors to Stari Grad Plain can explore the ancient landscape by foot, bicycle, or car, traversing the network of paths that wind through the fields. Along the way, remnants of ancient structures, including a Roman villa and the remains of Greek fortifications, can be discovered. The nearby town of Stari Grad offers charming cafes and restaurants where visitors can savor traditional Croatian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced produce. The plain is not only a historical site but also a living landscape where the traditions of the past continue to shape the present.

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