Stari Grad Plain: An Ancient Agricultural Landscape

Stari Grad Plain, also known as Ager, is a remarkable cultural landscape on the island of Hvar, Croatia, bearing witness to ancient Greek agricultural practices. In the 4th century BC, colonists from the island of Paros established a sophisticated agricultural system here, dividing the land into a grid of rectangular plots. These plots, known as 'chora,' were demarcated by dry stone walls, a technique that has ensured the preservation of this unique landscape for millennia.This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing how the ancient Greeks organized and cultivated land. The fertile plain, benefiting from Ice Age loess deposition, has been continuously used for agriculture, primarily for grapes and olives, since its initial colonization. The enduring nature of this agricultural activity provides a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to witness a landscape shaped by over two millennia of human interaction.Exploring the Stari Grad Plain reveals not only the ingenuity of the ancient Greeks but also the resilience of traditional farming practices. The landscape is dotted with ancient stone walls, small stone shelters called 'trims,' and remnants of a water collection system, all testaments to the resourcefulness of the early settlers. Today, the plain stands as a living museum, where the past and present intertwine, offering a unique and enriching experience for those who venture into its ancient fields.