Hvar Cathedral, Renaissance cathedral in Hvar, Croatia
Hvar Cathedral is a three-aisled Renaissance structure built by local builders in the 16th century, featuring a square apse and a separate bell tower. The interior is outfitted with multiple altars, some in Baroque style, surrounded by sculptural and relief work from different periods.
The building stands on the site of an early Christian church from the 6th century, later administered by Benedictine monks before becoming an episcopal seat. This progression reflects the island's growing importance within Mediterranean ecclesiastical hierarchies.
The interior reflects layers of artistic tradition, particularly through works by Venetian masters that shape the sacred space. These pieces show how deeply the island was connected to the wider Adriatic artistic world.
The structure is open to visitors during daylight hours, allowing for exploration of both architectural details and interior elements. The relatively compact footprint makes it manageable for visitors with varying mobility needs.
Embedded within the bell tower is a remarkably preserved Roman ship relief, creating a direct link to the island's ancient maritime heritage. This unexpected artifact shows how earlier materials were incorporated into later architectural structures.
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