Vrbanj: Historic Sites and a Route Through the Landscape

Vrbanj brings together prehistoric, medieval and ecclesiastical landmarks with the Za Unesco-m 704 route. This gives travellers two distinct areas to explore: the history of the settlement, with its buildings and religious traditions, and the landscape along the route.

Hum – Sv. Vid and the processions

Hum – Sv. Vid is a prehistoric fortification between Dol sv. Ane and Vrbanj. The remains of the Chapel of Saint Vitus are located in the western part of the site.

Residents of nearby Vrbanj still make a procession to Hum – Sv. Vid. This is distinct from the Za Križen procession, which includes Vrbanj among its six settlements. The UNESCO-listed Za Križen procession is more than 500 years old and takes place overnight from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday. One tradition leads to Hum – Sv. Vid; the other involves several settlements.

The King’s Court and the churches

The medieval building complex in Vrbanj is also known as The King’s Court. It is believed to have served as the seat of the ducal rulers before the commune was founded.

The parish church of the Holy Spirit was built in the 18th century on the site of an older church. Its main altar features an altarpiece by Baldassare d’Anna depicting the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

The Za Unesco-m 704 route

The Za Unesco-m 704 route passes through Dol and Vrbanj. After passing through Vrbanj, it continues through vineyards and olive groves towards Jelsa. Its total length is 22.7 km.

Further cultural landmarks in the wider destination of Stari Grad

A distinct cultural perspective can be found in the wider destination of Stari Grad. The Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko polje) is a cultural landscape shaped over millennia. Its rectangular plots are bounded by dry-stone walls.

The Dominican Monastery of Saint Peter the Martyr was founded in Stari Grad in 1482. After the Turkish attack on the island of Hvar in the late 16th century, it was fortified with two round towers. The monastery museum preserves the oldest inscriptions in Greek found in Croatia. Another architectural landmark in Stari Grad is the Baroque Church of Saint Stephen, whose construction began in 1605. In the wider destination of Stari Grad, the Kabal 706 circular route runs from the centre to the settlement of Rudina, then returns to Stari Grad via Kabal and Arkada. Lanterna Beach can be reached either on foot along the sea or by bicycle. In Stari Grad, kayaks and SUP boards can be rented to explore secluded coves, pebble beaches and cliffs; availability may vary.

Discover more destinations: Rudina, Stari Grad

Go to the wider travel overview: Stari Grad.