Information
Landmark: Old Town PagCity: Pag
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Old Town Pag, Pag, Croatia, Europe
Overview
Old Town Pag (Croatian: Stari grad Pag) sits at the heart of the island, where narrow stone lanes lead past weathered medieval walls and centuries-old customs still shape daily life.Pag Town sits on the island’s southern coast, its Old Town a maze of stone streets that trace their roots back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic.Winding cobblestone lanes, centuries-old landmarks, and the pulse of local life come together here, making it a place you can’t miss when exploring the island.Highlights of Old Town Pag1, from its cobbled alleys to the scent of fresh bread drifting from corner bakeries.Pag Town traces its roots back to Roman times, with the old quarter still holding bits of stone roads and fragments of ancient walls from that era.Centuries later, its streets took their winding shape under the strong hand of Venetian design in the Middle Ages.The streets twist in a tight, grid-like pattern, a hallmark of Venetian planning, and the old town still holds fragments of the medieval walls that once guarded it; in their shadow stands St. Mary’s Church, a 15th-century landmark blending graceful Gothic arches with the balanced lines of Renaissance design.With its weathered stone façade, carved altars, and centuries-old paintings, it stands out as a gem of the Old Town; the Duke’s Palace (Knežev dvor), a grand Renaissance structure that once housed the Venetian governor, remains one of Pag’s most unmistakable landmarks.Today, the building holds the Pag Town Museum, where you can step inside and explore the island’s past.Pass through the Pag Town Gate-the Old Town’s main entrance-and you’ll find yourself walking under stone arches that have stood for centuries.Look up at the Venetian Lion of St. Mark, carved into the Duke’s Palace and other facades, a reminder of the island’s years under Venetian rule.And don’t miss Pag’s lace-making tradition, its delicate patterns so prized that UNESCO has named it part of the island’s intangible cultural heritage.In the Old Town, the Pag Lace Museum gives you an intimate look at a delicate art passed down for generations by the women of Pag, their fingers weaving patterns as fine as spider silk, and nearby lace shops sell everything from hand-stitched tablecloths to intricate ornaments made with the same time-honored methods; just beyond, the main square, Trg Petra Zoranića, bustles with chatter and clinking cups, framed by historic facades, cafés, and welcoming restaurants.It’s the perfect spot to sit back with a coffee and watch the world stroll past, all while breathing in the spice of fresh bread from a nearby bakery.Wander the Old Town’s twisting alleys, where weathered stone houses lean close and tiny shops spill colorful scarves onto the street.Here and there, old fountains still trickle, silent reminders of a time when water shaped daily life.Old Town Pag sits within the larger town on Pag Island, just a quick drive from Pag Bridge and other nearby sights, with roads that wind past stone walls and the sea.The streets are small and close-knit, perfect for exploring on foot.Wander its narrow lanes past centuries-old stone walls, then linger at St. Mary’s Church, open all day except during the occasional mass; the Duke’s Palace and Museum welcome visitors daily, staying open even longer when tourist season peaks.Check your local listings for exact visiting hours.The Pag Lace Museum usually opens during summer, offering guided tours where you can see the fine threads up close.In the Old Town, you’ll find lively festivals year-round, from the colorful Pag Carnival to the Summer Music Festival and cherished traditions like the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.During festival days, music spills through the narrow streets and squares, dancers twirl in bright skirts, and traditional performances draw lively crowds.Wander the Old Town market to sample fresh figs, local cheeses, and handcrafted goods found only on Pag.Step into the Salt Museum to uncover the island’s centuries-old salt-making tradition, climb the Fortica ruins for sweeping views of Pag and the sea, or head to Zrće Beach for a high-energy party scene just minutes away.In Old Town Pag, you can truly step back in time and feel the island’s rich history all around you.Wander ancient cobblestone lanes, pause to admire graceful Venetian arches, or watch a lace-maker’s nimble fingers at work-the Old Town blends history, culture, and local charm in perfect measure.It’s a lovely spot to wander cobbled streets, pick up a hand-painted ceramic, and savor real Croatian flavors as you breathe in the salt-tinged air of Pag’s old town.
