Information
Landmark: St. Stephen's SquareCity: Hvar
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
St. Stephen's Square, Hvar, Croatia, Europe
Overview
St. Stephen’s Square, known locally as Trg sv., bustles with the sound of footsteps on its worn stone.Stjepana) pulses at the heart of Hvar Town, the lively hub of the island where café tables spill onto sunlit stone streets.One of the largest squares in Dalmatia, this lively hub hums with conversation and clinking coffee cups, framed by grand facades, busy cafés, and centuries-old landmarks.Right in the heart of Hvar Town, the square stretches from the harbor up to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, covering about 4,500 square meters-making it one of the largest in Croatia’s old towns.Built on a drained bay in the 15th century, it’s been a lively gathering spot for generations, where the sound of footsteps echoes off the worn stone.St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a breathtaking blend of Renaissance and Baroque design, stands at the square’s eastern edge and gives the place its name.Hvar’s skyline is crowned by the cathedral’s graceful bell tower, its pale stone catching the light.The main square brims with Venetian charm-arched facades and carved balconies once belonged to nobility, while the smooth limestone paving, worn to a soft sheen, speaks of centuries of footsteps.Lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, it’s the place to sip coffee, linger over dinner, or watch the crowd drift by; in summer, concerts and festivals fill the air with music.At the western end stands the Hvar Arsenal, home to one of Europe’s oldest public theaters, opened in 1612, and nearby you’ll find the 16th‑century Well of St. Stephen, once a lifeline for the community.On the southern edge, the City Loggia’s clock tower still keeps time, echoing the town’s Venetian ties.The square opens onto the harbor, where yachts glide in, and when night falls, warm lights spill across the stones, casting a romantic glow.Dining and drinks: Savor fresh Dalmatian dishes, sample the day’s catch, or linger over a strong espresso at one of the town’s bustling cafés.Many cafés set out tables under the sun, giving you a clear view of the square’s stone paving and daily bustle.You can wander into boutiques selling lavender sachets, handmade silver earrings, and classic island souvenirs.In summer, music drifts through the air as the Hvar Summer Festival brings theater, folk dancing, and live concerts to the square.It’s also the perfect spot to sit back and watch-locals chatting in the shade, tourists snapping photos, children chasing pigeons.Mornings are calm and easy for exploring or taking pictures, while evenings hum with energy as people gather for food, drinks, and conversation.The square is flat and easy to reach from anywhere in Hvar Town, though the cobblestone streets around it call for comfortable shoes.Nearby, you can hike up to Hvar Fortress for sweeping views, visit the Franciscan Monastery’s cloister and museum, or stroll the Riva Promenade along the harbor.More than just a meeting point, St. Stephen’s Square beats at the heart of Hvar, where history, culture, and everyday life meet.With its sweeping size, gorgeous views of the glittering bay, and vibrant energy, it’s a spot no visitor to Hvar should miss.Wander past its sunlit landmarks, linger over a plate of fresh seafood, or just breathe in the salty evening air-the square distills Hvar’s charm into a single place.
