Franciscan Monastery Hvar Town
Historic Franciscan Monastery with serene cloisters, a museum, and breathtaking sea views overlooking Hvar Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views
Franciscan Monastery Hvar Town
Best Time
Golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Franciscan Monastery with serene cloisters, a museum, and breathtaking sea views overlooking Hvar Town.
"A beautiful church overlooking the sea and the Hvar coastline, perfect for a stroll at sunset."
🚶 Walk from Port
It's a short, scenic walk from Hvar's main port to the monastery.
💰 Museum Fee
The cloister is free, but the museum has a small entrance fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cloisters and Gardens
Monastery Courtyard
Wander through serene cloisters and lush gardens, a peaceful escape with historical charm.
Panoramic Sea Views
Monastery Terrace
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Hvar town, the Adriatic Sea, and neighboring islands.
Maritime Museum
Monastery Museum
Discover artifacts from shipwrecks and a collection of maritime history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk from Port
It's a short, scenic walk from Hvar's main port to the monastery.
💰 Museum Fee
The cloister is free, but the museum has a small entrance fee.
📸 Sunset Spot
Great spot for sunset photos over the town and sea.
⛪ Modest Dress
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the holy site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk from Port
It's a short, scenic walk from Hvar's main port to the monastery.
💰 Museum Fee
The cloister is free, but the museum has a small entrance fee.
📸 Sunset Spot
Great spot for sunset photos over the town and sea.
⛪ Modest Dress
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the holy site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Franciscan Monastery for its beautiful sea views and serene cloisters, making it a peaceful escape. However, some find the museum's entrance fee steep for the collection offered, and the proximity to a beach can lead to a clash of atmospheres.
"A beautiful church overlooking the sea and the Hvar coastline. It's a few minutes walk from the port and the main square. A stroll around in the evening or sunset is really nice."
Anna Ducati
"Holy place. Would be a great for pilgrimage but just next to a beach so many naked/ semi naked bodies outside. It was a little strange to see the dress code, which was not beach ware… at the beach!"
Buyisiwe Shongwe - Varenzakis
"This happened while we were simply enjoying the sea in front of this church.
I’m deeply disappointed and disturbed by the experience my friend and I (both Asian women in our 20s) had here in Croatia. While we were peacefully floating on our inflatable tubes, a group of local teenage boys (approximately 14–15 years old) began throwing balls at us and shouting racially offensive remarks.
We reported the incident to the local police, expecting protection and proper handling. Instead, we were met with indifference. The officers dismissed the behaviour as something they “couldn’t do anything about” due to the boys’ age. Shockingly, they even seemed to sympathise with the perpetrators.
Let’s be honest – if we had been white, or Croatian, and those boys had been tourists, I doubt this would have been brushed aside so casually. There is clearly a double standard. We felt unsafe, unheard, and entirely unsupported by the very authorities who are meant to uphold justice.
I take this incident very seriously and have video evidence of the police’s inadequate response.
This experience has completely changed how I view Croatia as a travel destination. Racism should never be tolerated – not from teenagers, and certainly not from the police."
HB G_G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Franciscan Monastery is a pleasant walk from Hvar Town's main port and square, taking about 5-10 minutes. It's located on the western side of the town's waterfront.
Yes, it's very easy to find. Just follow the waterfront promenade west from where the ferries dock. You'll see signs pointing towards the monastery.
Parking in Hvar Town can be challenging and expensive. Walking is the recommended and easiest way to reach the monastery from most accommodations in town.
Many visitors enjoy approaching from the waterfront for classic shots of the monastery against the sea. The walk itself offers lovely views.
The grounds and cloisters are generally accessible, but some areas might have steps. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility for the museum and other parts of the complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cloister and gardens of the Franciscan Monastery are generally free to enter and explore.
There is a small entrance fee for the museum, which houses relics and maritime artifacts. Some visitors found it a bit pricey for what's offered.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most current times.
Yes, Hvar is a popular day trip destination from Split. You can visit the monastery as part of exploring Hvar Town.
Yes, as it is a holy site, visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect.
📸 📸 Photography
The cloisters, the sea views from the terrace, and the ancient cypress tree are popular photo spots. Sunset also provides beautiful lighting.
Photography rules inside the museum can vary. It's best to look for signage or ask a staff member before taking pictures of the exhibits.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many historical and religious sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in Hvar.
Late afternoon and sunset offer the best light for photography, casting a warm glow over the monastery and the surrounding landscape.
The terrace overlooking the sea and Hvar town provides a stunning panoramic view. The cloisters also offer beautiful architectural shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Hvar Town has numerous restaurants and cafes located along the waterfront and in the old town, a short walk from the monastery.
Dining in Hvar Town can be quite expensive, especially in popular waterfront locations. Exploring side streets might offer more budget-friendly options.
Look for fresh seafood, Peka (a traditional slow-cooked dish), and local wines.
There are several bars and cafes along the waterfront offering drinks with sea views, some quite close to the monastery.
While Hvar can be pricey, look for bakeries for pastries or smaller konobas (taverns) away from the main tourist drag for more affordable meals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the sun is less intense, making the walk more comfortable. The proximity to Hvar Town's waterfront means you can easily combine a monastery visit with a stop for ice cream or a casual meal afterward.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the museum has a fee, you can choose to skip it if you're on a tight budget. The walk to the monastery from the town center is also free and offers lovely coastal views.
For affordable food, look for bakeries or smaller konobas away from the main tourist areas, as dining directly on the waterfront can be quite expensive. 📸 Photographers
The cloisters offer beautiful architectural lines and play of light and shadow, while the terrace provides breathtaking panoramic views of Hvar Town and the surrounding islands. Don't miss the chance to photograph the ancient cypress tree, a unique and iconic feature of the monastery grounds.
The waterfront approach to the monastery also yields classic postcard-worthy images. Be mindful of respectful photography, especially if any religious services are taking place. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
+1 The monastery complex includes a beautiful church, cloisters, and a museum that preserves local heritage. Its strategic location overlooking the Adriatic Sea has made it a significant landmark throughout Hvar's history. Visitors can explore the serene cloisters, which offer a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into monastic life. The monastery's museum houses a collection of artifacts, including items recovered from shipwrecks, and displays of local art and historical currency.
Exploring the Monastery Grounds
The museum within the monastery is worth a visit for those interested in local history and maritime artifacts. While some reviewers found the entrance fee a bit steep for the collection, it does offer insights into Hvar's past, including items from ancient shipwrecks.
This makes it an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hour. 
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