Tvrdalj is a palace and the fortified summer residence of Petar Hektorović, the Croatian poet (1487-1572). The most famous building in Stari Grad, it was built over the course of the poet's life and it had the same importance for him as his literary work.
In fact, it is actually a literary work in its own right and is engraved with more than twenty stone inscriptions in both Latin and Italian as well as inscriptions in the Croatian language. One particularly important inscription is the Italian, “Fede e realtà o quanto è bella!” (“Oh how lovely faith and reality are!”), which was Hektorović's life motto.
In addition, the building boasts beautiful views, pretty grounds and gardens and is richly steeped in local history. To spend time wandering this incredible architectural gem, just find a vacation rental in Hvar.
In fact, it is actually a literary work in its own right and is engraved with more than twenty stone inscriptions in both Latin and Italian as well as inscriptions in the Croatian language. One particularly important inscription is the Italian, “Fede e realtà o quanto è bella!” (“Oh how lovely faith and reality are!”), which was Hektorović's life motto.
In addition, the building boasts beautiful views, pretty grounds and gardens and is richly steeped in local history. To spend time wandering this incredible architectural gem, just find a vacation rental in Hvar.
In 1448, Hektor Hektorović was granted permission by the Hvar Governor (Hvarski Knez) to build on the land at Tvrdalj. The name “Tvrdalj” means a fortress or castle and this implies than an even earlier fortification once existed on the site. Following the death of his father, Marin Hektorović, Petar Hektorović became the owner of the building and made Tvrdalj into his summer palace.
While it was not his only house on the island, or even in Stari Grad, he had a particular affection for it and was intensely focused on its reconstruction and alterations. During the 16th century, the island of Hvar came under attack from the Ottoman Turks and Hektorović decided to fortify his house so that it could shelter his own household and other local citizens.
His design for the house was a simple plan of single storey dwellings around a central courtyard with his house, kitchen and cellar opening onto a courtyard occupied by a large picturesque rectangular fishpond.
While it was not his only house on the island, or even in Stari Grad, he had a particular affection for it and was intensely focused on its reconstruction and alterations. During the 16th century, the island of Hvar came under attack from the Ottoman Turks and Hektorović decided to fortify his house so that it could shelter his own household and other local citizens.
His design for the house was a simple plan of single storey dwellings around a central courtyard with his house, kitchen and cellar opening onto a courtyard occupied by a large picturesque rectangular fishpond.
The eastern side had its own entrance and was dedicated to housing travellers and paupers. Holy women were also housed in the complex and it was a sanctuary for animals and plants.
Clearly, Hektorović was a fascinating and magnanimous character for more information on the palace, its history and how to visit, be sure to read on to the next post!
Clearly, Hektorović was a fascinating and magnanimous character for more information on the palace, its history and how to visit, be sure to read on to the next post!
Photo credits
picture 1: F.G. / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Samuli Lintula / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 1: F.G. / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Samuli Lintula / CC BY-SA 3.0;
