“Following the Cross” Gallery – Where the Heritage of Hvar’s Holy Night Lives
On 1 July 2026, the “Following the Cross” Gallery opened in the bell tower of the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jelsa. This unique interpretive exhibition is dedicated to one of the island of Hvar’s most treasured traditions – the Following the Cross (Za križen) Procession, which has been held continuously for centuries on the night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday.
The gallery takes visitors on a journey through the story of this extraordinary procession, exploring its spiritual significance, Passion tradition, and enduring importance to the local community. The architectural design evokes the atmosphere of the nocturnal procession, while authentic artefacts, historical documents, photographs, and multimedia content offer a unique insight into a living tradition passed down from generation to generation.
The gallery is enriched by artefacts generously contributed by the communities of all six villages that take part in the procession: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj, and Vrboska. Each object reflects the rich history of the procession and the deep connection between the island’s people and a tradition that has shaped Hvar’s identity.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are:
- the Vrisnik cross from El Shatt, commemorating the moving procession held in 1944 in the refugee camp in Egypt;
- the 18th-century voting urn of the Jelsa Confraternity;
- a tunic from Vrbanj and the cross-bearer’s gaiters (kalcete) from Jelsa;
- the škrabutonica, a traditional wooden clapper used to replace church bells during the Sacred Triduum;
- the luncul, a traditional holder for procession candles;
- the transparent veil used to cover the crucifix during the procession;
- an old hymnbook from Svirče; and
- the treasurer’s ledger of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament in Jelsa.
A special place in the exhibition is dedicated to a reproduction of the hymn “Hail to the Cross” (Zdravo Križu), with lyrics by Fra Ljudevit Matković and music by Fra Kamilo Kolb. The hymn was composed to mark the 300th anniversary of the Miracle of the Holy Cross in Vrboska. According to tradition and records from episcopal visitations, on 11 April 1614, tears flowed from the crucifix. This miraculous event continues to hold an important place in Hvar’s Passion devotions.
In addition to the museum artefacts, the gallery features informative panels presenting historical sources and a contemporary interpretation of the Following the Cross Procession, archival photographs from all six participating villages, and photographs by local Jelsa photographers capturing the emotional atmosphere of Hvar’s Holy Night.
Visitors can further immerse themselves in the experience through short documentary films and authentic audio recordings of Our Lady’s Lament (Gospin plač) and other ancient chants that have accompanied the procession for centuries, bringing the atmosphere of Maundy Thursday on Hvar vividly to life.
The “Following the Cross” Gallery is more than an exhibition space—it is a place where heritage, faith, and community come together. It preserves the memory of the past while celebrating a living tradition that continues to unite the island’s inhabitants and attract visitors from around the world.
Opening Hours
Daily
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Self-guided gallery visit
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Guided storytelling tour, during which visitors discover the history, symbolism, and unique features of the Following the Cross Procession through engaging stories and expert interpretation.
Tickets for the “Following the Cross” Gallery can be purchased online at:
https://www.web-lab.hr/ulaznice
Contact: Jakov Rubinić , 385 (0) 99 577 1770
Experience the unique heritage of the island of Hvar and discover a story that has been passed down through faith, community, and tradition for centuries.
Photographs: Matea Perat
