Vrisnik

On the widest part of the island of Hvar, not far from Jelsa (2km) and between the largest mountain range on Hvar called Vorh, the village of Vrisnik belongs to the group of oldest villages surrounding the fertile Stari Gradsko polje. On this small hill, the inhabitants of Vrisnik enclosed their home with retaining walls, made of dry stone, and built their stone fortress, enjoying the views of the surrounding fields, sea and land. Today, 215 inhabitants enjoy the charms of this harmonious little village.

The village of old stone houses with picturesque courtyards and gardens owes its name to “heather”, which is the name for a type of aromatic herb with an irresistible scent. In 1857, it was recorded that the village of Vrisnik was also called Vrisnić. The houses descend down the hill on which the parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot is located, and which is approached by an alley of grandiose cypresses that are more than 400 years old. In Vrisnik there are also the churches of St. Roko, St. Apollovia and St. Dorothea.

The parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot was created from a twin church that was dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbot and St. Catherine of Alexandria. The church was first mentioned at the end of the 14th century. According to official records, the brotherhood of the church of St. Anthony the Abbot in Vrisnik is the oldest brotherhood ever recorded on the island of Hvar.

During the summer, a warm breeze spreads the scents of aromatic herbs, and the golden rays of the sun warm the grapevines, which in September invite all the locals to the harvest. Vrisnik enchants with its unobtrusive beauty, while peace and quiet are its loyal companions. The large building of the agricultural cooperative, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the people of Vrisnik with voluntary contributions and their own work, testifies to the rich agricultural region.

All lovers of tradition and history should definitely visit the procession “For the Cross” (under the protection of UNESCO), in which this hilly place has participated for more than 500 years. In addition to Maundy Thursday, two other dates are celebrated in the year, one quite old and one younger. On January 17, the people of Vrisnik celebrate their day, the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot, and a younger festival, equally important, which celebrates man’s relationship with agriculture is the Night of the Laborer, which is held at the end of the ninth month.

Croatian historian and poet Marin Franičević and his brother Jure Franičević Pločar were born in the village of Vrisnik, and the poet Jure dedicated several verses from his poems to his native village. The donation to the Museum consists of 7,000 volumes and furniture from the study of the writer Marin Franičević.

Vrisnik is one of the most picturesque rural places on the island of Hvar, located 252 m above sea level, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the Stari Gradsko polje, the nearby village of Svirče, carefully maintained vineyards and olive groves, the Jelsa Bay and the open sea that reaches all the way to the nearby island of Brač and the magnificent Biokovo.

The people of Vrisnik are extremely fond of sports, especially football, bolote and the little-known to the general public so-called vrisniške peče. Only a few manage to experience the latter, and we will omit the description because some things are better discovered in person.

The scents and untouched nature that surround this small place are truly a special balm for the soul along the bicycle paths that pass through here, be sure to use the day for hiking routes, the one that goes to “Indijanac” and “Ulta stina” is especially interesting. Vrisnik is perfect for all those who want to escape from reality and relax in nature with the chirping of birds and the smell of the fields.
Two traditional restaurants, a winery and several holiday villas will spoil all those who are looking for peace and quiet.

This is a place where rich history and pieces of the modern present create a perfect whole. Vrisnik will get under your skin without you even realizing it!

How to get there:
You can reach Vrisnik from two directions. If you are coming from the west, on the main state road 116, near Jelsa, at the intersection turn west or continue a little further and at the turn for Pitve, on the local road to Vrisnik.

What you can see and visit:
The parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot, Vrisnik
Cycling trails

Where you can eat and drink:
Townhouse “Vrisnik”
Townhouse “Maslina”
Winery “Ventus”

Special events:
The feast of St. Anthony, after whom the parish church is named and is the patron saint of Vrisnik, is celebrated on February 17th.
Labor Day in September.

Procession “Za križen”