Zastražišće

Location

Located on the eastern side of the island of Hvar, between the towns of Poljica and Gdinj, approximately 20 km from the administrative center of Jelsa, and is located at an altitude of 195m above sea level. The scattered area consists of several hamlets: Donje Polje, Jerkov Dvor, Kuzmičić Dvor, Mola Bonda, Postranje and Grudac. Zastražišće also includes the coves of Vela Stiniva, Stanjimir, Sinjava, Dubac, Kjušna, Kruševa and Pokrvenik.

Meaning

The name Zastražišće was given because of its strategic position, because since its inception it has played an important role in the protection of the island of Hvar. On the hill of Vela Glava (316 m), you will notice it as soon as you approach Zastražišće, the highest part of this area, the watchtower of the island of Hvar was located, from where the areas towards Brač and the Biokovo coast were monitored. Vela Glava still serves as a watchtower, but for fire alarms.

Archaeological sites

Excavations and research by scientist and Hvar resident Grgo Novak reveal the history of the island of Hvar as early as the 6th century BC. The island of Hvar was inhabited as early as the High Neolithic period, and evidence can also be found in Zastražišće. In the Vela Glava area, there is an Illyrian structure (fortress) from 1000 BC.

Another important landmark is the 17th-century Anđelinović tower, in the hamlet of Postranje. On this tower was one of the first inscriptions in the Croatian language on the island of Hvar, dating from 1624. This fortress was built as a defense against Turkish attacks.

The church of St. Barbara was first mentioned in 1407 and is considered one of the oldest churches on the island, and the oldest in the eastern part of Hvar. For religious purposes, it is used as one of the stations of the cross in the local procession of the Cross and on another day of the year when the blessing of the fields is held.Running towards the sea, which was his salvation, he cursed the Haračićs that because of the suffering he had endured, their name would never be mentioned again in Zastražišće after a hundred years, or that their lineage would become extinct. And indeed, the name of the last living family members was last mentioned in Zastražišće in 1813, after about 100 years. The walls of the Haračić tower and the legend that is still passed down to younger generations remain as a legacy.

The cave in Pokrivenik, which is located 20 meters above the sea, and the cave opening is visible from the very entrance to the bay, also bear witness to the ancient days of the island of Hvar. The cave is 27 meters long. Novak’s excavations showed that the ceramics found were the same as those in Grapčeva špilja.

In the Zastražišće area, there are “trimi”, small round field houses with a diameter of 2 to 3 meters. Some have preserved traces of the Neolithic in their foundations. In more recent times, they were built as shelter from the weather while working in the fields and cultivating the land. Next to the fields and field houses, you will find stone walls – dry stone walls (UNESCO’s intangible heritage). This fascinating symbol of human effort represents an unforgettable symbol of the identity and diligence of the farmers of that time. The unique technique of laying stones without binders represents the oldest stone construction technique known from prehistoric times to the present day.

Present

Today, around 200 souls live in Zastražišće, who carefully preserve their tradition. It is a large fragrant garden, planted with olive trees, grapevines, immortelle and lavender. Their patron saint is St. Nicholas, after whom the church was named, and is celebrated every year on the saint’s feast day (December 6). The location of this church from the 18th century century (built on the remains of an older one from the 16th century), as well as the locations of most churches on the island of Hvar, are beautiful hills from which you can enjoy enchanting views of the sea, the sun, and nature.

We must also mention the procession “For the Cross” which is celebrated every year on Holy Thursday and Friday for 500 years. During the procession, the cross bearer in Vela Stiniva lays a cross in the sea, thus connecting with all the emigrants who emigrated en masse from these areas at the beginning of the 20th century due to the phylloxera of the grapevine.

Today, the population is mostly engaged in agronomy and tourism. During the summer months, restaurants are open in the coves of Vela Stiniva and Pokrivenik, where you can try top-notch Dalmatian specialties. There is also a post office and a grocery store in Zastražišće.

Its people are the lifeblood of the town. The earth will always give something if you give it love, work and sweat, and these hardworking people know this. With great patience and respect for nature, they have created a real little oasis of natural and medicinal products. Each in their own way, with a personal approach and years of learning and improving what they know best, they have contributed to the survival of the agricultural tradition of the island of Hvar.

Discover the explorer in you, awaken your senses of taste and smell, and seek out hidden corners of nature through a breath of the past that will follow you every step of the way. It is precisely such explorers that are our most special guests!

Did you know that Zastražišće has been home to the olive tree for more than 2,500 years?

The specificity of the island of Hvar is that the entire island is one large green garden full of plants and trees, and all of this is witnessed by a long-lived olive tree. Grapčeva Cave is not the only witness to life on the island of Hvar before the Common Era, the tree of life – the olive tree in Zastražišće is also a witness to some ancient past times.

Although the average lifespan of an olive tree is 500 years, this miraculous, long-lived tree that grows on scarce soil, almost without water, but with plenty of sun, is more than 2,500 years old.

It is no wonder that this olive tree is still alive at the Kuharača site, because the sites around Zastražišće and Poljice are known for their excellent olive varieties and the largest amount of olive oil produced on the island of Hvar.

Dr. Niko Duboković Nadalini conducted research in 1962 to determine how old this olive tree is. Although the exact number of years is not known, it has been determined that it certainly dates back to before the Common Era. The circumference of this olive tree is almost 6 m, or 5.9 meters to be exact.

It is believed that there were two trees in paradise – the olive tree (the tree of life) and the fig tree (the tree of truth).

Fig tree (tree of truth)

In the gardens and yards of Zastražišće residents, you can often see a fig tree that bears fruit in early August and continues to bear fruit until the end of September. Made according to a traditional recipe, we call them “dried figs”. They are energy bombs, full of natural sugars and health. We dare say that they are the best of the best dried fruits in the world. Dried in the traditional way in Zastražišće, they really have a special taste.

Zastražiške vale

If you felt the heat and wanted to refresh yourself during your visit, in Zastražiške vala: Vela Stiniva, Stanjimir, Sinjava, Dubac, Kjušna, Kruševa and Pokrvenik, you will find a beach for yourself. Free climbing enthusiasts can find an exceptional corner in Vela Stiniva, the free climbing zone there is available to all adventurers.

Set aside a small part of your life and try something original, indigenous and different. Take advantage of the opportunity and connect with the true Hvar in Zastražišće. Beautiful, inspiring and nourishing. Get to know a part of the island of Hvar that will enchant you with the warm smile of the hosts and the peaceful coexistence of man and nature.

How to get there:
Zastražišće is located on the main state road 116 that runs through the middle of the island of Hvar, from Sućuraj in the east, to Hvar in the west, via Jelsa and Stari Grad.

What you can see and visit:
Church of St. Barbara
Church of St. Nicholas
2500-year-old olive tree
List of beaches can be found at LINK.

Where you can eat and drink:
OPG Mateljan Babić
OPG Franko Mateljan
Ranch “Kod kućera”
OPG and herbal pharmacy Grgo Lučić

Special events:
The feast of St. Nicholas, after whom the parish church is named, is the patron saint of Zastražišće, and is celebrated on December 6th.