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Cathedral of St. Stephen

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Cathedral of St. Stephen in the town of Hvar is the religious centerpiece of the island and a prominent example of Dalmatian Renaissance-Baroque architecture. It stands at the eastern end of the Pjaca, Dalmatia's largest town square, and was built between the 16th and 17th centuries on the foundations of a 6th-century Christian basilica and a later Benedictine monastery. The facade is characterized by a distinctive trefoil gable and a slender, elegant bell tower completed in 1550 by local master masons. Inside, the cathedral houses eleven richly decorated altars and valuable paintings by Venetian masters, including Palma the Younger. Dedicated to St. Stephen I, Pope and Martyr, the cathedral, along with the adjacent Bishop's Palace, forms an impressive architectural ensemble that showcases the cultural and religious wealth of Hvar during the Venetian period.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Palača Paladini · St. Stephen · Palace Užižić
Nearby: Pakleni Islands (Palmižana) (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	12	15	18	23	25	26	22	19	16	13
Rain mm	85	81	74	58	48	42	25	33	80	80	114	109

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Cathedral of St. Stephen in Hvar is the centerpiece of the main square and is open to visitors. Especially the four-story bell tower in Dalmatian Renaissance style can be climbed and provides great views.

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Typical hours

The cathedral and bell tower are typically open daily, but the tower may have shorter hours in winter. It's worth checking current times at the entrance or tourist office.

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Photography

The bell tower is the outstanding photo subject - from the top there is a fantastic view over the city and islands. Inside the cathedral, the altars and ceiling paintings can be photographed, but without flash.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour for the cathedral and climbing the bell tower. Those who want to enjoy the view longer can easily plan more time.

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Combine with

The cathedral is located on Hvar's main square, which also houses the Arsenal and Franciscan Monastery. Combine the visit with a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands or a walk to Fortica Fortress.

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Getting there

Hvar is reached by ferry or catamaran from Split, Drvenik, or other islands. The cathedral is a few minutes' walk from the harbor, right on the main square.

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Insider tip

Climb the bell tower in the early evening to experience the golden light of the setting sun over the city. The view from above over the Adriatic islands is unforgettable.

Geography

Coordinates

43.17250, 16.44280

Facts

Built on the site of a 6th-century Christian basilica and a later monastery.
The bell tower was completed in 1550 and is considered a masterpiece of local stonework.
Features a distinctive Renaissance facade with a trefoil-shaped top.
Contains eleven ornate altars dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Houses important liturgical artifacts and paintings by Venetian masters.
Stands at the head of the Pjaca, the largest public square in Dalmatia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hvar<1 km · WExplore →

Pakleni Islands (Palmižana)4 km · WExplore →

📍Brusje4 km · NEExplore →

Stari Grad (Hvar)12 km · EExplore →

📍Sveta Nedjelja13 km · EExplore →

Sveti Nikola15 km · EExplore →

📍Dol (Hvar)15 km · EExplore →

Stari Grad Plain15 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cathedral of St. Stephen (10)

Palača Paladini

Palača Paladini: palace in Hvar, built in the 15th century, with a Gothic facade.

St. Stephen

St. Stephen: church in Hvar dedicated to Saint Stephen, with a bell tower.

Palace Užižić

Palace Užižić: palace in the old town of Hvar, built in the 15th century, with Renaissance elements.

Muzej Hanibal Lucić🏛 museum

Muzej Hanibal Lucić: museum in Hvar dedicated to poet Hanibal Lucić, housed in a Renaissance palace.

Fontik

Fontik: building in Hvar, former 16th-century grain warehouse, now an exhibition space.

Hvarsko kazalište

Hvarsko kazalište: theatre in Hvar, built in 1612, one of the oldest in Europe.

Fortress Španjola / Fortica🏰 castle

Fortress Španjola / Fortica: fortress in Hvar, built in the 16th century, overlooking the town.

sv.Marko

sv.Marko: former Dominican monastery and church in Hvar, with a Gothic cloister.

Muzej Hvarske baštine🏛 museum

Muzej Hvarske baštine: museum in Hvar, showcasing the art and history of the island.

Zvizda mora

Zvizda mora: church in Hvar dedicated to Our Lady, with a baroque altar.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is St. Stephen's Cathedral located?

It forms the eastern end of the large main square (Pjaca) in Hvar town.

What architectural style is the cathedral?

The facade is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, typical of the 16th and 17th centuries.

What can be seen inside?

The valuable altars and paintings by Venetian masters are particularly worth seeing.

Is there an admission fee?

Entry to the church is often free, but a fee is charged for the museum/treasury.

When is the church open?

Usually open in the mornings from 9 to 12 and in the evenings from 17:00.

Cathedral of St. Stephen: where is it located?

Cathedral of St. Stephen is located in Croatia.

Cathedral of St. Stephen: what is there to see?

Highlights include Palača Paladini, St. Stephen, Palace Užižić.

Cathedral of St. Stephen: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

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