Vrboska town on the island of Hvar
Vrboska town is a settlement on the north coast of the island of Hvar, in the county of Jelsa. It was founded in the 15th century as a small fishing harbour, these days Vrboska is best known for the fortress Church of Sv. Marija (St Mary), built as a refuge for its inhabitants during the 16th century. Vrboska has a population of approximately 526 inhabitants.
Vrboska town had two major attacks in its history, the first from the Venetian troops who attacked the town in 1510, causing extensive damage. Then for the second time in 1571, the town was attacked, this time by the Turks, under Uluz Ali. Soon afterwards, in 1575, the church of St Mary was fortified, to become a church-fortress, a unique sight on the island. There are also paintings by the Venetian Masters: Tizian, Cagaliarija, Bassano, Scuria, Cellinia and others.
Originally developed as a fishing community, trading and growing in prosperity, at the beginning of the 20th century, Vrboska had a sardine factory, wooden boat-building industry, a hotel, fishing trade association, and regular boat connections with Split and the neighbouring island of Brac. There was also a community hall, library and health clinic.
These days Vrboska town is a thriving seaside town and benefits from an all year round yacht marina, a fine shingle beach and also a naturist camp site (enclosed and private).
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