What to visit

Founded in 1972 with the aim of preserving Vrboska's rich fishing tradition, the Fisherman's Museum has an interesting collection of traditional fishing nets, tools and equipment, as well as tools from the old fish processing factory. There is also a fascinating insight into the harsh conditions of life in a reconstructed fisherman's house.

Opening hours: mon-sun 10:00-12:30
                                               18:30-21:00

The most imposing architectural site in the place, unique in the Adriatic region, is the church of St. Mary of Mercy. The fortress church was widened and fortified in 1575 following the Turkish attack under the guidance of the Turkish duke Uluč-Alija in 1571, who looted and burnt Vrboska as well as most of the island. Fort Kaštilac is from the same time period and it served as a guarding post.
The fortress church was fortified at the expense of local people for their defence against the Turks. It is the most beautiful one in Croatia and among the most beautiful ones in Europe from that time period. The church housed some impressive Renaissance art, which has been temporarily placed in the parish church of St. Lovre.

Opening hours: mon-sat 10:00-12:00

West of the fortified church of St. Mary of Mercy is the parish church of St.Lovrinac with 5 altars. It dates back to the 15th century, and has been adapted to the Baroque style in the 17th century. It has kept its Baroque image to this day. The parish church had been burnt twice over the course of history. The first time was in 1512 during a rebellion and again in 1571 when the Turks invaded. The interior of the church hides priceless artistic treasures – one of the richest art collections in Dalmatia. The main altar is decorated with art-work centering on St. Lovre with the Madonna while on its sides showing "Ivan Krstitelj and Nikola". The rest of it shows St. Lovro leading the poor to the emperor Valerijan and St. Lovro's torments. Tradition has it this is the work of Tizian Vecelio, but modern history says a painter by the name Pavlo Cagliari aka Veronese had done it in the 1480s.
The ceiling of the church contains paintings of images of the Father and the Son and "Maria's coronation" surrounded by eminent church officials. These were done by an unknown artist in the 18th century. The side altars and walls show works of masters such as Jacopo de Ponte Bassana, Giuseppe Alabardi, Antonio Scuria, Celestino Medović, Marko Rašica and others.
Due to damp problems in the fortress church, numerous valuable paintings are being kept here as well, also the beautiful baroque cross of Tizian Aspetti made by Benvenuto Cellina.

Opening hours: mon-sat 18:00-19:00

Located in the entrance of the harbour and mentioned in the Hvar legal statutes in 1331 as a border between Pitve and Vrbanj when there still were no Vrboska nor Jelsa, the Church of St Petar is considered one of the oldest churches on the island.
During the rule of patriarch Harnotić (1469) the church was rebuilt. St. Peter's statue – the work of Nikola Fiorentinac is being kept in the parish church. A copy of the original stands in front of the church.
The church and bell above the door were reconstructed in 1999.
 

The church of St. Roko has a lovely Baroque altar with wooden art-work (the work of a Bavarian master Urbano de Surgge) and was built in 1577. as a pledge against plague. The altar art work shows St. Roko, St. Fabijan and St. Sebastijan.
The church was built in a Gothic – Baroque style.