August 17, 2023 – Stari Grad on Hvar celebrated its Town Day yesterday on the Feast of St Roch. On this occasion, the mayor Antonio Škarpa announced that during the construction of the water and sewage network, there has been a new discovery of Roman remains in Stari Grad.
On August 16, Stari Grad celebrates its day and the feast of its heavenly patron Saint Rok. Church and traditional events dedicated to St. Roch are an attraction in itself, especially the procession through the city, with the statue of St. Roch and the always fascinating voices of the old town singers. The celebration also abounds with a whole series of cultural and entertainment events culminating in a big folk festival, an evening concert, and fireworks.
During his traditional address, the mayor touched upon the works in process. “I believe that by the end of this year, we will complete the construction of the water supply and sewage system worth more than 80 million euros. The dynamics of the works were slowed down due to the discovery of the remains of cities from ancient antiquity and the Roman era in the area under what is now Stari Grad,” Škarpa told local media, as writes Index.
He added that many artifacts, a mosaic, and city ramparts were found. In the next two years, these findings will be presented to the public. Some of the discoveries have already been presented to the Ministry of Culture, he mayor pointed out.
The Oldest City in Croatia
Stari Grad is the oldest city in Croatia and, as stated on the official website, it is Aristotle’s peer. In the same year, 384 BC, when the famous Greek philosopher was born in Thrace, the Greeks from the island of Paros in the Aegean Sea founded a city on the island of Hvar, which they named Faros.
It should be noted that the historical heart of the island of Hvar, the ancient Faros (Stari Grad), was built in the place where the deep sea bay turns into a fertile island field, an Arcadian valley of vineyards and olive groves from the ancient times.
