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Tvrdalj Castle
Tvrdalj Castle (Croatian: Gradina Tvrdalj) is a castle in Stari Grad, on the island of Hvar, Croatia.Plan my trip to Stari Grad with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
Tvrdalj was the summer residence of Petar Hektorović, the Croatian poet (1487–1572). During the 16th century, the island of Hvar came under attack from the Ottoman Turks. Hektorović, one of the local nobles, undertook to fortify his house so that it could act as shelter for the local citizens.
Tvrdalj is a well-preserved Renaissance building, with a long closed facade on the seaward side, to protect it from attack. The interior courtyard contains a sea-water fishpool, enclosed by a vaulted and arcaded terrace. Next to it is a tower with a dovecote. The living quarters, together with the servant quarters, and several wells, are arranged around the pool. Behind the main buildings is a walled garden where Hektorović cultivated herbs and medicinal plants.
A series of inscriptions are set into walls of the mansion in Latin and Croatian. Those in Croatian are considered to be some of the oldest extant.
PETRVS HECTOREVS MARINI FILIVS
PROPRIO SVMPTV ET INDVSTRIA
AD SVVM ET AMICOR, VSVM CONSTRVXIT
Translation: Petar Hektorović, son of Marin, built this at his own expense and by his own efforts, for his own and his friends' use.
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Tvrdalj Castle reviews
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Interesting castle with varied architecture. The fish pond in the ancient courtyard is mesmerizing. The castle isn’t too large so you can tour the whole place in less than an hour. This gives you... more »
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Absolutely stunning place - I can't believe we missed it the first time we visited Starigrad. The palace is gorgeous, looks more like a palace than a castle from the outside. You get great views of... more »
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The building can only be viewed from the outside apart from the entrance hall. But what a garden! It was medieval, renaissance and full of character. There were Latin tags everywhere chosen by the Great man - some uplifting, some admonitory. But above all there was an extraordinary atmosphere which was tangible. What an experience!
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Nice historical place to see in the heart of Stari Grad on island of Brac. It shows how people lived and cared for one another in those days. Small fish aquarium and arboretum add the touch of history and Mediterranean scents. Very nice place to visit when in Stari Grad
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