Velo Grablje

Velo Grablje is a village located about 10 kilometers, by either the old road or the new road, from the town of Hvar.  With the villages of Zoraće and Malo Grablje, it comprises the immediate surroundings of Hvar and a special rural setting on this part of the island. Velo Grablje was established in the 15th century.  Even today it has preserved its archaeological, cultural and historical monuments, some of which date from prehistoric times. The Church of St. Vid is a beautifully preserved example of Old Croatian architecture of the ninth to twelfth century.  The local church of St. Kuzma and Damjan was built in 1886 on the location of an earlier structure from the 16th century. With its wall paintings from 1913-1914, it is one of the most beautiful village churches in the Hvar Diocese.

St. Kuzma and Damjan are the patron saints and protectors of the village, which stages a large annual celebration on their feast day, September 26.

Although today the village has been almost completely destroyed through a variety of historical circumstances, many people in the area still come here on a daily basis to work in their fields, celebrate mass and socialize.  For example, there are the Bocce Ball Club "Levanda” and the Soccer Club “Levanda”, both of which have achieved excellent results in local competitions. 

Then there is the Agricultural Cooperative, established in 1892 as a “Rosemary Association” -- the first such association on an island with a long, interesting tradition of producing lavender and rosemary essential oils, as well as olive oil and honeys made from rosemary, lavender, heather and sage.  The villagers of Grablje, the Village Council, and the Association "Pjover", continue to maintain the identity of the village and to pursue its revitalization. 

The tranquility of the area, with its stone beaches, olive trees, lavender, rosemary, heather and sage and the trails through the surrounding landscape, will provide you with pleasant moments of rest.

In addition to the scenic overlooks Sveti Rok, Sveti Vid and Motokit, you can take a break and refresh yourself in the restaurant "Vidikovac-Levanda", which serves home-made food and drinks, or in the Dalmatian konoba (tavern) "Nadola" in Velo Grablje.  Afterwards, you can take a look around the village, walk down the beautiful road to Malo Grablje, rest at  the konoba "Stori komin", and continue through a wonderful canyon to the beautiful beaches of Milna.

With the old greeting from Grablje “Zdravi bili”, we wish you all the best and a happy journey!