Church of Our Lady of Kruvenica

The Church of Our Lady of Kruvenica served as an important Marian shrine on Hvar during the medieval and early modern periods. The name Kruvenica derives from the Old Slavonic term "horugva," meaning flag, specifically the Venetian banner under whose protection Hvar's residents lived. The 14th and 15th-century icons now preserved in Hvar Cathedral's treasury attest to ancient devotion to this site. During times of crisis, the image of Our Lady Kruvenica was carried in procession, with faithful believers interpreting changes in the icon's appearance as signs of divine will regarding plague, drought, and other calamities. The church stands on the path leading to the Fortica fortress.