Jelsa,
rised in 14th century as the port of the nearby village of Pitve.
Here, the poplars dominate the natural background,
an exceptional wonder for the dalmatian islands.
Entering to the town You can soon smell the freshness
of the woods from both sides of the bay.
At first sight Jelsa can appear as a new little town.
The houses on the shore haven't the tipical stone fronts
smoothed from time, and again they don't show tipical shapes,
revealing instead the 19th century, a period for the
flourishing
of marinery and big prosperity.
However, shortly , the far past is disclosed.
Ancient monuments are hided: in the Square of Sveti Ivan
the houses built from 16th and 18th century,
at the east side of the square, the House of Earls Kacic Dimitri
distinguishes itself from the other for the beauty of its architecture.
And then, the parish church, mentioned in 1331 and fortified in 1535:
but, unfortunately, the modern front and the bell tower of
the end
of 19th century have spoiled the magnificent
original Renaissance aspect.
Concerning to the holiday life,
Jelsa represents a valid alternative to the town of Hvar,
with its nice open bars and restaurants,
its disco-bars,
an informal and sportly atmosphere,
suitable both to
families with children than to young guests.
