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The Historic Theatre of Hvar – the oldest public / communal theater of Europe, to meet the 400th anniversary
Historic Theatre of Hvar is a monument of national importance for Croatia, and one of the most important of its kind in Europe. It is situated on the first floor of the Renaissance Arsenal – shipyard and galley utility storage from the mid-16th century. As a key object of port facilities, it is located in the center of urban core of the town of Hvar.
Though modest in size, harmonious Renaissance forms make it one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the Mediterranean. Damages it suffered from the Turks attack in 1571 and from the explosion of gunpowder in the town citadel in 1579, resulted in the construction of the retaining arches at ground level and elevation of the building, which gave a the possibility of using the first floor. Duke Peter Semitecolo, with his visionary and democratic governance, consolidated Arsenal and reached social peace in the Commune. This achievement was marked by an inscription on the eastern door of the ground floor of Arsenal: ANNO PACIS PRIMO MDCXI – FIRST YEAR OF PEACE 1611. Following the construction of Fontik with the representative Renaissance arches and terrace facing the square with Belvedere, the eastern part of the first floor was arranged in a spacious hall with a stage that was supposed to host cultural and social events.
Semitecolo marked the completion of these works with the inscription above the main entrance to the Belvedere: ANNO SECVNDO PACIS MDCXII – SECOND YEAR OF PEACE 1612. It is remarkable that Semitecolo marked social peace by building premises for cultural purposes at a time when in Europe there were only a few court and Academy (private) theaters. Furthermore, by opening this space for all the inhabitants of the Commune, he made a historic step forward in the democratization of culture in Europe.
Although history until 1712 left no mark on the appearance or stage use of the theater, written historical documents from 17th century testify that the facility was in use. Following the history of formation of the first theaters in Europe, all of which were private (intended for eligible classes), the Theatre of Hvar was the third oldest and the first opened to the public, regardless of the feudal background.
Nowadays preserved interior of the theater, first built in 1803 when the Theatre Association was established (the first of its kind in Europe), was changed and artistically adapted to the year 1900. Stylistically it belongs to the neo-Baroque period and as such is included in the a dozen of preserved Baroque and neo-Baroque theaters in Europe. Theatre Association also ran the program of the theater. In theatrical seasons, which were associated with the time of carnival, many local and foreign theatrical and musical amateur and professional theater companies performed at the Theatre of Hvar. Theater and drama groups from Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Ancona and Bari made guest appearances. In one season up to 36 performances were held, including dramas and comedies, cantatas, operas and concerts.
A rich stage life of the Theatre continued in the 20th century, when it was host to the ensembles from many cities of the former state. It may be said that in recent history only once was anniversary of this building marked. Academician Dr. Grga Novak and the Academy, along with the Municipality of Hvar and the Centre for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Hvar, in 1972 celebrated the 360th anniversary of the theater. Therefore, the upcoming anniversary of the Theatre of Hvar is of outstanding cultural and historical importance both for Hvar and Croatia.
Senior curator of Hvar Heritage Museum, prof. Mirjana Kolumbić
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