Hvar agave lace is one of the island’s most distinctive traditions. For more than a century, Hvar’s Benedictine nuns have transformed the fine threads hidden inside the fleshy leaves of the agave plant into intricate works of lace – a skill that is now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In the heart of Hvar’s historic centre, behind the walls of the Benedictine convent, this remarkable craft is still preserved today, bringing together the island’s natural environment, patient handwork and a centuries-old monastic tradition.
Lace Made from Agave
At first glance, it is difficult to imagine a connection between the robust Mediterranean agave plant and delicate white lace. Yet this contrast lies at the heart of Hvar’s unique tradition.
Fine white threads are extracted from fresh agave leaves and carefully prepared before they can be transformed into lace in the hands of the Benedictine nuns. Preparing threads that are both sufficiently fine and strong is one of the most demanding parts of the entire process.
Even Hvar’s weather plays a role. According to tradition, the threads are not prepared when the bura, the cold and dry northeasterly wind, is blowing, as the dry air makes them brittle and more likely to break. Humidity is important when working with this delicate natural material – another connection between this unusual art form and the island’s climate.
The Tradition of Hvar’s Benedictine Nuns
The Benedictine convent in Hvar was founded in 1664 and is located in the former residential complex of the family of Hanibal Lucić, the renowned Hvar Renaissance poet.
The Benedictine nuns also played an important role in education on the island. During the 19th century, they ran a school for girls at the convent, and it was during this century that the tradition for which they are now known far beyond Hvar began to develop – the art of making lace from agave threads.
According to tradition, the origins of the technique are connected with Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Sailors brought examples of lace made from agave fibres to Hvar, and over time the Benedictine nuns developed their own distinctive techniques and style.
The skill was subsequently passed down from one generation of nuns to another and has been preserved to the present day.
What makes this tradition even more remarkable is that Hvar agave lace is made exclusively within the Benedictine convent in Hvar. The knowledge is preserved within the order and passed on to new generations of nuns, making this unique craft inseparably connected with one place, Hvar.
Three Techniques of Hvar Lace-Making
Three techniques are traditionally associated with Hvar agave lace: tenerifa, tenerifa with netting, and embroidery on net.
In the tenerifa technique, threads are arranged on a base to form a web-like structure on which the lace is shaped with a needle. Tenerifa with netting combines this structure with additional netted elements, while the third technique uses embroidery on a fine net base.
But technique is only the beginning.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Hvar lace is that the pieces are not created according to predetermined patterns. Their shapes and motifs develop as the work progresses, leaving something of the individual hand and creativity of the nun who made them in each finished piece.
As a result, no two pieces are exactly alike.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Piece of Hvar Lace?
Hvar lace is created slowly.
The time required depends on the size, technique and complexity of the piece, and larger examples can take as long as five or six months to complete.
Even before the lace-making itself begins, the natural material has to be prepared: fresh agave leaves must be selected and processed to obtain the fine, even threads suitable for working. This is followed by hours, days and months of precise handwork.
The value of the finished lace therefore lies not only in its beauty. Each piece embodies time, patience, skill and the individual touch of its maker.
Hvar Lace and UNESCO
The significance of this tradition has also been recognised internationally. In 2009, Lacemaking in Croatia was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
UNESCO recognises three distinct Croatian lacemaking traditions: Pag, Lepoglava and Hvar. Each developed its own techniques and materials, with Hvar standing apart for its use of threads obtained from fresh agave leaves. While Pag is known for needle lace and Lepoglava for bobbin lace, Hvar’s tradition remains closely connected with the Benedictine convent and the agave plant.
Hvar lace is therefore much more than a beautiful object or souvenir. It is living heritage, knowledge that continues to be passed down, preserved and practised in the same place where generations of Benedictine nuns have nurtured it for more than a century.
From Hvar to World Exhibitions
Hvar lace did not remain hidden behind the convent walls. By the second half of the 19th century, it was already known beyond Hvar, and at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition it received a gold medal and an honorary diploma. Historical sources also record that the Viennese court and aristocracy commissioned the lace as decoration for clothing.
Over time, it also became a distinctive gift from Hvar, offered as a gesture of appreciation and respect to distinguished visitors. Pieces of agave lace have been presented to popes, church dignitaries, statesmen and other prominent guests of Hvar.
Where Can You See Hvar Agave Lace?
Hvar agave lace can be seen at the Benedictine Convent in Hvar’s historic centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the main town square. The convent is located at Kroz Grodu 15, in the former residential complex of the family of Hanibal Lucić.
Check the current opening hours before your visit.
The convent collection includes examples of agave lace alongside other objects that tell the story of the convent and the lives of its Benedictine nuns.
A visit offers the opportunity to see just how fine the agave threads really are and how much precision is required to transform the thick, fleshy leaf of a Mediterranean plant into something so delicate.
Perhaps this contrast is the best description of Hvar lace itself: a strong plant, an almost invisible thread and months of patient work.
For additional information and contact details for the Benedictine Convent, visit the Agave Lace page or follow the Benedictine Nuns Hvar Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hvar Lace
What is Hvar lace made from?
Hvar lace is made from fine white threads extracted from fresh agave leaves. Preparing these threads is a demanding and delicate part of the process.
Who makes Hvar agave lace?
The tradition of making agave lace is preserved by the Benedictine nuns in Hvar. The skill has been passed down within the convent from generation to generation since the 19th century.
Is Hvar lace protected by UNESCO?
Yes. Hvar lace forms part of Lacemaking in Croatia, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Where can I see Hvar lace?
Hvar lace can be seen at the Benedictine Convent in Hvar, at Kroz Grodu 15, in the town’s historic centre.
How long does it take to make Hvar lace?
The time required depends on the size and complexity of each piece. Larger pieces can take five to six months to complete.
