Agave of Hvar is a true queen of island's rocks. It blooms only once in its centennial life-span and then it withers and dies.

History
Hundred years ago, our seamen delivered one sample of agave lace from Tenerife to Hvar. In the Benedictine nunnery, one of the nuns analyzed the work procedure of agave lace manufacturing for a long time. The result of her long observations were lace-works, more beautiful and richer than those from Canary Islands. This work became unique worldwide.When working, the nuns respect the "regulation" of not weaving lace when Bura - the north wind - is blowing, since the wind stretches and breaks tender agave filaments.

Arduous work
Preparation work is a very arduous work. The filaments are extracted out of the fresh leaf and refined in a specific way, untill they are ready for use. The Benedictines of Hvar weave filaments during Jugo - the south wind- , a moist wind of artistic inspiration. They have learned the skill of forming "invisible" knots from fishermen of Hvar. There are no drafts, each sketch is in nun's imagination and it develops as being made. Patterns are mostly full of sun, flowery, cheerful and luxurious. Laces are neither washed nor ironed, and are kept under glass.

Benedictine Nunnery
Benedictine nunnery exists in Hvar since 1664, when two nuns came from Rab to Hvar and began their work on the island. Today, it is especially renowned throughout the world for its agave lace.

Lace types
We differ three kinds of lace by their make:
1. Tenerifa with waving around the circle - it is done with a small knitting needle and a metal, fishing-net needle.
2. Tenerifa - it is done with a small knitting needle on a cardboard.
3. Knitting using a thin needle on a fishing-net - on a stretched net, using a small knitting needle the embroidery is done in various pinches.

More information on Agave Lace from Hvar on websitesof the Tourist board of city of Hvar www.tzhvar.hr