FROZEN IN TIME
Abandoned ghost town where ‘everyone was descended from Henry VIII’ – before they fled their homes for a chilling reason
The abandoned village in the hills of Hvar Island has an usual link to Henry VIII
A GHOST town in Croatia with stunning views has a cursed history and an unusual link to the British monarchy.
Once a bustling village, Malo Grablje, in Hvar, Croatia, the deserted town is believed to be tied to the Tudor dynasty.
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As legend has it, King Henry VIII was shipwrecked off the coast of Hvar and began an affair with a local woman who bore him a son.
The village was allegedly founded by the illegitimate son of the infamous monarch.
While the village origins might be made of legend, the former residents of Malo Grablje believe they are the last true descendants of the English king, and proudly share the same last name, "Tudor".
A relic of a bygone era, Malo Grablje was once renowned for its olive oil and wine production.
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Generations dating back to the 14th century would produce oil, wine and lavender oil overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
However, disaster struck in the 20th century, which forced the village to flee to a nearby town to survive.
By the 1960s, disease plagued the town's olive groves and vineyards and led to failed crops.
The disaster forced the villages to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave their homes and resettle in Milna.
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The empty village's stone buildings have begun to crumble. A preserved olive press acts as a reminder of the village's past, while an intact church remains boarded up.
There’s also a variety of rusted agricultural machinery, some barely visible among the tall grasses.
As of 2011, there are no recorded residents living in the abandoned village.
Despite lying empty, the former residents visit the town annually to remember their royal roots.
Every year on February 17th the former residents of the village gather at the church, to celebrate the feast day of St Theodora.
Meanwhile, a local family operates a konoba, or traditional tavern, in the area seasonally, to keep classic Croatian cuisine alive.
And while a few locals have moved back to the town’s greater area, the historic structures of Malo Grablje still stand untouched by the modern world.
The history of the region is not lost on visitors who wish to explore the area.
One person on TripAdvisor said: "Charming deserted Croatian village.
"I recommend strolling between the alleys and feel as if time has stopped here 60 years ago.
"Be careful not to enter the buildings since the floors and ceilings are unstable!
"The wild greenery is invading everywhere and it adds a special atmosphere to the visit."
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Another added: "We hiked up here to this abandoned village.
"It is well preserved (the interiors of many of the buildings are uninhabitable) and shows what life was like for rural villages. "
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