Founded originally as the port for the community of Pitve, Jelsa grew in
importance over the centuries. During the 19th century, it was one of the
most significant maritime, shipbuilding and trade centres of the Adriatic, a
starting point for a fleet of ocean-going sailing vessels carrying best wines
of Hvar, olive oil and salted fish. The wine industry was nearly destroyed by
phylloxera in the latter half of the 19th century.
Modern Jelsa is a bustling town, with many
small businesses, and the local municipality administration. It is an important
tourist centre
