Lesina is Italian name for the island of Hvar. In the historical times, during the common wars, the islanders asked the Venetian Empire for protection in 1278. As part of the agreement, the southern settlement of Hvar was to be expanded and fortified as a safe base for the Venetian fleet.
As the new administrative centre, the town assumed the name of Lesina (Hvar), and the ancient Greek town became known as Cittavecchia (Stari Grad, literally Old Town). Hvar became the centre of the independent commune government, the residence of the prince, and the base of the new diocese (consisting of Hvar, and the neighbouring islands of Brač, and Vis). The Venetians commissioned the construction of a new fortress, town walls, public buildings, and with the new prosperity, villages were gradually established along the nearby coastline.
