Jelsa is a small town in Croatia, on the island of Hvar. Island Hvar has been populated since prehistoric times, and the first written records date from the time of Greek colonization and the Roman conquest. Traces of settlements in the area of Jelsa date deep into the history. The present town of Jelsa developed during 14th century from small fishing village. Jelsa developed into a island's shipbuilding and maritime centre, especially during the 19th century.