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Church of St. John: A Testament to Stari Grad's Enduring Faith

Discover Stari Grad's ancient roots at the Church of St. John, a historical landmark with early Christian origins and stunning architectural details.

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The Church of St. John in Stari Grad stands as a remarkable testament to the town's layered history, with its foundations rooted in an early Christian complex dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The church has undergone numerous transformations, bearing witness to centuries of faith and architectural evolution.

A brief summary to Church of St. John

Local tips

  • Take your time to explore the surrounding area, where you can find remains of the ancient city walls and streets dating back to the 4th century BC.
  • Visit during the off-season for a more peaceful experience and to avoid the summer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Tvrdalj, the palace of Petar Hektorović, for a deeper dive into Stari Grad's history and culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Church of St. John is located in the heart of Stari Grad, easily accessible on foot from most points in the town. From the Stari Grad ferry terminal or the main bus stop , walk along the waterfront (Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana) towards the town center. Turn left onto Ul. Svetog Ivana, and you'll find the church a short distance ahead. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no specific costs involved in reaching the church on foot.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from other parts of Hvar island, the bus will likely stop at the Stari Grad bus station. From there, follow the walking directions above to reach the church. A single bus fare from Hvar town to Stari Grad costs around 27 kn. Taxis are also available in Stari Grad , with a short ride to the church costing approximately 50-70 kn.

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Discover more about Church of St. John

The Church of St. John, nestled in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, is more than just a religious building; it's a journey through time. Built on the site of a 5th/6th-century early Christian complex, the church's very foundations echo with the voices of early believers. The location of the church is within the south-east corner of Pharos and the Greek insula alongside the eastern gate of the city and the principal ancient street. Originally a twin basilica with a baptistery dedicated to St. Mary and St. John, the church has seen countless changes throughout the centuries. Its walls, preserved since the 11th century, bear witness to the Romanesque period, while the large rosette on the facade is a legacy of the Gothic era in the 14th century. Inside, fragments of the original geometrical and figural floor mosaics whisper tales of the past, alongside an original Early Christian altar. Declared Christians in the 5th century, the people of Stari Grad built the church in the same place where today St. John's Church stands. The most magnificent version of the church was, however, built in the 6th century when a twin basilica was raised together with a baptistery and some other auxiliary facilities. The remains of this architectural edifice, with its ruins and early Christian mosaic can still be seen inside and around today's church of St. John. Today, the Church of St. John stands as a proud symbol of Stari Grad's rich heritage, a place where history, art, and faith converge. It's a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the cultural tapestry of this ancient town.

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