Church of Saint John (Stari Grad, island of Hvar)

The Church of Saint John in Stari Grad is an Early Christian church complex on the Croatian island of Hvar. It stands in the heart of Stari Grad, the town known in antiquity as Pharos. The surviving northern church is regarded as the starting point for the development of Christianity in the Hvar diocese and across the island.

Where is the Church of Saint John?

The site is in Stari Grad, on the northern coast of Hvar, next to the former eastern gate of the ancient town. Its coordinates are roughly 43.18° N, 16.60° E. The old quarter is a web of narrow stone lanes, so the easiest way to reach the church is on foot from the harbour.

How old is the church?

The walls date to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. According to archaeological research, including a 2019 article by Jasna Jeličić Radonić, the church was built inside a Greek insula, a block of buildings laid out in ancient Pharos. Older Greek foundations survive beneath the later walls. The northern Early Christian church still stands and is the most significant part of the whole site.

What is there to see?

Descriptions of the complex point to a twin basilica from the 6th century, together with a baptistery dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint John. It was built on the site of an earlier 5th-century church. Mosaics can be seen inside, and the masonry reflects several eras: Greek, Roman and Early Christian. It is a good stop for anyone interested in archaeology and religious history.

Why visit Stari Grad?

Pharos was founded in 384 BC by settlers from the island of Paros, which makes Stari Grad one of the oldest towns in Croatia. The surrounding Stari Grad Plain, with its grid of Greek-era fields, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The church fits naturally into a walk through that history, alongside other monuments of the old town.

Frequently asked questions

What period does the church date from? The 5th and 6th centuries, with Greek foundations beneath the later walls.

Is this the only Church of Saint John on Hvar? No. The dedication appears in several places, so look for the "Stari Grad" label when planning a visit.

Are there mosaics inside? Yes, descriptions of the site mention mosaics visible inside.

How do I get to Stari Grad? The town has a ferry port with connections from Split, and from there the church is a short walk through the old town.

What are the opening hours? We do not list them because they can change. Check with the local tourist information office before you go.

The Church of Saint John is a modest but important monument for anyone who wants to understand how Hvar's history unfolded from antiquity into the early Middle Ages. Combine it with a stroll through the centre of Stari Grad, the harbour and the nearby fields, which still follow the layout set out by the Greeks.