Church of St. John the Baptist (Stora Crkva) | One of the Oldest Sacred Buildings in the Area of Milna

The Church of St. John the Baptist is located near Osibova Bay, a few kilometers southwest of Milna. Set among pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, away from the main tourist routes, it represents one of the lesser-known but historically significant landmarks in the western part of Brač.

Among the residents of Milna, the church is also known as Stora Crkva. This name has been used for generations to distinguish it from the newer parish church in the center of the town. Even today, many locals refer to this historical building in this way, reflecting its importance in local tradition and collective memory.

Unlike the parish church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, which dominates the Milna waterfront, Stora Crkva is situated in a tranquil natural setting above the sea. It is surrounded by olive groves, dry stone walls, and Mediterranean flora, providing visitors with a good insight into the traditional landscape of western Brač.

The church is considered one of the oldest preserved sacred sites in the area of Milna. Historians suggest that this area was connected to early settlement and economic activities before Milna developed as a major maritime and shipbuilding center. Therefore, Stora Crkva holds a special place in the history of the town and is often mentioned among the oldest traces of organized religious life in this part of the island.

The building is modest in size and constructed from local Brač stone. Its simple architecture is characteristic of smaller Dalmatian churches that have served the surrounding hamlets, farmers, and families working the land near present-day Osibova for centuries. This simplicity is one of its greatest values today.

The location above the sea adds a special beauty to the site. Nearby is Osibova Bay, one of the most well-known natural bays in the area of Milna, so many visitors combine their visit to the church with a walk or swimming. The peace, silence, and natural surroundings create a completely different experience compared to the center of the town during the summer season.

The feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24, and the saint to whom the church is dedicated is one of the most revered saints in Christian tradition. Over the centuries, local communities have gathered around such smaller churches to mark important religious holidays and preserve customs that shaped the lives of the islanders.

Today, the church is most easily accessed via the road to Osibova Bay, followed by a short walk. Due to its location away from the main tourist flows, it remains a quiet place visited by those interested in history, cultural heritage, and authentic island locales.

Although it is not among the most famous landmarks of Brač, the Church of St. John the Baptist – Stora Crkva – represents an important part of Milna's history. Its age, local significance, and position in unspoiled nature make it an interesting destination for those wishing to explore the lesser-known side of Brač.