Church of St. John – The Oldest Sanctuary from Which Sutivan Derived Its Name

The Church of St. John is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Sutivan and the source of the town's name. The name Sutivan originates from the Old Croatian form of the name Sveti Ivan (Stivan), and it was in the area of today's Bunta Cove that an early Christian basilica dedicated to St. John the Baptist once stood.

The current church is located at Cape Bunta, east of the town center, on the site of an early Christian complex considered one of the oldest Christian sites on the island of Brač. The first basilica was built in the 6th century, during the early Christian period, and has been renovated and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Some of the original walls of the old basilica have been preserved to this day, making this location an exceptionally important historical and archaeological site.

The church is situated right by the sea, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, in one of the most beautiful parts of the Sutivan coastline. Due to its location at the cape, it offers visitors a stunning view of the Brač Channel, Split, and nearby beaches. Many visitors stop here during their walk along the coastal promenade that connects the town center with the eastern part of Sutivan.

Notably, remains of a former monastic complex known as Mojstir have been found near the church, which testify to the long and rich history of this area. Although larger parts of the monastery buildings have not survived, the site continues to attract those interested in history and cultural heritage.

For visitors to Sutivan, the Church of St. John represents much more than a sacred site. It is a place where the history of the settlement began and one of the few locations on Brač where the continuity of life from the early Christian period to the present can be traced. The combination of history, archaeology, and its beautiful seaside location makes it an essential stop during the exploration of the area.