Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bogomolje – A Historic Parish Church from the 16th Century
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the main parish church of Bogomolje and one of the most significant historical buildings in this small settlement on eastern Hvar. It is located in the old part of the village, approximately 230 meters above sea level, among stone houses and former agricultural land above the northern coast of the island.
The history of the church dates back at least to the 16th century. The first reliable written mention comes from 1579, when it is referred to as the Church of St. Mary, or the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the following centuries, it was expanded and remodeled several times, and its current appearance largely reflects baroque characteristics.
Today, it is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the parish of Bogomolje, whose feast day is celebrated with special solemnity on July 16.
The Church First Mentioned in 1579
The oldest known description of the church is found in the visitation of the Bishop of Hvar from 1579.
At that time, it was a significantly simpler structure than it is today. It had one altar and was modestly furnished, which illustrates what Bogomolje was like during the period when the settlement was just beginning to develop.
By the early 17th century, the church gradually acquired a richer interior. In 1614, a new altar painting and a baptismal font were mentioned, and by 1647, two additional side altars were added.
As the population grew, the small church was no longer sufficient, leading to significant expansions during the 18th century.
Today's Baroque Appearance
The current appearance of the church is primarily the result of renovations in the early 18th century.
The building was extended at both the front and back, and side chapels were added. This transformed the former small village church into a shape that it essentially retains today.
The façade is simple and typical of smaller Dalmatian parish churches, without excessive decoration. Above it rises a stone bell tower.
The bell tower houses three bells – the oldest dates back to 1789, while the other two were made in 1924.
The sacristy on the southeast side was added much later, in 1964.
Main Altar from 1841
Inside, the marble main altar from 1841 stands out.
The year of construction is inscribed on the altar itself, and its design is associated with the well-known stone workshop Bertapelle from Vrboska.
On the main altar, there is an older altar painting depicting the Annunciation, which preserves the memory of the church's original title.
In the lower part of the painting, there are saintly figures, and in addition to the main altar, the church has several side altars that testify to the long development of parish devotion in Bogomolje.
From the Annunciation to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Throughout history, the church was known as the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while today it is the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The change of patron did not signify a break from the earlier Marian tradition – both the old and the current titles are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is now the patroness of the parish, and she is associated with the most important annual religious event in Bogomolje.
Bogomolje became a separate parish in 1745, when it separated from the parish of Gdinj.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel – July 16
The most important day in the parish year is July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
On this day, many residents who now live in other parts of Hvar, on the mainland, or abroad return to Bogomolje.
A traditional procession with the statue of Our Lady takes place through the village alongside a solemn mass. The procession passes through the old parts of Bogomolje, and the statue is traditionally stopped at several locations for blessings.
For a small place like Bogomolje, this day is not only a church celebration but also one of the main annual gatherings of the local community.
The Old Cemetery Around the Church
The area immediately surrounding the church also has a long history.
In the 17th century, graves were even located inside the church itself, while a cemetery existed around the building. During the 18th century, new graves were arranged both inside and in the external cemetery.
The old cemetery around the church was used until the end of the 19th century, when a new cemetery was established to the east of the church.
Some of the old graves inside the church were later covered with a new floor, making them not immediately visible to visitors today.
Stone Cross from 1872
Near the entrance to the church grounds stands an old stone cross from 1872.
The cross is situated on the wall surrounding the church and is one of the smaller details that may easily be overlooked during a quick visit.
Such elements, along with the church, cemetery, and old houses, create a very harmonious historical whole where the character of former rural Hvar is still well felt.
Renovation of the Church
The church remains active and is regularly maintained.
In the early 21st century, the roof was renovated, gutters and lightning rods were installed, the interior was refurbished, and the bells were electrified.
At the end of 2022, a new stone floor was laid, and the sacristy was renovated. Before the new floor was installed, surveys were conducted to check for preserved older graves or other historical elements beneath the existing floor.
The new floor was created using a combination of different types of stone and marble, giving the interior a more organized appearance without altering the church's fundamental historical character.
Visiting the Church During a Tour of Bogomolje
The church is located along the main road through the old part of Bogomolje and is easy to find.
It is best to include it in a short walk through the village along with Jerk's Court, old stone houses, threshing floors, and other remnants of traditional rural architecture.
Bogomolje does not have many large classical tourist attractions, so such small historical sites best illustrate what the village looked like before the development of tourism.
The church is an active religious site, not a museum. Therefore, the interior may not always be accessible for free visits, and visitors should respect the religious purpose of the space.
Parking and Access
The church can be reached by car via the main road through Bogomolje.
There is no need to look for a large tourist parking area nearby. Vehicles can be parked in appropriate available spots within the village, and the old part of Bogomolje is best explored on foot.
The terrain around the church is generally easy to access, but stone surfaces and the area of the old cemetery may be uneven.
Useful Information
Location: Bogomolje, eastern Hvar
Current Name: Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Historical Name: Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Type of Building: Parish Church
First Written Mention: 1579
Current Architectural Appearance: Mainly early 18th century
Parish of Bogomolje Established: 1745
Main Altar: 1841
Oldest Bell: 1789
Sacristy: Added in 1964
Last Major Interior Renovation: 2022
Patroness of the Parish: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Main Feast Day: July 16
Features: Baroque appearance, marble main altar, historical cemetery, and stone cross from 1872
Access: By car and on foot
Parking: Available spaces in the village area
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