Church of St. John and Paul, Humac

The Church of St. John and Paul is located on the edge of the old stone settlement of Humac, among cypress trees and adjacent to the historic core of the village. Although it is significantly younger than Humac itself, it is today one of its most recognizable structures and the main place of religious gathering for people whose families are connected to this former seasonal settlement of Vrisnik.

Church Built in the Late 19th Century

The church was constructed in 1897, at a time when Humac was still actively serving the residents of Vrisnik during agricultural work in vineyards, olive groves, and surrounding fields.

Humac was not a classic permanently inhabited village, but a place where people stayed for part of the year. Therefore, it does not have its own cemetery, while the church has become an important communal space for mass, the feast of the patron saint, and family gatherings associated with the village.

Simple Stone Architecture

The church is a single-nave stone building of simple rectangular shape that blends naturally with the old houses and dry stone walls of Humac.

The façade is made of well-cut stone, featuring the main entrance and a circular opening above it. At the top, there is a stone bell tower with two bells and a cross.

The architecture is modest and lacks elaborate decoration, which corresponds to the character of Humac itself and the traditional lifestyle of the people who used this settlement.

Interior of the Church

The interior is simple and adapted for occasional worship. Unlike larger parish churches on Hvar, there is no emphasis on a rich collection of artworks or a large number of altars. The value of the church lies primarily in its connection to Humac and the generations of people who have stayed here.

The church does not have regular tourist opening hours and may be locked outside of mass or local events. During the tourist season, it may be possible to request access locally, but this should not be relied upon as a regular option. The safest opportunity to view the interior is during mass or the celebration of the patron saint.

Feast of St. John and Paul

The feast of St. John and Paul is celebrated on June 26 and represents the most important religious event in Humac.

On this day, residents of Vrisnik and descendants of families with homes and land in the area of Humac come to the village. The otherwise very quiet village comes to life, and the church becomes the center of gathering.

The Church of St. John and Paul is not part of the traditional procession route Za križen, which connects six locations in central Hvar.

How to Reach the Church

The easiest way to reach Humac is by car from Jelsa via road D116 towards the eastern part of the island, then taking the marked turnoff towards the village.

Access to the area near Humac is possible by regular passenger car. The church is located on the edge of the settlement and is only a short walk from where vehicles can be parked.

Parking

There is no separate designated parking area next to the church. Visitors use the parking space along the access road to Humac, which also serves other visitors to the village.

Parking is not organized as a classic parking lot with marked spaces, barriers, or fees. During larger gatherings, especially for the feast of St. John and Paul and during organized tours of Grapčeva Cave, there may be more vehicles than usual.

Visit as Part of a Tour of Humac

It makes the most sense to visit the church together with the entire ethno-eco village of Humac. From the church, one can continue through the stone passages between old houses, yards, cisterns, and former agricultural buildings.

Humac is also the starting point for visiting Grapčeva Cave, so the church, village, and cave can easily be connected in one excursion through the interior of Hvar Island.

Useful Information

  • Year of Construction: 1897.
  • Dedication: St. John and Paul
  • Feast of the Patron Saint: June 26
  • Location: on the edge of the ethno-eco village of Humac
  • Architecture: simple stone single-nave church with a bell tower for two bells
  • Interior Viewing: no regular tourist opening hours and the church may be locked; easiest to view during mass or local religious events
  • Access by Car: possible to Humac
  • Parking: no separate designated parking next to the church; vehicles are left in the area along the access road to the village
  • Parking Fees: no organized fees
  • Shade: provided by cypress trees near the church
  • Za križen: the church is not part of the traditional procession route Za križen