Church of St. Jerome in Stari Grad – A Medieval Church by the Sea, Hermitage, and the History of the Old Town Port

The Church of St. Jerome, also known as the Church of St. Jerolima, is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Stari Grad on Hvar Island. Located right by the sea, on the western side of the entrance to the old town port, this medieval church has been connected to monastic life, seafarers, and the defense of the town for centuries. Its stone facade, unusual rose window shaped like a four-leaf clover, and the adjacent Hermitage testify to a time when this place held significant religious, social, and maritime roles. Today, the church is also recognized as a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions.

History of the Church of St. Jerome

The oldest parts of the Church of St. Jerome date back to the Middle Ages, with its construction often placed in the 13th or 14th century. The current appearance is the result of later renovations, particularly during the 16th century.

An important period in the church's history began in 1487 when the Hermitage was established alongside it, serving as a monastic complex intended for monastic life. In 1529, the church was expanded with an oratory for Dominican tertiary sisters, known as picokare.

The church's history has also been marked by turbulent events in the Adriatic. During the Ottoman attack on Hvar in 1571, the building suffered significant damage, after which it was restored and expanded.

Over time, it lost its original monastic function, and in the 20th century, it acquired a new cultural purpose. Since 1976, the church has been used as a gallery space, making this historical building a meeting point of medieval heritage and contemporary art.

Architecture and Features of the Church

At first glance, the Church of St. Jerome stands out from numerous Dalmatian churches, primarily due to its location right by the sea and its unusual, almost square-shaped facade.

The older part of the building is designed as a single-nave church with a semi-circular apse, while later additions have given it its current appearance.

A small stone rose window, shaped like a four-leaf clover, is prominent on the facade. Above the entrance, there is a relief of St. Jerome with a lion, an animal traditionally associated with his life and Christian iconography.

Particularly interesting is the inscription in the Venetian dialect, inviting visitors to reconcile with God and their neighbors before entering. This detail reveals the spiritual message of the place and the connection of Stari Grad with the cultural influences of the Venetian Republic.

On the side of the building, there is also a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, known as Our Lady of the Sea. Its symbolism further connects the church with maritime tradition and the daily lives of people by the sea.

Hermitage – From Monastic Refuge to Quarantine for Seafarers

Opposite the church is the Hermitage, a historical stone building that, together with the church, forms a unique sacred complex.

Originally intended for hermit monks, the building has changed its purpose throughout history. It also housed Glagolitic priests, linking it to the Croatian Glagolitic tradition.

In the 17th century, it served as an inn for travelers, as evidenced by a preserved inscription in Italian indicating a house intended for travelers.

Later, it was converted into a lazaret, a space for the temporary accommodation and isolation of travelers from ships suspected of carrying infectious diseases.

This purpose was not unusual for Adriatic ports. During times of frequent epidemics, monitoring the arrivals of ships and travelers was an important part of protecting coastal towns.

Today, the Hermitage houses a hospitality establishment, and its historical connection with the church remains an important part of Stari Grad's cultural heritage.

The Church of St. Jerome and the Defense of the Old Town Port

The church's location at the very entrance to the port is significant not only for its view of the sea. This part of Stari Grad also had a defensive role in the past.

According to local tradition, a large iron chain could once be stretched between the area of the Church of St. Jerome and the opposite shore of the bay, towards the area of Mlin. Its purpose was to prevent enemy ships from entering the port during threats of piracy and other attacks.

The legend of the defensive chain recalls a time when Dalmatian towns had to protect their ports, populations, and merchant ships.

Near the church, there is also Bonj Bay, where underwater archaeological research has revealed remnants of ancient port structures. These findings indicate the long-standing maritime importance of this part of the coast, dating back to the period of ancient Pharos.

Art Gallery in the Historical Church

One of the unique aspects of the Church of St. Jerome is its cultural purpose. Since 1976, it has been used as a gallery space, hosting exhibitions of contemporary art, lectures, and workshops over the years.

Numerous Croatian artists have exhibited in the church, including Marija Ujević Galetović, Nives Kavurić Kurtović, and Dubravka Lošić.

The combination of centuries-old stone walls and contemporary artworks gives this space a different character from typical galleries.

For visitors to Stari Grad, it offers an opportunity to experience historical architecture and the contemporary Croatian art scene in the same place, especially during summer cultural programs.

Location of the Church of St. Jerome and How to Get There

The Church of St. Jerome is located on the northwestern side of the old town bay, right next to the coastal promenade, near the Hermitage and Bonj Bay.

From the historical center of Stari Grad, it can be reached by a pleasant walk along the sea. The path leads along a part of the coast with views of anchored boats, old town houses, and the opposite side of the port.

Due to its location right by the sea, the church is particularly interesting for photographers. Its stone facade and proximity to the sea create a recognizable scene, especially in the late afternoon hours.

The best way to reach the church is on foot. Cars can be parked in public parking areas in Stari Grad, after which visitors can continue along the coastal promenade.

A visit can be combined with a tour of the old town waterfront, Hektorović's Tvrdalja, the Church of St. Stephen, and other historical landmarks.

Useful Information

  • Location: Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia
  • Other Name: Church of St. Jerolima
  • Type of Landmark: Medieval church, cultural-historical monument, and gallery space
  • Period of Origin: 13th/14th century, with later additions
  • Features: Rose window shaped like a four-leaf clover, relief of St. Jerome with a lion, and historical inscription on the facade
  • Historical Connections: Hermitage, Glagolitic tradition, maritime history, and defense of the old town port
  • Cultural Content: Art exhibitions and occasional events
  • Access: On foot along the coastal promenade from the center of Stari Grad
  • Parking: Public parking areas in Stari Grad, followed by a walk
  • Nearby: Hermitage, Bonj Bay, old town waterfront, and historical center
  • Recommended for: History enthusiasts, lovers of sacred architecture, art, and photography