St. John the Baptist Church in Gornje Selo – The Most Recognizable Building in the Village

The parish church of St. John the Baptist is located in the very center of Gornje Selo on Šolta. Its tall bell tower and bright stone façade dominate the settlement and can be seen from a considerable distance, especially when approaching the village from the direction of Stomorska and Grohota.

The church is most beautiful when approached through the old stone streets of Gornje Selo. The houses are low and closely packed, allowing the large façade and bell tower to gradually reveal themselves between them. The church provides the main visual perspective of the village and serves as a useful landmark when walking through the old core.

The Church Built in 1859

The current church was constructed in 1859 on the site of an older St. John’s Church. The construction was financed by knight Marin Bavčević, born in Gornje Selo, whose name still holds an important place in the history of the settlement.

The older church is mentioned as recently built in 1579. It was erected by the local residents because the then parish church of St. Mary, located outside the village in the area of present-day Stomorska, was too far away.

The small church of St. John eventually became the parish church, and in the 19th century, it was replaced by a much larger building that could accommodate the growing population of Gornje Selo.

The parish itself is even older. It is first mentioned in documents from 1495 as the Parish of St. Mary in Gornje Selo, and during the 17th century, it changed its title to the Parish of St. John the Baptist.

Façade and Bell Tower

The church is built of precisely hewn stone and has the shape of a three-nave basilica. The façade features three doors, one for each nave, and above the side entrances are tall windows topped with arches.

The large octagonal stone rose window stands out prominently in the elevated central part of the façade. At the very top is a stone statue of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the church and parish.

The bell tower is situated alongside the sanctuary. Together with the church, it forms a recognizable unit that dominates the view of Gornje Selo. From certain parts of the surroundings, the bell tower can be seen above the pines, olive groves, and stone roofs.

The area around the church is not a large square in the urban sense but rather part of the old village core. Therefore, the building appears even larger in relation to the narrow streets and houses that surround it.

Interior of the Church

The interior is divided into three naves and is equipped with five marble altars. The main altar features an altar painting of the Baptism of Christ, a scene from the life of St. John the Baptist, after whom the church is named.

Next to the main altar are statues of St. John the Baptist and St. Philip Neri. In the side naves, there are altars dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Rosary, the Souls in Purgatory, and the Holy Family.

In the wall niches, there are also statues of St. Spiridon and St. Anthony. The sanctuary was renovated in 1977, when a stone altar facing the congregation was installed.

The interior is much richer than one might expect from a church in a small island village. The marble altars, statues, and the height of the central nave indicate how important the church has been to the residents of Gornje Selo.

St. John the Baptist and Local Celebration

St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24, when Gornje Selo marks the feast of its patron saint. The central part of the celebration is a holy mass and a religious gathering in the parish church.

Depending on the year, other local events may be organized alongside the church program. It is best to check the exact program shortly before your visit, as cultural and entertainment activities do not occur in the same form every year.

The feast is a good opportunity to get to know the village, as people with family roots connected to the village return to Gornje Selo. However, visitors should keep in mind that it is primarily a religious celebration, not just a tourist event.

Visiting the Church

The church does not have standard tourist opening hours, nor can it be expected to be open throughout the day. The best opportunities for entry are before or after mass, during holidays, and during weddings, funerals, and other church ceremonies.

When the church is closed, it is worth viewing it from the outside. The façade, rose window, stone statue, and bell tower are best seen from the area in front of the church and from the surrounding streets.

During mass, it is not appropriate to visit the church as a tourist attraction. Photography should be discreet, without flash, and without disturbing the worshippers.

There is no entrance fee, but it is not a museum with organized tours.

How to Get There and Where to Park

The church is located near the old core of Gornje Selo, not far from the main island road. The village is easily accessible from Grohota, Nečujma, and Stomorska.

There is no large parking lot designated for visitors near the church. The streets are narrow, and part of the space is used by residents of the surrounding houses.

It is best to leave the car in a permitted spot along the wider road or in a free widening, and then walk to the church for a few minutes. Vehicles should not enter narrow stone passages or block house entrances and spaces needed for residents to pass.

A bus line connecting the island settlements passes through Gornje Selo, so the church can also be visited without a car. The bus schedule should be checked according to the season and connections with the ferry port in Rogač.

What to See Nearby

After visiting the church, it is worthwhile to stroll through the old core of Gornje Selo. The surrounding streets feature traditional stone houses, external staircases, taverns, enclosed courtyards, and other details of old island architecture.

Near the church is the Tavern Štandarac, while outside the village, one can visit the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in the area of Križice and the chapel of Our Lady of Health, which residents also call Our Lady of the Fields.

To Stomorska, one can reach the sanctuary of Our Lady in Borima, one of the most important sacred locations in the eastern part of Šolta. A path leads from the sanctuary to Vela Straža, the highest point on the island.

The St. John the Baptist Church is best included in a walk through Gornje Selo or in an excursion that connects the village, Stomorska, and the surrounding southern coves.

Why Visit St. John the Baptist Church

The St. John the Baptist Church is not only the largest building in Gornje Selo. It speaks of a time when the village had many more inhabitants, when large churches were built through communal effort, and when parish life was the center of almost all important events in the village.

It is worth visiting for its harmonious stone façade, octagonal rose window, bell tower, and rich interior with five marble altars. It is even more interesting to know that it stands on the site of an older church built by the locals over four centuries ago.

Those who pass through Gornje Selo by car will remember its bell tower. Those who stop and walk to the church will gain a much better understanding of the history, architecture, and identity of this part of Šolta.