Remains of the Early Christian Basilica in Grohote – Traces of Early Christianity in Šolta

The remains of the early Christian basilica are located next to the northern wall of St. Stephen the First Martyr Church in Grohote. Although the site is situated almost in the center of the village, it can easily be overlooked as it consists of preserved foundations, parts of walls, and a floor mosaic integrated into the area around the church and the old cemetery.

The basilica is one of the most significant archaeological sites on Šolta. It indicates that the area of present-day Grohote was inhabited and had an organized Christian community as early as late antiquity, long before the construction of the current parish church.

Archaeological research has shown that it was a large single-nave church with an elongated floor plan. A narthex, or entrance area, was later added to the western side, while additional rooms were located along the northern and southern walls.

During the research, remains of church inventory, parts of the altar rail, fragments of a baptismal font, and floor mosaics were discovered. Today, the most noticeable part for visitors is the restored section of the mosaic, whose geometric patterns indicate that the basilica was not merely a simple village church, but a carefully designed sacred building.

Two stone sarcophagi are also located near the site. The first finds of ancient inscriptions and sarcophagi were recorded in the early 20th century, while more systematic research was conducted between the two world wars and again during the second half of the 20th century.

The research of the site involved Don Marin Bezić, archaeologist and historian Don Frane Bulić, art historian Ljubo Karaman, and Danish architect and archaeologist Ejnar Dyggve. Dyggve produced architectural documentation of the then-known remains of the basilica in the early 1930s.

Later revisionary research allowed for a clearer determination of the church's floor plan and the arrangement of its rooms. After the research, conservation and restoration work was carried out to protect the foundations and mosaics, ensuring they remain visible to visitors.

The basilica is most often associated in tourist sources with the period from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. Since the same area contains remains from multiple historical periods, the site demonstrates a long continuity of sacred use and life in Grohote.

The remains of the basilica are now viewed outdoors. There is no entrance fee or standard opening hours, so the site can be visited during the day, regardless of whether St. Stephen's Church is open. A visit takes about ten minutes, but it is much more interesting when combined with a tour of the church, the old cemetery, and the historical core of Grohote.

There is no large interpretive center or permanent guide near the site. Therefore, it is useful to know before arrival that the low stone walls represent the floor plan of the former church, while the preserved mosaic marks part of its original floor.

When visiting, it should be noted that the archaeological remains are located immediately next to an active parish church and local cemetery. Visitors should walk along marked and accessible areas, refrain from climbing on walls, and avoid touching the mosaic and stone finds.

The site can be reached on foot from the center of Grohote in a few minutes. The church bell tower is easily visible from most parts of the village and serves as the best landmark. The distance from the Rogač ferry port to Grohote is approximately two kilometers, and the settlements are connected by road and an island bus line.

There is no large tourist parking area directly next to the church and basilica. It is more practical to leave a car in a permitted spot along the wider road in Grohote and walk the last part. During masses, funerals, and church holidays, access may be busier, and parking spaces nearby may be occupied.

The ground around the site is partly rocky and uneven. Individuals with reduced mobility may view part of the site from the surrounding path, but touring all preserved sections may be challenging.

The remains of the early Christian basilica are not monumental ruins visible from afar. Their value lies in the fact that within a small area, one can recognize the foundations of one of the oldest known Christian buildings on Šolta, the preserved mosaic, and the stone sarcophagi. Together with the present-day St. Stephen's Church, they demonstrate that the same location has been used for religious and communal life for many centuries.