St Peter and St Paul Church in Nerežišća | Small Stone Church with a Notable Pine on the Roof

The St Peter and St Paul Church is located in the heart of Nerežišća and stands as one of the most recognisable landmarks, not just of the village but of the entire island of Brač. This small stone church is situated next to the main square and old stone houses, and most visitors first notice the unusual feature that has made it famous — a small black pine tree growing directly from the church's roof.

The church dates back to the 15th century and is one of the older preserved religious buildings in Nerežišća. Constructed from Brač stone in a simple Gothic style, it features a small apse and a modest façade that blends seamlessly with the historic core of the village. Due to its unpretentious architecture and the peculiar pine on its roof, the church appears quite different from the larger Dalmatian churches along the coast.

The pine on the roof, often referred to by locals as the 'Brač bonsai', has become a symbol of Nerežišća and one of the most photographed attractions on Brač. It grows from a small stone apse at the back of the church and has managed to survive for decades without proper soil and almost no water. No one knows for certain how the pine came to grow on the roof, but this unusual story has further piqued interest in the entire location. Due to its uniqueness, the tree was protected as a natural monument in 1969.

The area surrounding the church is one of the most beautiful parts of Nerežišća. The stone squares, old palaces, narrow streets, and typical Brač architecture provide a glimpse into what the former administrative centre of the island looked like before the development of coastal towns like Supetar and Bol. During the summer, smaller concerts, exhibitions, and local events are held here. Occasionally, artistic exhibitions are organised in St Peter and St Paul Church due to the special ambience of the small stone space.

Accessing the church is straightforward as it is located along the main road through Nerežišća. Parking is available a few minutes' walk from the village centre, and most visitors combine their visit with a stroll through the old town and a visit to the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

While St Peter and St Paul Church may be a small building, the presence of the pine on the roof and its location in the old part of the village leave a much stronger impression than one might expect at first glance.