St John’s Church – The Oldest Sanctuary from Which Sutivan Takes Its Name

St John’s Church is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Sutivan and the source of the settlement's name. The name Sutivan derives from the Old Croatian form of the name Sveti Ivan (Stivan), and it was in the area of today’s Bunta Cove that an early Christian basilica dedicated to St John the Baptist once stood.

The present church is located on Cape Bunta, east of the town centre, on the site of an early Christian complex considered one of the oldest Christian sites on the island of Brač. The first basilica was erected in the 6th century during the early Christian period and has been renovated and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Some of the original walls of the old basilica have been preserved to this day, making this location an exceptionally important historical and archaeological site.

The church is situated right by the sea, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, in one of the most beautiful parts of the Sutivan coastline. Thanks to its position on the cape, it offers visitors stunning views of the Brač Channel, Split, and nearby beaches. Many people stop here during their walk along the coastal promenade that connects the town centre with the eastern part of Sutivan.

Interestingly, remains of a former monastic complex known as Mojstir have been found near the church, which testify to the long and rich history of this area. Although larger parts of the monastery have not survived, the site continues to attract those interested in history and cultural heritage.

For visitors to Sutivan, St John’s Church represents much more than a sacred building. It is a place where the history of the settlement began and one of the few locations on Brač where the continuity of life from the early Christian period to the present can be traced. The combination of history, archaeology, and its beautiful seaside location makes it an essential stop when exploring the area.