Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Parish Church and Symbol of Sutivan

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most significant religious building in Sutivan and one of the most recognisable features of the village. Located right by the waterfront and the central square, it has served for centuries as the spiritual, cultural, and social hub of life in Sutivan.

The current parish church was built in the 16th century on the foundations of an earlier early Christian basilica, and over time it has been expanded and renovated multiple times. Its architecture blends Renaissance and Baroque elements, while the finely crafted Brač stone reflects the long-standing tradition of island stonemasonry. Throughout the centuries, the church has become one of the most important religious and cultural monuments in the western part of Brač.

Inside the church, there are valuable altars, artworks, and liturgical items that testify to the rich history of the parish. The main altar, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holds a special place as the patron saint of the parish and one of the most significant feasts in Sutivan.

Adjoining the church is an elegant bell tower that dominates the view of the Sutivan waterfront and stands as one of the village's most recognisable symbols. The bell tower is also linked to the most famous Sutivan legend – “The Cat in the Bell Tower”. According to local tradition, passed down through generations, passengers on a boat that operated between Split, Sutivan, and Milna once spotted a cat climbing the bell tower. The story goes that the cat was chasing an octopus that had escaped from the kitchen and found refuge high up in the bell tower. This unusual sight soon became a source of amusement, with passengers on boats calling out to the people of Sutivan: “Look, there’s a cat in the bell tower!”

What began as a harmless joke has over time evolved into one of Sutivan's most well-known symbols. Today, a sculpture of a cat can be found on the bell tower, watching over the village and the harbour, and the tale of “the cat in the bell tower” has become an important part of local identity. The legend has inspired numerous cultural projects, artworks, and publications, and is now a source of pride among the residents of Sutivan.

The church and bell tower are particularly striking in the evening when the stone facades are illuminated, making the bell tower one of the most beautiful sights along the Sutivan waterfront. During the Feast of the Assumption on 15th August, locals, expatriates, and numerous visitors gather here to participate in the village's largest religious celebration.

Today, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only an important place of worship but also one of the most valuable cultural and historical monuments in Sutivan. The combination of its rich history, impressive bell tower, and unique legend of the cat in the bell tower makes it an essential landmark for anyone wishing to experience the authentic spirit of this Brač village.