Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bogomolje – A 16th Century Parish Church
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the main parish church of Bogomolje and one of the most significant historical buildings in this small settlement on eastern Hvar. It is located in the old part of the village, approximately 230 metres above sea level, amidst stone houses and former agricultural land overlooking the northern coast of the island.
The history of the church dates back at least to the 16th century. The first reliable written mention comes from 1579, when it is referred to as the Church of St. Mary or the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the following centuries, it underwent several expansions and renovations, and its current appearance largely reflects baroque characteristics.
Today, it is dedicated to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patroness of the parish of Bogomolje, whose feast day is celebrated with particular solemnity on 16 July.
The Church First Mentioned in 1579
The oldest known description of the church is found in a visitation by the Bishop of Hvar from 1579.
At that time, it was a considerably simpler structure than it is today. It had one altar and was modestly furnished, which illustrates what Bogomolje was like during the period when the settlement was just beginning to develop more robustly.
By the early 17th century, the church gradually acquired a richer interior. In 1614, a new altar painting and baptismal font were mentioned, and by 1647, two additional side altars had been added.
As the population grew, the small church was no longer sufficient, leading to significant expansions during the 18th century.
Today's Baroque Appearance
The current appearance of the church is primarily the result of renovations in the early 18th century.
The building was extended at both the front and rear, and side chapels were added. This transformed the once small village church into a structure that retains its basic shape to this day.
The façade is simple and typical of smaller Dalmatian parish churches, lacking excessive decoration. Above it rises a stone bell tower.
The bell tower houses three bells – the oldest dating from 1789, while the other two were made in 1924.
The sacristy on the southeast side was added much later, in 1964.
Main Altar from 1841
Inside, the marble main altar from 1841 stands out.
The year of construction is inscribed on the altar itself, and its design is associated with the renowned stone workshop Bertapelle from Vrboska.
On the main altar, there is an older altar painting depicting the Annunciation, which preserves the memory of the church's original title.
In the lower part of the painting, there are saintly figures, and alongside the main altar, the church features several side altars that testify to the long development of parish devotion in Bogomolje.
From the Annunciation to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Throughout its history, the church has been known as the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while today it serves as the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The change of title did not signify a break from the earlier Marian tradition – both the old and current titles are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is now the patroness of the parish, and she is associated with the most significant annual religious event in Bogomolje.
Bogomolje became a separate parish in 1745, when it split from the parish of Gdinj.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel – 16 July
The most important day in the parish calendar is 16 July, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
On this day, many residents who now live in other parts of Hvar, on the mainland, or abroad return to Bogomolje.
A traditional procession with the statue of Our Lady takes place through the village, alongside a solemn mass. The procession winds through the older parts of Bogomolje, with the statue traditionally stopping at various locations for blessings.
For a small place like Bogomolje, this day is not only a church celebration but also one of the main annual gatherings of the local community.
The Old Cemetery Around the Church
The area immediately surrounding the church also has a long history.
In the 17th century, graves were even located within the church itself, while a cemetery existed around the building. During the 18th century, new graves were established both inside and in the external cemetery.
The old cemetery around the church was used until the end of the 19th century, when a new cemetery was established to the east of the church.
Some of the old graves within the church were later covered with a new floor, making them not immediately visible to visitors today.
The Stone Cross from 1872
Near the entrance to the church grounds stands an old stone cross from 1872.
The cross is set against the wall surrounding the church and is one of the smaller details that may easily be overlooked during a quick visit.
Such elements, along with the church, cemetery, and old houses, create a very harmonious historical ensemble where the character of former rural Hvar is still strongly felt.
Renovation of the Church
The church remains active and is regularly maintained.
In the early 21st century, the roof was restored, gutters and lightning rods were installed, the interior was refurbished, and the bells were electrified.
At the end of 2022, a new stone floor was laid, and the sacristy was renovated. Prior to laying the new floor, surveys were conducted to check for preserved older graves or other historical elements beneath the existing floor.
The new floor was created using a combination of different types of stone and marble, giving the interior a tidier appearance without altering the church's fundamental historical character.
Visiting the Church During a Tour of Bogomolje
The church is located along the main road through the old part of Bogomolje and is easy to find.
It is best included in a short walk through the village alongside Jerk's Court, the old stone houses, granaries, and other remnants of traditional rural architecture.
Bogomolje does not have many large classical tourist attractions, so such small historical sites best illustrate what the village looked like before the development of tourism.
The church is an active place of worship, not a museum. Therefore, the interior may not always be accessible for free visits, and visitors should respect the religious purpose of the space during their visit.
Parking and Access
The church can be reached by car via the main road through Bogomolje.
There is no need to search for a large tourist car park nearby. Vehicles can be left in an appropriate available spot within the settlement, and the old part of Bogomolje is best explored on foot.
The terrain around the church is generally easy to access, but stone surfaces and the area of the old cemetery may be uneven.
Useful Information
Location: Bogomolje, eastern Hvar
Current Name: Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Historical Name: Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Type of Building: Parish Church
First Written Mention: 1579
Current Architectural Appearance: Mainly early 18th century
Parish of Bogomolje Established: 1745
Main Altar: 1841
Oldest Bell: 1789
Sacristy: Added in 1964
Last Major Interior Renovation: 2022
Parish Patroness: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Main Feast Day: 16 July
Features: Baroque appearance, marble main altar, historic cemetery, and stone cross from 1872
Access: By car and on foot
Parking: Available spaces in the settlement area
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