St. Peter's Chapel in Gdinj – a small stone church in the hamlet of Visoka

In the hamlet of Visoka, located on the northern side of the interior part of Gdinj, stands a small chapel dedicated to St. Peter. It is nestled among old stone houses and former agricultural buildings, away from the main island road, making it easy to pass through Gdinj without noticing this quieter part of the settlement.

The chapel was built in 1894 through the voluntary efforts of the residents of Visoka. The year of construction and the dedication to St. Peter are recorded on an inscription on the façade. The church was consecrated in 1908 and underwent restoration several decades later.

Visoka – one of the old hamlets of Gdinj

Visoka is not a separate settlement in the modern administrative sense, but rather one of the historic units of Gdinj. Here, stone houses, courtyards, and agricultural buildings have been preserved, showcasing what life was like in the interior of eastern Hvar in the past.

St. Peter's Chapel fits seamlessly into this environment. It is not a monumental structure like the parish church of St. George, but a small village church built for the local population of Visoka. Nearby is the chapel of St. Anthony, making this part of Gdinj interesting for a short walk among the old stone buildings.

Constructed in 1894

On the façade of the chapel, there is an inscription noting that it was erected by the devout people for St. Peter in 1894. The construction was carried out by the residents of Visoka through voluntary work, which gives this small chapel a special place in the history of the hamlet.

The chapel has a simple rectangular floor plan, without an apse, and the interior is covered by a barrel vault. The walls feature small narrow windows resembling arrow slits, a detail that can also be found in some other smaller churches in the Gdinj area.

The stone statue of St. Peter known as the Pilgrim

The most interesting detail inside is not the size or richness of the altar, but the rustic stone statue of St. Peter. Locally known as the Pilgrim, it stands approximately 92 centimetres tall and is situated in a recess behind the altar.

The statue arrived at the chapel after its construction, at a time when the church was consecrated in the early 20th century. This simple stone representation of St. Peter complements the modest character of this village chapel.

Restoration and the bell

The chapel required restoration during the 20th century, with significant work carried out in 1980. At that time, it was restored and received a bell, making it once again suitable for the local community's needs.

Even today, it remains a small but recognisable part of Visoka – more a local sacred site than a classic tourist attraction.

Can the chapel be visited inside?

St. Peter's Chapel does not have a published regular opening time for tourist visits. Therefore, visitors should not assume that the interior will be accessible upon arrival.

The exterior of the chapel can be viewed during a visit to Visoka, but for guaranteed access to the interior, it is best to check in advance with the Parish of St. George in Gdinj. It is particularly worth trying to arrange entry if the aim is to see the stone statue of St. Peter the Pilgrim.

Even when closed, a visit is worthwhile due to the chapel's location in the old hamlet and the architecture of the surrounding stone houses.

A different side of Gdinj

Most visitors to Gdinj become acquainted with it by travelling along the D116 state road or driving towards its numerous coves. Visoka presents a completely different side of the place – an old island settlement removed from the sea, where life and agriculture have developed for centuries among stone, dry-stone walls, and small fields.

Thus, St. Peter's Chapel is best viewed as part of a broader exploration of the interior of Gdinj. The same route can include the church of St. Roch in Dugi Dolac, the new and old churches of St. George, and other small churches and chapels scattered throughout the hamlets of Gdinj.

Useful information

  • Name: St. Peter's Chapel
  • Location: Gdinj, Hvar Island
  • Hamlet: Visoka
  • Year of construction: 1894
  • Consecration: 1908
  • Restoration: 1980, when the chapel also received a bell
  • Architecture: small single-nave stone chapel without an apse, with a barrel vault
  • Interior feature: stone statue of St. Peter known as the Pilgrim, approximately 92 cm tall
  • Interior visits: no regular visiting hours published; the chapel may be locked; for guaranteed access, it is best to check in advance with the Parish of St. George in Gdinj
  • Access: from Gdinj, Visoka can be reached via a local road that branches off from the main island route; the last part passes through a small old hamlet
  • Parking: there is no designated public tourist parking near the chapel; vehicles should be left in suitable places without blocking local access
  • Nearby: chapel of St. Anthony in Visoka
  • Location feature: the chapel was built in the late 19th century by the voluntary efforts of the residents of Visoka