Old Church of St. George in Gdinj – Our Lady of Health

On the eastern edge of Gdinj, somewhat removed from the current centre of the village, stands one of the oldest and most important buildings in this part of Hvar – the former parish church of St. George. Today, it is known as the Church of Our Lady of Health, though the locals often simply refer to it as Old Church.

In contrast to the new parish church of St. George located along the main island road, this church is situated in the older part of the settlement known as Stara Crkva. Surrounded by a stony landscape and the old houses of Gdinj, it presents a much more secluded atmosphere and best illustrates what the sacred centre of the village looked like before Gdinj expanded in the early 20th century.

A Church Mentioned as Early as 1558

The Old Church of St. George was built in the mid-16th century and is first documented in 1558. It served not only Gdinj but was also connected to the parish of Bogomolje at one point.

The church's current appearance did not come about all at once. Over several centuries, it was gradually expanded and adapted to meet the needs of the local population, showcasing both Renaissance and Baroque elements.

A chapel was added to the south side of the church in 1691, while a similarly shaped northern chapel was constructed in 1750. During the 18th century, a sacristy was built, and the main nave was extended westward, receiving a new façade with a Baroque portal and a stone rose window.

Stone Roof and Bell Tower

One of the most beautiful features of the Old Church is its traditional stone roof, which harmoniously blends with the dry landscape of eastern Hvar. The side chapels are also covered with stone slabs, while above the rose window on the main façade rises a stone bell gable.

The current three-part bell tower dates back to 1804. It is the combination of the simple stone structure, the side chapels, and the bell tower that gives the church a distinctly different appearance from the much larger new parish church of St. George built in 1901.

Why Was a New St. George Church Built?

By the end of the 19th century, the Old Church had become too small for the population of Gdinj, and the building itself was in poor condition. Consequently, a new, larger parish church of St. George was constructed in the central part of the village.

In late 1902, parish services were moved to the new church, along with most of the valuable movable inventory. The Old Church then ceased to function as a parish church and was given the title of Our Lady of Health.

Today, Gdinj is home to two churches associated with St. George – the new parish church along the main road and this, several centuries older church in the area known as Stara Crkva.

Valuable Inventory Transferred to the New Church

After the cessation of regular parish functions, most of the valuable artworks from the Old Church were transferred to the new St. George Church. Among these are paintings and wooden sculptures from the old altars, as well as other sacred items.

The main altar painting of St. George was stolen during the First World War. In the 1930s, a replica was created, which, along with other paintings, is preserved in the new parish church for better protection against moisture and decay.

Restoration After Decades of Decline

Following the relocation of parish life to the new church, the Old Church gradually fell into disrepair for over a century. The condition became so serious that there was a risk of collapse in certain areas.

A systematic restoration began in 2018. Key interventions included the stabilisation of the foundations and large cracks, the removal of trees that threatened the building, and the restoration of the roof, returning it to its traditional stone covering. The main access to the church was also improved.

Today, the Old Church is once again one of the most valuable historical features of Gdinj, and due to its age and architecture, it is protected as a cultural heritage site.

Can the Church Be Visited Inside?

The exterior of the Old Church and its historical surroundings can be explored during a visit to this part of Gdinj, but the church does not have a published regular schedule for tourist visits. Therefore, one should not assume that the doors will always be open upon arrival.

If the aim is to see the interior, it is best to check in advance with the Parish of St. George in Gdinj regarding the possibility of entry. The church is occasionally used for religious activities, and access to the interior may depend on church events or maintenance work.

It is still worth visiting the Old Church even when it is closed. Its stone architecture, bell gable, side chapels, stone roof, and location among the older parts of Gdinj are best appreciated from the outside.

Old Church – The Other Side of Gdinj

A visit to this church is best combined with a stroll through the older part of Gdinj. Tourists passing through the village along the main road may easily miss it, as it is not situated near the current busy centre of the village.

This seclusion is part of its character. There are no tourist facilities or a well-kept square typically expected near a larger parish church – here, stone, old houses, and the quieter rural landscape of inland Hvar prevail.

To understand Gdinj better, it is particularly interesting to visit both churches of St. George. The Old Church reveals an older layer of the village's history, while the new parish church of St. George represents the period when the settlement expanded and the former sacred centre became insufficient.

Useful Information

  • Name: Old Church of St. George – Our Lady of Health
  • Local Name: Old Church
  • Location: Gdinj, Hvar Island
  • Position: area of Stara Crkva, east of the central part of Gdinj
  • Construction Period: mid-16th century
  • First Written Mention: 1558
  • Architecture: Renaissance-Baroque stone church with side chapels
  • Bell Tower: three-part stone gable from 1804
  • Former Function: parish church of St. George
  • Current Title: Our Lady of Health
  • New St. George Church: located closer to the current centre of Gdinj, it took over parish functions in the early 20th century
  • Interior Visits: no regular visiting hours published; the church may be locked; for guaranteed entry, it is best to check in advance with the Parish of St. George in Gdinj
  • Access: the church is set apart from the main island road; a local access road leads to it through the area of Stara Crkva
  • Parking: there is no designated public parking immediately next to the church, so it is best to allow for a short walk from the surrounding area
  • Protection: protected cultural heritage
  • Significance: former parish church of Gdinj and one of the oldest preserved sacred buildings in the village