St John the Baptist Church, Poljica

The parish church of St John the Baptist is the most significant religious building in Poljica and serves as a central point in the life of this small village located on the eastern part of Hvar Island. It is situated right next to the main road through the village, with its stone façade and tall bell tower easily visible as one passes through Poljica.

The current appearance of the church is the result of several centuries of extensions and renovations. Although the present structure is considerably larger than the original, the church of St John the Baptist has been mentioned at this location since the 16th century.

The Church Mentioned as Early as 1579

The first known written record of St John the Baptist Church in Poljica dates back to 1579, when it was noted during a church visitation. In the early 17th century, the church was consecrated along with a new altar, and over the following centuries, it underwent numerous repairs and adaptations to meet the needs of the local population.

The old church was significantly smaller than the current one. Due to dampness, deterioration, and the growing needs of the village, it was thoroughly renovated and expanded to nearly double its size in 1940.

Poljica was long part of the parish of Zastražišće, and the independent Parish of St John the Baptist was established in 1924, giving the church an even more important role in the life of the village.

Stone Façade and Distinctive Bell Tower

The church is a simple stone structure with a traditional Dalmatian appearance. The façade features the main entrance, smaller openings, and a circular window, while a tall bell tower stands on the northern side of the façade.

The bell tower was begun by the locals in 1926. It houses two bells: a larger one dedicated to St John the Baptist and a smaller one to Our Lady of the Rosary. Its current appearance was completed in 1966 with the addition of a characteristic four-sided roof.

Together, the church and bell tower form one of the most prominent architectural features of Poljica and blend well with the modest stone architecture of the village.

What Can Be Seen Inside

The most important part of the interior is the main altar made of marble and stone, featuring a depiction of the Lamb of God. It was installed in the early 20th century, replacing an older wooden altar.

Above the altar, there is a wooden statue of St John the Baptist from 1939.

Also noteworthy is the polychrome wooden statue of Our Lady of the Rosary from the early 20th century, located on the northern side of the church. This statue was crafted in Val Gardena, a region in South Tyrol known for its long tradition of high-quality woodcarving.

The interior is not lavish, but several preserved altar and sculptural details beautifully illustrate the importance the church has held for generations of Poljica residents.

Feast of St John the Baptist

The patron saint of the parish and namesake of the church is St John the Baptist, whose feast day is celebrated on 24 June.

This is one of the most significant days in Poljica, when locals, people of Poljica origin now living elsewhere, and worshippers from surrounding parishes gather for the mass and procession.

The Poljica Procession Za križen

Poljica has its own tradition of the Za križen procession during Holy Week. This is not part of the well-known UNESCO circle connecting Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj, and Vrboska, but rather a distinct tradition of the eastern part of Hvar associated with Zastražišće and Vela Stiniva.

On Good Friday, the procession from Poljica begins early in the morning at the parish church of St John the Baptist. The route leads towards Vela Stiniva, where there is an old custom of lowering the cross to the sea as a symbolic blessing for fishermen, and then continues to Zastražišće and back to Poljica.

The entire circular route is approximately 13 kilometres long. Therefore, St John the Baptist Church holds an important place not only in the regular religious life of the village but also in one of the most interesting Holy Week traditions of eastern Hvar.

Can the Church Be Visited Inside?

The church does not have regular tourist opening hours and may be locked during the day. The interior is easiest to view during mass, on the feast of St John the Baptist, or during other parish events.

If the aim is a specific visit to see the interior, it is not advisable to rely on the church being open at all times.

Access and Parking

The church is located within the village of Poljica, very close to the main island road D116, making access by car straightforward, with the entire route being asphalted.

There is no large designated tourist car park next to the church. Nearby, there are smaller roadside spaces and areas around the church where vehicles can be parked when space allows, but this is rural space rather than a conventional marked and paid parking area.

Due to its location next to the main road, care should be taken when parking to ensure that vehicles do not obstruct traffic or access to nearby houses.

Useful Information

  • First written mention of the church: 1579
  • Current appearance: the church was thoroughly renovated and approximately doubled in size in 1940
  • Parish of Poljica: independent since 1924
  • Bell tower: built in 1926, with its current four-sided roof completed in 1966
  • Main altar: marble and stone altar featuring the Lamb of God
  • Notable statues: wooden statue of St John the Baptist and polychrome statue of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Feast of the patron saint: 24 June
  • Za križen: the church is the starting point for the Poljica procession on Good Friday, linked to Zastražišće and Vela Stiniva
  • Interior visits: no regular tourist opening hours; the church may be locked; easiest access during mass or parish events
  • Car access: asphalted and possible almost to the church
  • Parking: no larger designated car park; smaller available spaces in the immediate vicinity of the church
  • Parking fees: no organised charges