Church of Our Lady of Health – a votive church and viewpoint above Jelsa

Perched on the Račić hill, just above the centre of Jelsa, is the Church of Our Lady of Health – one of the notable landmarks worth visiting for both the church itself and its scenic location.

From here, the view extends over Jelsa, the harbour, and the Jelsa field, surrounded by olive trees and typical Mediterranean scenery. Although not large, Our Lady of Health has held a significant place in the religious life of Jelsa and the surrounding villages for centuries.

It was built as a votive church for sailors, and Our Lady of Health is traditionally revered as the protector of Jelsa and its vicinity from illness.

16th-century church on the site of an older chapel

The current church dates back to 1535, when it was erected on the site of an earlier medieval chapel.

From the outset, it was associated with sailors and their vows. This is not unusual for Jelsa, a place that developed a strong maritime tradition, particularly during the 19th century, with its ships sailing far beyond the Adriatic.

However, the 16th-century church did not look as it does today. Over time, it has been expanded twice, with the most significant change occurring in 1863, when the western nave and bell tower were constructed. Therefore, its current appearance largely belongs to the 19th century, although the core of the building is several centuries older.

A votive church for Jelsa's sailors

Our Lady of Health was not simply established as another village church.

From the beginning, it has had the character of a votive church for sailors, a place where prayers were offered for the protection of those going to sea and gratitude was expressed for safe returns.

This connection makes particular sense in Jelsa, where the sea has determined economic and daily life for centuries.

As a result, the church holds value that extends beyond mere architecture. It belongs to that layer of Jelsa's history where seafaring, faith, and family life were inextricably linked.

Valuable artworks inside

Although it appears simple from the outside, the church houses several valuable works of art.

The most notable is the altarpiece attributed to Palma il Giovane, a Venetian painter who lived from 1544 to 1628.

Inside the church, there are also two wooden sculptures from the 18th century, as well as a valuable 16th-century icon set in a Renaissance frame.

For this reason, the interior is worth seeing when the church is open, although it does not operate as a site with regular daily tourist visits.

Our Lady of Health – protector of Jelsa from illness

The veneration of Our Lady of Health in Jelsa has a centuries-old tradition.

She is considered the protector of Jelsa and the surrounding areas from illness, and her feast day is celebrated on 21 November.

On this day, the church once again becomes a gathering place for believers from the central part of Hvar Island. During the days surrounding the feast, masses are held for individual parishes, and the faithful traditionally come to the church as pilgrims from their localities.

This custom demonstrates that Our Lady of Health is not merely a historical monument above Jelsa, but also a living site of local religious tradition today.

One of the most beautiful views of Jelsa

Even if the church happens to be closed, the ascent to it is worthwhile due to its location on the Račić hill.

The area around the church offers an unobstructed view of Jelsa, its harbour, and the valley known as the Jelsa field. The centre of the town can be seen from a completely different perspective than from the waterfront.

Official tourist guides for Jelsa include Our Lady of Health among the places from which it is worth viewing the town and the surrounding landscape.

There is a particularly beautiful contrast between the sea and the harbour below the church and the olive trees that surround the hill.

Olive trees on the slope leading to the church

The area around Our Lady of Health has been thoroughly landscaped during the last major renovation.

The works were completed in 2013, and in addition to the restoration of the church, the surroundings were also improved. The slope leading to the church has been planted with olive trees, creating a harmonious integration into the Mediterranean landscape.

Thus, a visit to Our Lady of Health is not just a trip to a sacred building. A short walk towards the hill gradually leads away from the built-up part of Jelsa into a quieter space among the olive trees.

Can the church be visited inside?

It is important to note a significant difference compared to the main parish church in Jelsa.

The Church of Our Lady of Health is only used on special occasions and does not have a published daily tourist visiting schedule. It opens primarily for masses and religious events, especially during the feast of Our Lady of Health in November.

Therefore, during a typical summer visit, it is not guaranteed that entry to the interior will be possible.

If it is particularly important to see the altarpiece, icon, and other artworks, it is best to check in advance with the Parish of Jelsa about the possibility of entry. Even when locked, the church is worth visiting from the outside for its architecture, olive groves, and views from Račić.

Worth including in a tour of Jelsa

Our Lady of Health is not a landmark that requires half a day to explore.

It makes the most sense as part of a walk through Jelsa: after visiting the old town centre and the fortress-like Church of the Assumption, one can head towards Račić hill, stepping away from the waterfront to view the town from above.

Such locations clearly demonstrate that Jelsa is not merely a coastal promenade and harbour. A few minutes away from the centre, olive groves, ancient paths, and hills that have been linked to the daily life of the town for centuries begin.

The Church of Our Lady of Health thus combines three elements that make it worth visiting: the history of Jelsa's sailors, a living local tradition, and one of the most beautiful views of Jelsa.

Useful information

  • Name: Church of Our Lady of Health
  • Location: Račić hill above Jelsa
  • Year of construction: 1535, on the site of an earlier medieval chapel
  • Original purpose: votive church for sailors
  • Current appearance: mainly dates from the 19th century
  • Extensions: western nave and bell tower built in 1863
  • Artworks: altarpiece attributed to Palma il Giovane, two wooden sculptures from the 18th century, and a 16th-century icon in a Renaissance frame
  • Feast day: Our Lady of Health, 21 November
  • Tradition: on the feast day, pilgrims from Jelsa and surrounding areas visit the church
  • View: of Jelsa, the harbour, and the Jelsa field
  • Surroundings: the slope around the church has been landscaped and planted with olive trees
  • Last major renovation: completed in 2013
  • Entry to the church: no regular tourist visiting hours; mainly used for special occasions and may be locked outside these times
  • Special feature: historical votive church for Jelsa's sailors and one of the best viewpoints directly above the town