St. Theodore's Church in Milna, Hvar – History of the Parish Church, Stained Glass, and Connection to Malo Grablje

St. Theodore's Church, also known as St. Tudor's Church, is the parish church of Milna on the island of Hvar. It is located in the settlement, not far from the main bay and pebble beach, and is characterised by its simple stone architecture, bell tower, and bronze statue of St. Theodore in front of the church.

Although the current building was constructed in the second half of the 20th century, its history is closely linked to the much older village of Malo Grablje. It was the residents of this village who, having moved closer to the sea, shaped present-day Milna and brought with them the veneration of their patron saint, St. Theodore.

Thus, the church serves as more than just a place of worship. It is an important part of Milna's identity and an interesting stop for visitors wishing to learn about the history of this small Hvar settlement.

History of St. Theodore's Church

The construction of the current parish church began on 18 March 1967, at the initiative of parish priest Don Jurij Belić. The church was built from white stone, based on a design created by the priest himself.

After the completion of the works, it was consecrated by the Bishop of Hvar, Celestin Bezmalinović, on 20 June 1973.

The construction coincided with a period of significant changes in this part of the island of Hvar. Throughout the 20th century, the residents of Malo Grablje gradually abandoned the old village in the stone valley and moved to Milna, where new opportunities related to tourism and coastal living were emerging.

In Malo Grablje, there was already a church dedicated to St. Theodore, built in 1882. With the relocation of the population, the tradition of venerating the same saint continued, and thus the new church in Milna adopted his name.

As a result, these two churches represent an interesting link between the old and new settlements.

Stone Architecture and Bell Tower

St. Theodore's Church is an example of simple sacred architecture from the second half of the 20th century, harmonised with the appearance of a Dalmatian coastal town.

It is constructed from light-coloured stone and oriented towards the south, facing the sea. Its distinctive feature is the bell tower with openings for the bells and a gabled roof covered with red tiles.

In contrast to the more ornate Baroque churches found in older Hvar settlements, the church in Milna has a simpler exterior. Its value is particularly highlighted by the artworks that have been placed inside and around the church over the years.

The surrounding greenery, stone houses, and proximity to the sea create a pleasant, almost pastoral atmosphere.

Stained Glass – One of the Church's Greatest Artistic Features

Particular attention should be given to the fifteen stained glass windows created by academic sculptor Fra Joakim Jaki Gregov.

The stained glass was blessed by the Bishop of Hvar, Slobodan Štambuk, on 9 December 2012.

They depict the four evangelists and numerous saints, including St. Duje, St. John the Baptist, St. Cecilia, St. George, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Joseph, and St. Nicholas.

The depictions are arranged on the façade and walls of the church, on both sides of the altar area.

The stained glass brings colour and light into the simply designed interior, and for visitors interested in sacred art, they represent one of the most intriguing details of the church.

Bronze Statue of St. Theodore in Front of the Church

In front of the church stands a bronze statue of St. Theodore, approximately 2.20 metres tall.

The statue was created by Fra Joakim Jaki Gregov and was ceremonially blessed in 2010 during the celebration of the patron saint's feast day of Milna.

The saint is depicted with symbols of his martyrdom, notably a cross shaped like a sword and a palm branch, a traditional symbol of martyrdom.

The statue is one of the most prominent artistic landmarks in this part of Milna. It is located in an open space, making it possible to view even when the interior of the church is not accessible to visitors.

Alongside the statue, the church doors featuring reliefs of Croatian saints and blessed figures, also crafted by Fra Joakim Jaki Gregov, are of interest.

St. Theodore – Patron Saint of Milna

St. Theodore, traditionally referred to as St. Tudor by the residents of this part of Hvar, is the patron saint of Milna.

His feast day is celebrated on 9 November, when the church becomes the centre of religious and social life in the village.

The veneration of St. Theodore is particularly interesting due to the connection between Milna and Malo Grablje. In the old village, there was a church of the same name, and with the relocation of the population to the coast, this tradition continued in the new parish church.

This connection is also evident in local history. The surname Tudor, common among the residents of Milna, derives from the name Theodore and serves as another reminder of the importance of this saint to the village.

How to Reach St. Theodore's Church?

The church is located in the settlement of Milna, approximately four kilometres east of the town of Hvar.

From the town of Hvar, one can reach Milna via an asphalt road, with the journey typically taking about ten minutes.

Upon arriving in the village, the church is situated in its developed part, slightly above the coast. It can be accessed via local streets, and a walking tour is particularly practical.

From the main beach in Milna and nearby accommodation, the church can be reached with a short walk.

Due to its distinctive bell tower, it is easily noticeable among the surrounding houses and greenery.

Parking and Access to the Church

Milna is a small coastal settlement where parking space is limited, especially during July and August.

For visiting the church, it is most practical to use the designated parking spaces in the settlement and walk the last part of the journey.

The streets around the church are not designed for a large number of parked cars, so it is advisable to avoid stopping in a way that obstructs the passage of other vehicles or access to nearby houses.

If the visit to the church is combined with swimming, it is easiest to leave the car in an appropriate place upon arriving in Milna and explore the attractions on foot.

What to Visit Nearby?

St. Theodore's Church is located close to the main amenities of Milna, so its visit does not require special planning.

Milna Beach (Vela Milna) is the main pebble bathing spot of the settlement, known for its clear waters and coastal restaurants.

To the west lies Mala Milna Beach, a smaller cove surrounded by pine trees, offering pleasant swimming and relaxation spots.

For history enthusiasts, Malo Grablje, an abandoned stone village above Milna, is particularly interesting. There, one can find the older St. Theodore's Church from 1882, making a visit to both locations a way to better understand the development of present-day Milna.

Nearby are also the natural coves of Velo Borče and Malo Borče, which provide a quieter experience of the Hvar coastline.

Why Visit St. Theodore's Church?

St. Theodore's Church is not a monumental historical building like the grand churches of Hvar, but it holds special significance for Milna.

Its value lies in the connection with the relocation of the residents of Malo Grablje, the preservation of local religious tradition, and the interesting artworks housed within.

The bronze statue of St. Theodore, the stained glass, and the stone architecture provide ample reason for a brief visit during a stay in Milna.

For guests interested in the history and culture of Hvar, the church offers a lovely complement to a visit to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje and an understanding of the origins of the present coastal settlement.

Useful Information

• Location: Milna, southern coast of Hvar Island.
• Type of Attraction: Parish church and sacred cultural heritage.
• Dedication: To St. Theodore the Martyr, locally known as St. Tudor.
• Construction Start: 18 March 1967.
• Church Consecration: 20 June 1973.
• Architecture: Simple stone building with a bell tower, oriented towards the sea.
• Artistic Feature: Fifteen stained glass windows by Fra Joakim Jaki Gregov, blessed in 2012.
• Bronze Statue: Statue of St. Theodore, approximately 2.20 metres tall, erected in 2010.
• Church Doors: Reliefs depicting Croatian saints and blessed figures.
• Patron's Feast Day: 9 November.
• Historical Connection: Continuation of the tradition of St. Theodore's Church in Malo Grablje from 1882.
• Access by Car: Via asphalt road from the town of Hvar to Milna.
• Parking: Use designated spaces in the settlement and continue to the church on foot.
• Walking Access: Short walk from the central part of Milna and from the main beach.
• Viewing: The exterior and statue can be viewed during a walk; entry to the church depends on its opening and services.
• Recommended for: Those interested in local history, sacred art, and cultural landmarks.
• Nearby: Milna Beach, Mala Milna, and the abandoned village of Malo Grablje.