St. Jerome's Church in Stari Grad – A Medieval Seaside Chapel, the Hermitage, and the History of the Old Town Harbour

St. Jerome's Church, also known as the Church of St. Jerolim, is one of the most intriguing historical landmarks in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. Situated right by the sea, on the western side of the entrance to the old town harbour, this medieval chapel has been linked for centuries to monastic life, seafarers, and the town's defence. Its stone façade, the unusual rose window shaped like a four-leaf clover, and the adjacent Hermitage bear witness to a time when this site played a significant religious, social, and maritime role. Today, the church is also recognised as a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions.

The History of St. Jerome's Church

The oldest parts of St. Jerome's Church date back to the Middle Ages, with its construction typically placed in the 13th or 14th century. The current appearance is the result of later renovations, particularly during the 16th century.

A pivotal period in the church's history began in 1487 when the Hermitage was established alongside it, serving as a monastic complex intended for religious life. In 1529, the church was expanded with an oratory for Dominican tertiaries, known as picokare.

The church's history has also been marked by turbulent events in the Adriatic. During the Ottoman attack on Hvar in 1571, the building suffered significant damage, after which it was restored and modified.

Over time, it lost its original monastic function and in the 20th century, it took on a new cultural purpose. Since 1976, the church has been used as a gallery space, transforming this historical building into a meeting point for medieval heritage and contemporary art.

Architecture and Features of the Church

At first glance, St. Jerome's Church stands out from many Dalmatian churches, primarily due to its location right by the sea and its unusual, almost square-shaped façade.

The older part of the building is designed as a single-nave church with a semi-circular apse, while later additions have given it its current appearance.

Prominently featured on the façade is a small stone rose window, whose opening is shaped like a four-leaf clover. Above the entrance, there is a relief of St. Jerome with a lion, an animal traditionally associated with his life and Christian iconography.

Particularly interesting is the inscription in the Venetian dialect, inviting visitors to reconcile with God and their neighbours before entering. This detail reveals the spiritual message of the site and Stari Grad's connection to the cultural influences of the Venetian Republic.

On the side of the building, there is also a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, known as Our Lady of the Sea. Its symbolism further connects the church to maritime tradition and the everyday lives of people by the sea.

The Hermitage – From Monastic Refuge to Quarantine for Seafarers

Opposite the church stands the Hermitage, a historic stone building that, together with the church, forms a unique sacred complex.

Originally intended for hermit monks, the building has changed its purpose throughout history. It has also housed Glagolitic priests, linking it to the Croatian Glagolitic tradition.

In the 17th century, it served as an inn for travellers, as evidenced by a preserved inscription in Italian indicating a house for travellers.

Later, it was converted into a lazaretto, a space for the temporary accommodation and isolation of passengers from ships suspected of carrying infectious diseases.

This purpose was not unusual for Adriatic ports. During times of frequent epidemics, monitoring the arrivals of ships and passengers was an essential part of protecting coastal towns.

Today, the Hermitage houses a hospitality establishment, and its historical connection to the church remains an important part of Stari Grad's cultural heritage.

St. Jerome's Church and the Defence of the Old Town Harbour

The church's position at the very entrance to the harbour is significant not only for its sea views. This part of Stari Grad also had a defensive role in the past.

According to local legend, a large iron chain could once be stretched between the area of St. Jerome's Church and the opposite shore of the bay, towards the area known as Mlin. Its purpose was to prevent enemy ships from entering the harbour during threats of pirate and other attacks.

The legend of the defensive chain recalls a time when Dalmatian towns had to protect their harbours, populations, and merchant ships.

Near the church is Bonj Bay, where underwater archaeological research has uncovered remnants of ancient port structures. These findings point to the long-standing maritime significance of this coastal area, dating back to the period of ancient Pharos.

An Art Gallery in a Historic Church

One of the unique aspects of St. Jerome's Church is its cultural purpose. Since 1976, it has been used as a gallery space, hosting exhibitions of contemporary art, lectures, and workshops over the years.

Numerous Croatian artists have exhibited here, including Marija Ujević Galetović, Nives Kavurić Kurtović, and Dubravka Lošić.

The combination of centuries-old stone walls and contemporary artworks gives this space a different character from typical galleries.

For visitors to Stari Grad, it offers an opportunity to experience historical architecture alongside the contemporary Croatian art scene, especially during the summer cultural programmes.

Where to Find St. Jerome's Church and How to Get There

St. Jerome's Church is located on the north-western side of the old town bay, right by the coastal promenade, near the Hermitage and Bonj Bay.

From the historic centre of Stari Grad, it can be reached by a pleasant walk along the sea. The path leads along a stretch of coastline with views of anchored boats, old town houses, and the opposite side of the harbour.

Due to its location right by the coast, the church is particularly appealing to photographers. Its stone façade and proximity to the sea create a recognisable scene, especially in the late afternoon hours.

The best way to reach the church is on foot. Cars can be parked in public car parks in Stari Grad, after which visitors can continue along the coastal promenade.

A visit can be combined with a tour of the old town waterfront, Hektorović's Tvrdalja, St. Stephen's Church, and other historical landmarks.

Useful Information

• Location: Stari Grad, Hvar Island, Croatia
• Other Name: Church of St. Jerolim
• Type of Landmark: Medieval church, cultural-historical monument, and gallery space
• Period of Construction: 13th/14th century, with later additions
• Features: Rose window shaped like a four-leaf clover, relief of St. Jerome with a lion, and historical inscription on the façade
• Historical Connections: Hermitage, Glagolitic tradition, maritime history, and the defence of the old town harbour
• Cultural Activities: Art exhibitions and occasional events
• Access: On foot along the coastal promenade from the centre of Stari Grad
• Parking: Public car parks in Stari Grad, with a continuation on foot
• Nearby: Hermitage, Bonj Bay, old town waterfront, and historic centre
• Recommended For: History enthusiasts, lovers of sacred architecture, art, and photography