St. Anthony of Padua Church in Sućuraj – Baroque Church from 1663
St. Anthony of Padua Church is one of the most significant historical buildings in Sućuraj and one of the few preserved churches that directly recalls the turbulent period of Venetian-Ottoman conflicts on the eastern end of Hvar. It was constructed in 1663, at a time when numerous families from the Makarska Riviera and other inland areas were settling in Sućuraj, fleeing from the Ottomans.
The church was built by settlers led by Franciscans in a part of the village known as Donja Banda. A small monastery was also constructed alongside it. The monastery building has survived, but it no longer serves that purpose and is now used as a family home.
Although the church is small and quite simple externally, its interior is particularly interesting. It houses the oldest known painting in Sućuraj, two statues of St. Anthony, a statue of St. Nicholas, as well as a small archaeological collection of items found in the sea around Sućuraj.
The Church Built After the Settlement of Inland Population
The history of St. Anthony's Church is closely intertwined with the history of Sućuraj itself.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the eastern part of Hvar was situated very close to the border between the Venetian Republic and the territories under Ottoman rule. The Makarska Riviera was under Ottoman control, Pelješac belonged to the Dubrovnik Republic, and Sućuraj was one of the easternmost locations of Venetian territory.
Refugees from the mainland arrived in the village, with some settling in the previously less developed Donja Banda. The Franciscans who came with the settlers participated in the construction of the new church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.
The year 1663 has been preserved as the year of its construction.
Baroque Church with Elements of Older Architectural Tradition
St. Anthony's Church is most often described as a Baroque structure, yet its appearance also reflects elements of older Dalmatian architectural tradition.
It lacks the monumental dimensions and elaborately designed façade seen in large urban churches. Its more modest proportions are well-suited to the time and community in which it was built.
Today, it is valued primarily because it has remained an authentic part of 17th-century Sućuraj – a period when the village began to expand again after decades of war, attacks, and insecurity.
The Oldest Painting in Sućuraj
Inside, the oldest preserved painting in Sućuraj is kept.
It depicts St. Paschal, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St. Roch, and is believed to be the work of the master Filip Nadi from the 18th century.
For a small place like Sućuraj, such items are particularly significant as the church is not only an architectural monument but also a site where traces of local religious and cultural history have been preserved for centuries.
Two St. Anthonys – the 'Thin' and the 'Fat'
One of the most interesting details in the church is the two different statues of St. Anthony.
The first represents St. Anthony of Padua, to whom the church is dedicated, while the second depicts St. Anthony the Abbot.
In local tradition, the people of Sućuraj refer to them more simply and vividly as 'Thin St. Anthony' and 'Fat St. Anthony'.
Such local names may seem trivial, but they contribute to the church's character as a living part of the village rather than merely a historical site to be viewed from the outside.
The church also contains a statue of St. Nicholas, another saint traditionally revered in Sućuraj.
Amphorae and Anchor from a Sunken Roman Galley
St. Anthony's Church hides another surprise that has no direct connection to Baroque sacred art.
Inside, there is a small archaeological collection of amphorae and an anchor found from a sunken Roman galley in the waters off Sućuraj.
The area around eastern Hvar was an important maritime region even in ancient times, and numerous traces of navigation and shipwrecks have been discovered in the sea around Sućuraj.
Thus, in this very small space, two completely different stories converge – the Roman maritime past of Sućuraj and the religious heritage of the 17th-century settlers.
Feast of St. Anthony on 13th June
The church still plays an important role in the life of the village, especially on the feast of St. Anthony of Padua on 13th June.
On this day, a traditional mass and procession through the village take place, during which the statue of St. Anthony of Padua is carried from the church.
The procession is not a recent tourist event but part of a long-standing local religious tradition. During the feast, the church best demonstrates its original function – as a gathering place for the community, rather than merely a cultural landmark.
The Church is Part of the Old Donja Banda
The church is located in the eastern part of Sućuraj, in the old section of the village known as Donja Banda.
It can be reached from the waterfront and the centre of Sućuraj by a short walk through the village. Given that Sućuraj is not large, the church can easily be included in a walking tour alongside St. George's Church, the old monastery, Fortica, the waterfront, and the lighthouse.
Walking is the best way to explore historical Sućuraj, as its main attractions are relatively close to one another.
Can You Enter the Church?
The church is an active place of worship, but one should not expect typical tourist opening hours like those of a museum.
The interior is easiest to see when the church is open for mass, a feast, or another church event. If visiting primarily for the historical items and archaeological collection, it is advisable to check in advance for entry possibilities.
Even when closed, the church is worth a brief stop during a tour of old Sućuraj due to its history and position in the former Donja Banda.
Parking and Access
The church can be approached via local streets, but in the old part of Sućuraj, it is not practical to expect large parking facilities right next to the church.
If already staying in the village, it is best to arrive on foot. Sućuraj is small enough that a short walk from the waterfront and most of the centre will lead you to the church.
For those arriving by car, it is more practical to park in available spaces in the wider central area and continue exploring the old core on foot.
Useful Information
Location: Sućuraj, eastern part of Hvar Island
Name: St. Anthony's Church / St. Anthony of Padua Church
Year of Construction: 1663
Style: Baroque, with elements of older architectural tradition
Builders: Settlers from the mainland led by Franciscans
Historical Part of the Village: Donja Banda
Notable Features: The oldest painting in Sućuraj, two statues of St. Anthony, and an archaeological collection
Archaeological Items: Amphorae and an anchor from a sunken Roman galley
Feast of St. Anthony: 13th June
Procession: Yes, traditionally on the feast of St. Anthony
Access: Best on foot from the centre of Sućuraj
Parking: No large parking facilities immediately next to the church
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