St. Sunday Cave on Hvar – an ancient sanctuary and the remains of an Augustinian monastery high above the sea
St. Sunday Cave is one of the most unusual historical sites on the island of Hvar. It is located high in the cliffs above the village of the same name on the southern coast of the island, at approximately 365 metres above sea level, beneath the steep slopes of St. Nicholas. Within the vast natural opening of the cave are the remnants of a former Augustinian monastery, a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Snow, and old stone walls that recall the time when monks lived here.
The uniqueness of this site lies not only in its history but also in its remarkable location. The cave opens towards the sea, and from its entrance, there is a wide view over the southern coast of Hvar towards the open sea and distant islands. Access is on foot from St. Sunday, along a path that ascends through vineyards, Mediterranean vegetation, and rocky terrain. This visit combines a leisurely hike, exploration of historical remains, and one of the most beautiful views above the village.
From prehistoric shelter to Augustinian monastery
The natural cave was used as a shelter as far back as the Neolithic period, providing refuge for early humans. Its large opening, protected by high cliffs, along with a water source within the cave, made it suitable for longer stays.
In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Augustinian monks settled here. During the 15th and 16th centuries, they constructed a small monastic complex, using the natural cave as protection from the elements. The monastery included living quarters, a church, agricultural facilities, and a cemetery.
The monks did not live entirely apart from the local population. They cultivated the land on the slopes below the cave, and their vineyards and agricultural estates played a significant role in the development of present-day St. Sunday. Over time, families began to settle at the foot of the cliffs, working on the monastery's estates, leading to the establishment of the village we know today.
The Augustinian monastery functioned until 1787. After its dissolution, the buildings gradually fell into disrepair, but the church continued to hold religious significance for the residents of St. Sunday.
The Church of Our Lady of Snow and the remains of the monastery
The most interesting part of the cave is its historical remains. At the entrance to the large natural space are the stone walls of former monastic buildings, parts of an enclosed area, remnants of a cemetery, and a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Snow.
The church is the most important preserved part of the former monastic complex. It has a simple appearance, with stone walls that blend naturally into the surrounding rock. The interior of the church has retained its sacred character, and the space continued to be used for religious gatherings even after the monks left.
The cave also contains an old cistern, linked to the water source that enabled life in this otherwise difficult-to-access location. Next to the church, one can see the remains of walls from former rooms, parts of stone steps, and traces of the space's arrangement.
It is particularly striking how the entire complex is situated beneath a massive stone vault. The natural rock actually served as the roof for part of the monastic space, which distinguishes the cave significantly from traditional monasteries and churches on the island.
What the cave looks like and what can be seen?
St. Sunday Cave is not a typical tourist cave with long underground corridors, artificial lighting, and organised tours. It is a large natural opening in the rock, with a front section spacious enough to have once housed monastic buildings.
Most of the space is illuminated by daylight entering through the vast opening. Behind the stone remains are darker parts of the cave, while a wide view of the sea opens up towards the outside.
When exploring, it is particularly worthwhile to pay attention to the old walls, the church, the stone steps, and how the former builders utilised the natural configuration of the rock.
No special caving equipment is required to explore the external parts of the monastic complex and the open space of the cave. However, in some areas, the ground is rocky and uneven, and visitors should not approach the old walls and ruined buildings in a manner that could jeopardise their safety.
Access to the interior of the church depends on whether it is open. One should not expect constant availability of the interior throughout the year.
The walking trail from St. Sunday to the cave
The cave is most commonly reached on foot from St. Sunday. The trail begins in the upper part of the village and ascends towards the high cliffs that dominate the area.
Initially, the path passes by stone houses, gardens, and vineyards, before continuing through Mediterranean vegetation and increasingly rocky terrain. As one gains altitude, the view of the sea widens.
The ascent from the village to the cave takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on fitness and pace. The trail is generally passable, but due to the continuous ascent and rocky surface, it is not a simple stroll. Care should be taken on slippery sections after rain and on loose stones.
The most pleasant times to visit are in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially in summer. During July and August, the ascent in strong sunlight can be strenuous, so it is important to bring enough drinking water, sturdy footwear, and sun protection.
For the journey to the cave and back, along with time for exploration and photography, it is best to plan for approximately two hours.
View of the southern coast of Hvar
The view from the cave is one of the main reasons to undertake the ascent. Below, one can see the houses of St. Sunday, the marina, and the indented coastline with vineyards descending towards the sea.
The high rocky vault at the entrance to the cave naturally frames the sea and sky, making it particularly interesting for photography. From this vantage point, it is clear how St. Sunday is situated on the steep and rocky southern side of Hvar.
The view is most beautiful in clear weather, when the horizon is sharply defined, and the open sea changes shades of blue throughout the day.
The cave is also near hiking and climbing areas that lead to the island's highest peak, St. Nicholas. However, continuing towards the higher parts of the ridge is significantly more demanding than merely exploring the cave and requires appropriate preparation.
Religious tradition and the significance of the cave for St. Sunday
Although the monastery no longer exists as a monastic community, the cave has retained an important place in local religious tradition.
The Church of Our Lady of Snow is associated with the feast day on 5th August, when religious gatherings and services are traditionally held. The cave is also mentioned as a site of local pilgrimage during Good Friday.
For this reason, the cave is not only a historical site but also a space that connects the residents of St. Sunday with their predecessors. For centuries, it has been a place of prayer, gathering, and life, and its preserved remains still testify to this part of the island's history.
Who would benefit from visiting St. Sunday Cave?
The cave is particularly interesting to those who appreciate history, hiking, photography, and lesser-known landmarks of Hvar. Its greatest asset is the combination of historical monastery, large natural cave, and sea views.
A visit is a good choice for adults and older children who are accustomed to walking uphill on rocky paths. It is not suitable for those with reduced mobility, small children's buggies, or visitors who find it difficult to navigate uneven terrain.
Unlike most landmarks that can be viewed directly from the road or in the village centre, reaching this site requires some effort. This is precisely why a stay in the cave offers a different experience of St. Sunday and reveals a historical side of the place that is hardly noticeable from the coast.
Useful information
- Location: Above the village of St. Sunday, southern coast of Hvar, beneath the peak of St. Nicholas.
- Elevation: Approximately 365 metres.
- Type of site: Large natural cave with remains of an Augustinian monastery and the Church of Our Lady of Snow.
- History: The cave has been used since the Neolithic period; the Augustinian monastery was established in the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Monastery: Functioned until 1787.
- Preserved parts: Church of Our Lady of Snow, old cistern, remains of monastic walls and cemetery.
- Access: Via a walking trail from the upper part of St. Sunday.
- Duration of ascent: Approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on fitness.
- Trail difficulty: Continuous ascent, occasionally rocky and uneven terrain.
- Parking: It is best to leave the car in a permitted area in the village and continue on foot to the cave.
- Exploration: The open space of the cave and the remains of buildings can be explored on foot; access to the interior of the church is not constant.
- View: Panorama of St. Sunday, the southern coast of Hvar, and the open sea.
- Religious tradition: The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Snow, whose feast is celebrated on 5th August.
- Suitable for children: For older children accustomed to walking, under adult supervision.
- Recommendation: Bring sturdy footwear, water, sun protection, and avoid the ascent during the hottest summer hours.
- Time for visit: Plan approximately two hours for the ascent, exploration, and return.
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