St. Spirit Church on Hum – views from the highest point of the island of Vis

High above Komiža, on Hum Hill, stands the St. Spirit Church, one of the smallest and simplest churches on the island of Vis. It is situated at an elevation of around 560 metres, just below the highest peak of Vis. Hum itself reaches 587 metres, but its summit is not accessible to visitors, making the area around St. Spirit Church a common destination for excursions and ascents to Hum.

The journey to Hum is not solely for the church itself. From this elevated position, one can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the western part of Vis. Far below lies Komiža and Komiža Bay, with the island of Biševo visible offshore, and on particularly clear days, the distant rock of Jabuka can also be seen. The combination of the small stone church, the rugged landscape, and the open sea view makes this location distinctly different from the attractions found in the centre of Komiža.

From the outside, the church resembles an old stone cottage. It features narrow doors and just two small windows, lacking the ornate façades or bell towers typical of larger churches in Komiža. The most significant architectural detail is the Gothic arch, which suggests that the church dates back to the 15th century, although the exact date of its construction remains uncertain.

The church has an intriguing history. During the Austrian administration, the holding of religious services was prohibited for several years. However, the tradition has not disappeared – today, mass is held here once a year, on the feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter.

How to reach St. Spirit Church

Hum can be accessed by car or on foot. An asphalt road from the direction of Žena Glava leads almost directly to the church, so it is not necessary to undertake the entire hiking ascent for a visit. The road distance from Komiža to the church area is approximately 11 kilometres, while from the town of Vis it is about 14.5 kilometres.

A more interesting option for walking enthusiasts is to hike from Komiža itself. The Croatian Mountaineering Association estimates the route Komiža – St. Spirit on Hum to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The ascent goes from sea level to over 560 metres in altitude, so although the distance is not great, one should prepare for a more serious climb. In summer, it is advisable to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon and to bring enough water and suitable footwear.

Hum can also be combined with a visit to Tito's Cave. It can be reached from the road leading to Hum, with well-maintained stone steps leading to the entrance. Therefore, St. Spirit Church, the viewpoint on Hum, and Tito's Cave can be effectively combined into a single excursion into the interior of the island.

It is important to note that the church is not at the very top of Hum at 587 metres. The highest point is located nearby but is not open to the public. For visitors, the final and most interesting point is the area around St. Spirit, at approximately 560–564 metres, from where there is a panoramic view of Komiža and the open sea.

Unlike the attractions in the centre of Komiža, one should not expect a typical tourist visit here. Hum is primarily a place for views, a brief pause in silence, or a hiking trip. It is particularly lovely to visit when visibility is good, as this is when one can truly appreciate how deep Komiža lies below the slopes of Hum and how close Biševo is to the western coast of Vis.