St John the Baptist Church in Gornje Selo – The Most Recognisable Building in the Village

The parish church of St John the Baptist is located in the heart of Gornje Selo on Šolta. Its tall bell tower and light stone façade dominate the settlement and can be seen from a considerable distance, particularly when approaching the village from the direction of Stomorska and Grohote.

The church appears most beautiful when approached through the old stone streets of Gornje Selo. The houses are low and closely packed, allowing the grand façade and tower to gradually reveal themselves between them. The church provides the main visual perspective of the village and serves as a useful landmark when walking through the old core.

The Church Built in 1859

The current church was constructed in 1859 on the site of an earlier St John church. The building was financed by knight Marin Bavčević, who was born in Gornje Selo and whose name still holds an important place in the history of the settlement.

The older church is mentioned as recently built in 1579. It was erected by the local inhabitants because the then parish church of St Mary, located outside the village in what is now Stomorska, was too far away.

The small church of St John eventually became the parish church, and in the 19th century, it was replaced by a much larger building capable of accommodating the growing population of Gornje Selo.

The parish itself is even older. It is first mentioned in documents from 1495 as the Parish of St Mary in Gornje Selo, and during the 17th century, it changed its title to become the Parish of St John the Baptist.

The Façade and Bell Tower

The church is built from precisely cut stone and has the shape of a three-nave basilica. The façade features three doors, one for each nave, and above the side entrances are tall windows topped with arches.

The large octagonal stone rose window in the elevated central part of the façade is particularly striking. At the very top stands a stone statue of St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the church and parish.

The bell tower is situated alongside the sanctuary. Together with the church, it forms a distinctive ensemble that dominates the view of Gornje Selo. From certain parts of the surrounding area, the bell tower can be seen above the pines, olive groves, and stone roofs.

The area around the church is not a large square in the urban sense, but rather part of the old village core. This makes the building appear even larger in relation to the narrow streets and houses that surround it.

The Interior of the Church

The interior is divided into three naves and is furnished with five marble altars. The main altar features an altar painting of the Baptism of Christ, depicting a scene from the life of St John the Baptist, after whom the church is named.

Alongside the main altar are statues of St John the Baptist and St Philip Neri. The side naves contain altars dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Rosary, the Souls in Purgatory, and the Holy Family.

In the wall niches, there are also statues of St Spiridon and St Anthony. The sanctuary was renovated in 1977, when a stone altar facing the congregation was installed.

The interior is much richer than one might expect from a church in a small island village. The marble altars, statues, and the height of the central nave reflect how significant the church has been to the residents of Gornje Selo.

St John the Baptist and the Local Celebration

St John the Baptist is celebrated on 24 June, when Gornje Selo marks the feast of its patron saint. The central part of the celebration is a holy mass and a religious gathering in the parish church.

Depending on the year, additional local events may be organised alongside the church programme. It is best to check the exact schedule shortly before your visit, as cultural and entertainment activities do not occur in the same format every year.

The feast is a good opportunity to get to know the village, as people with family roots in the area return to Gornje Selo at this time. However, visitors should bear in mind that it is primarily a religious celebration, rather than merely a tourist event.

Visiting the Church

The church does not have conventional tourist opening hours, nor can it be expected to be open throughout the day. The best opportunities for entry are before or after mass, during feast days, and for weddings, funerals, and other church ceremonies.

When the church is closed, it is still worth viewing from the outside. The façade, rose window, stone statue, and bell tower are best appreciated from the area in front of the church and from the surrounding streets.

During mass, it is not appropriate to visit the church as a tourist attraction. Photography should be discreet, without flash, and without disturbing worshippers.

There is no entry fee, but it is not a museum with organised tours.

How to Get There and Where to Park

The church is located near the old core of Gornje Selo, not far from the main island road. The village is easily accessible from Grohote, Nečujam, and Stomorska.

There is no large parking area specifically for visitors to the church nearby. The streets are narrow, and part of the space is used by residents of the surrounding houses.

It is best to leave your car in a permitted area along the wider road or in a free widening, and then walk a few minutes to the church. Vehicles should not enter narrow stone passages or block house entrances and spaces needed for residents to pass.

A bus route connecting the island settlements passes through Gornje Selo, so the church can also be visited without a car. The bus schedule should be checked according to the season and connections with the ferry port in Rogač.

What to See Nearby

After visiting the church, it is worthwhile to stroll through the old core of Gornje Selo. The surrounding streets feature traditional stone houses, outdoor staircases, taverns, enclosed courtyards, and other details of old island architecture.

Near the church is Konoba Štandarac, while outside the village, one can visit the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in the Križice area and the chapel of Our Lady of Health, which locals also refer to as Our Lady of the Fields.

To reach Stomorska, one can visit the sanctuary of Our Lady in Bori, one of the most important sacred sites in the eastern part of Šolta. A path leads from the sanctuary to Vela Straža, the highest point on the island.

St John the Baptist Church is best included in a walk around Gornje Selo or in an excursion that connects the village, Stomorska, and the surrounding southern coves.

Why Visit St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church is not only the largest building in Gornje Selo. It speaks of a time when the village had a much larger population, when grand churches were built through communal effort, and when parish life was the centre of nearly all significant events in the village.

It is worth visiting for its harmonious stone façade, octagonal rose window, bell tower, and rich interior with five marble altars. It is even more interesting to know that it stands on the site of an older church built by the locals over four centuries ago.

Those who merely pass through Gornje Selo by car will remember its bell tower. Those who stop and walk to the church will gain a much deeper understanding of the history, architecture, and identity of this part of Šolta.