Old Cemetery and Vesna Parun's Grave in Grohote

The old cemetery in Grohote is located next to St. Stephen the First Martyr Church, in the historic part of the village. It is a tranquil, small space surrounded by stone walls, ancient gravestones, and tall trees, with the most notable resting place belonging to the Croatian poetess Vesna Parun.

Vesna Parun was born in 1922 on the island of Zlarin and passed away in 2010. Although she was not born on Šolta, she was connected to the island through her mother's family and ancestral roots in Grohote. According to her wishes, she was buried in the old cemetery next to St. Stephen's Church, near the grave of her grandfather Ante Mateljana Jukić.

Her grave is easily identifiable by a simple light stone slab inscribed with her name and years of life. Above the grave stands a stone cross, and it is often adorned with flowers, candles, and small tokens of remembrance left by locals, students, and admirers of her literary work.

The grave is not arranged as a large memorial complex. Its simplicity and location in the shade of trees contribute to the serene atmosphere of the old island cemetery. Visitors typically come individually, without organised tours, to pause by the grave, leave a flower, or recall one of her poems.

Vesna Parun is regarded as one of the most significant Croatian poets of the 20th century. She wrote lyrical poetry, prose, dramatic texts, and works for children, publishing a considerable number of books throughout her long creative life. Her poetry often explores themes of love, solitude, nature, transience, and the individual's place in the world.

Šolta preserves the memory of the poetess through cultural programmes and the Vesna Parun Days event. Commemorative gatherings take place around her birthday on 10 April and the anniversary of her death on 25 October. During these occasions, flowers and candles are laid at her grave, and students and cultural workers read her verses.

The old cemetery is interesting in its own right, independent of Vesna Parun's grave. It features older stone gravestones and simple family tombs that reflect generations of Grohote residents. Near the church, there are also remnants of an early Christian basilica and stone sarcophagi, showcasing traces of different periods in the island's history within a small area.

The cemetery is still in use today, so it should be visited with appropriate respect. Visitors are advised to move along existing paths, speak quietly, and avoid photographing other visitors, funerals, or private family graves. Discreet photography of Vesna Parun's grave is generally acceptable.

There is no entrance fee or specific tourist opening hours for the cemetery. It can be visited during the day, but it is best to avoid visiting during funerals and larger religious ceremonies. In the evening, the area is not suitable for sightseeing.

It takes just a few minutes to walk from the central part of Grohote to the church and the old cemetery. The tall bell tower of St. Stephen's Church is visible from much of the village and serves as a good landmark.

There is no large tourist car park immediately next to the cemetery. The streets around the old centre can be narrow, so it is advisable to leave your car in a permitted area along the wider road and walk the last part. During masses, funerals, and holidays, parking spaces nearby may be occupied.

The cemetery consists of stone paths, steps, and uneven surfaces in places. Access to certain areas may be challenging for those with reduced mobility, so it is advisable to check the most practical entrance before visiting.

A visit to the old cemetery and Vesna Parun's grave is best combined with a tour of St. Stephen's Church, the remains of the early Christian basilica, and the old centre of Grohote. It is a quiet and unobtrusive place that lacks the characteristics of a typical tourist attraction but holds significant literary, historical, and emotional value.