Remains of the Early Christian Basilica in Grohote – Traces of Early Christianity in Šolta

The remains of the early Christian basilica are located next to the northern wall of St. Stephen the First Martyr Church in Grohote. Although the site is situated almost in the centre of the village, it can easily be overlooked as it consists not of towering ruins but of preserved foundations, sections of walls, and a floor mosaic integrated into the area surrounding the church and the old cemetery.

The basilica is one of the most significant archaeological sites on Šolta. It attests to the fact that the area of present-day Grohote was inhabited and had an organised Christian community as early as late antiquity, long before the construction of the current parish church.

Archaeological research has revealed that it was a large single-nave church with an elongated floor plan. A narthex, or entrance area, was later added to the western side, while additional rooms were located along the northern and southern walls.

During the excavations, remnants of church furnishings, parts of the altar rail, fragments of a baptistery, and floor mosaics were discovered. Today, the most noticeable feature for visitors is the restored section of the mosaic, whose geometric patterns indicate that the basilica was not merely a simple village church but a carefully designed sacred building.

Two stone sarcophagi are also located near the site. The first finds of ancient inscriptions and sarcophagi were recorded in the early 20th century, with more systematic research conducted between the two world wars and again during the latter half of the 20th century.

In the research of the site, Don Marin Bezić, archaeologist and historian Don Frane Bulić, art historian Ljubo Karaman, and Danish architect and archaeologist Ejnar Dyggve participated. Dyggve produced architectural documentation of the then-known remains of the basilica in the early 1930s.

Subsequent revisionary studies allowed for a clearer determination of the church's floor plan and the arrangement of its rooms. After the research, conservation and restoration work was carried out to protect the foundations and mosaics, ensuring they remain visible to visitors.

The basilica is most often associated in tourist sources with the period from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. Since the site contains remains from multiple historical periods, it demonstrates a long continuity of sacred use and life in Grohote.

The remains of the basilica can now be viewed outdoors. There is no entrance fee or set opening hours, allowing visitors to explore the site during the day, regardless of whether St. Stephen's Church is open. A visit typically takes about ten minutes, but it is far more interesting when combined with a tour of the church, the old cemetery, and the historical core of Grohote.

There is no large interpretive centre or permanent guide at the site. Therefore, it is useful to know before visiting that the low stone walls represent the outline of the former church, while the preserved mosaic marks part of its original floor.

When visiting, it is important to remember that the archaeological remains are located immediately next to an active parish church and local cemetery. Visitors should stick to marked and accessible areas, refrain from climbing on the walls, and avoid touching the mosaic and stone finds.

The site can be reached on foot from the centre of Grohote in just a few minutes. The church bell tower is easily visible from much of the village and serves as the best landmark. The distance from the ferry port in Rogač to Grohote is approximately two kilometres, with the settlements connected by road and an island bus service.

There is no large tourist car park immediately next to the church and basilica. It is more practical to leave your car in a permitted spot along the wider road in Grohote and walk the last part. Access may be busier during masses, funerals, and church holidays, with parking spaces nearby often occupied.

The ground around the site is partly rocky and uneven. Individuals with reduced mobility may view part of the site from the surrounding pathway, but exploring all the preserved sections may be challenging.

The remains of the early Christian basilica are not a monumental ruin visible from afar. Their value lies in the fact that, in a small area, one can recognise the foundations of one of the oldest known Christian buildings on Šolta, along with the preserved mosaic and stone sarcophagi. Together with the present-day St. Stephen's Church, they demonstrate that the same location has been used for religious and communal life for many centuries.