One of the first things you’ll notice when hitting that corner and entering the center of Pučišća, is the impressive belfry of the parish church of St Jerolim, standing tall and proud above the village, reminding you of the long and rich history of this place.
It was built in 1566 and renovated as well as and enlarged two centuries later (in 1750), which is why it has many baroque features. The wooden relief, of St. Jerolim kneeling and hitting his breast with a rock, which dominates the main altar, as well as the woodcarving of St. Ante’s (Anthony’s) altar, are a great example of the mastery of Dalmatian woodcarving at the end of the 16th century. One of the most valuable paintings in the parish church, if not the best of all, is that of the St. Roko, painted in the workshop of Palma Junior. You may also find The Black Lady icon to be a very interesting piece of sacred art – she was created in the Skopos monastery on the island of Zakynthos.
While you’re enjoying the interior of this magnificent church, don’t forget to turn around and look up, to enjoy the size and sound of the church organ and its pipes, built by Gaetano Moscatelli, in 1793.
The parish house in Pučišća is also a place of safeguarding the important artifacts of history of this place and Croatia as well – here you can find The Chart of Povlja (Povaljska listina), as well as many valuable documents dating from 1566 and a manuscript belonging to the local historian Andrija Cicarelli. There are also the mass garments dating from 1629, as well as church decoration from various historical periods.
To see three historical layers mix, visit St Stjepan (Stephen’s) Church, located in the local cemetery. The oldest part of this church was built back in 6th century. Five hundred years later, the Old Croatian church was built just above the Early Christian basilica, and between 1603 and 1791, first the Benedictine and them the Augustine monasteries were built next to the church.
Across the sea, on the other side of the bay, a small Renaissance church, called Our Lady of Batak (Gospa na Batku), was built in 1467. During the feast of the Assumption, when procession reaches this church, you’ll see the altar boys climbing to ring the bells. This was the first parish church in Pučišća, back in 1566. There’s also one interesting legend connected with this church, but more on that some other time 😉
St Juraj’s church is the first church you’ll pass by when arriving to Pučišća. That is, if you arrive by road. It is located on the hill called Bračuta on the western side of Pučišća, back in the 13th century. You can see it from the road, and the sight of it means you’re close to your destination. It is notable for the relief of Saint Jura with the saints, as well as killing a dragon, which was carved in the school of Andrija Aleši. If you decide to take a hike to the church, you’ll also see the remains of houses of hermits, who were custodians of the church.
There’s also one church on Dubrova, that of St Duje, built in 18th century by the notable family Vranjican, and remains of baroque style of architecture and painting may be seen inside.
Tucked between the house, hard to find if you’re looking for it, but an amazing surprise when you stumble upon it by accident, it the St Lucija’s Church, shown below, built by Ivan Nikola Žuvetić built, on Ratac in 1563.
St. Roko’s Chapel was built in 1603 by the Mladineo family. Juraj Mladineo, the Venice’s galley governor, renovated and extended the chapel in 1686. Above the altar are the wooden statues of Saint Roko and other saints.
Next to the roundabout, there’s a small chapel, the youngest church in Pučišća, called colloquially Gospe Lurdske, built in 1906. Inside, there’s a cave with a statue of Holy Mary.
Lastly, there’s one more church in Pučišća, St Nichola’s church next to the lighthouse, built in 1854. After the lighthouse was built, it was used as a storage, but it was renovated in 2006. and the altar shaped like the half of the traditional boat of Brač – bracera, was put in.
Based partly on the book “Pučišća, pjesma u kamenu” written and published by the students of the elementary school of Pučišća.
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