The church of Sv. Ivan




One of the oldest and most important monuments of Stari Grad is the church of Sv. Ivan (St. John), formerly Sv. Marija (St. Mary). This is the oldest cultural centre on the island; it has been in use continually from ancient times. It is a double church which was, from the founding of the bishopric in 1147, the centre for the bishops. Although it is mentioned in the documents in 1332, its architectural structure indicates its earlier origin. The church shows Romanesque and Gothic influence of the 11th and 12th centuries. In 1957, beside this church, an early Christian baptistery (6th-7th century) in the form of a Greek cross was found. This has now been covered over again for preservation reasons until the site can be opened for viewing.





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