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.