Church of Mary’s Assumption

Jelsa’s parish Church of the Assumption is mentioned in the Hvar Statute of 1331 as the Church of St Mary. The original single-nave Gothic building was later enlarged and, under the 16th-century Ottoman threat, transformed into a fortified church with defensive features. During the attack of 1571 the fortified complex served as a refuge for local inhabitants. Today the church contains several chapels and artworks from later centuries, while a small lapidarium between the church and defensive wall displays ancient and medieval stone objects. Standing in central Jelsa, it is easily reached during a walk along the waterfront and through the old streets.