Municipality of Selca: Culture and routes on Brač

The Municipality of Selca offers several distinct starting points for a trip: churches and literature in Selca, the Via Brattia through Sumartin and Povlja, and seasonal sporting events. If you are looking for a hotel, you can match your interests with the places and activities you want to shape your stay.

Cultural history and literature in Selca

The Church of Christ the King in Selca houses a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, created by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel offers a different historical reference point: it was Selca’s first parish church and was built in the 18th century in the lower part of the town square.

The town square is also home to a Poets’ Wall. Its stone plaques commemorate poets who receive an award at the annual poetry evening “Ča, kaj, što.” The linguistic and literary event Croatia rediviva Ča-kaj-što has been held in Selca since 1991. Its guiding principle emphasises the threefold nature and unifying effect of the Croatian language.

Tolstoy is also part of the town’s history: immediately after the death of Leo Tolstoy, the world’s first monument dedicated to him was erected in Selca. Together, these sites show different aspects of cultural life—from sacred art and literature to the commemoration of a writer.

Via Brattia and the coast between Selca and Sumartin

The Via Brattia is a 140-kilometre circular hiking route for tourists. It passes through Sumartin and Povlja, as well as numerous settlements on Brač, and connects twelve particularly attractive cultural and historical sites. With its route spanning the island, the Via Brattia is a different undertaking from a short walk through a town. If you would like to include it in your plans, check the route conditions and signage locally.

The Lučica Cave, a natural sea cave, lies on the coast between Sumartin and Selca. It was used during the Second World War and now serves as a small chapel. Here, a geological feature and the site’s changing uses come together.

Seasonal activities and practical guidance

Summer of Sports takes place throughout the Municipality of Selca and begins in mid-July. The programme is open to the public for watching and taking part; the sports listed include football, water polo, bocce and tennis. Since dates and programme details are seasonal and may change, check before your trip whether the event is taking place during your travel dates and what opportunities there are to watch or participate.

Water, refreshments and shops are available in Selca and Sumartin along the recommended routes. These services may vary seasonally. If they are important to your plans, take your travel dates into account and check the situation locally.

Brač as part of a wider travel destination

Across the wider destination of Brač, island beaches and routes add to the picture. The island has hundreds of beaches and coves, including developed pebble and sandy beaches as well as unspoilt rocky coves. Brač is also crisscrossed by several hundred kilometres of cycling and hiking trails. Sailing, water skiing, diving and kayaking are available for activities at sea and around nearby islands.

Culture and cuisine are also part of the travel experience on Brač. The Museum of the Island of Brač displays exhibits from Kopačina Cave, Roman tombstones, nautical charts and various handicrafts from Brač. The Olive Oil Museum is located in Škrip, where visitors can taste and buy olive oil and other local foods.

One of the island’s culinary traditions is vitalac, a dish made from lamb or goat offal. Brač is also associated with olive oil, sheep’s and goat’s cheese, spit-roasted lamb and various desserts; the recipes are passed down from generation to generation. These island-wide themes complement the Municipality of Selca’s own cultural and natural points of interest without replacing them.

Discover more destinations: Selca, Sumartin, Povlja, Municipality of Pučišća, Municipality of Bol, Municipality of Nerežišća, Municipality of Supetar, Municipality of Sutivan.

For the wider travel overview: Brač.