Igrane: Churches, Towers and Historic Streets

You can get to know Igrane through its historic townscape, several churches and the story of Zalina Kula. If you’re looking for hotels in Igrane, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: architecture and local history sit alongside a designated cycling theme and seasonal cultural events. You can tailor your search to whether you’re especially interested in architectural history, local events or cycling.

Stone houses and architectural history in the town center

Igrane’s historic center preserves many old stone houses and distinctive narrow streets. They shape the townscape and frame the various buildings, which tell stories from several different periods. The summer house of the Šimić-Ivanišević family is in the center of Igrane. Built in the 18th century, it is in the Baroque style. The Crkvica Bezgriješnog Začeča offers another trace of local architectural history: the Ivanišević-Šimić family had this chapel built beside their palace. Together, the two buildings offer different clues for appreciating Igrane’s historic architecture.

Churches from different centuries

The Župna crkva Gospe od Ružarija was built in 1752. Two side chapels were added in 1939, giving the church the ground plan of a Latin cross. Inside is a Venetian silver processional cross from the 18th century. The Crkva Svetog Mihovila dates back much further: it was built toward the end of the 11th century. A three-nave Romanesque church, it is one of the few chapels of its kind in southern Croatia and has been protected by the state as a cultural monument since 1962. Comparing the dates brings Igrane’s long architectural history into view without grouping its churches into a single period.

Smaller chapels also have their own stories. The Crkvica Svetog Nikole biskupa was built in 1925 in the local cemetery. The Kapelica Gospe Pomoćnice kršćana stood at Oštra, above the village. It was demolished during construction of the Adriatic Highway and later rebuilt. The Kapelica Presvetog Trojstva, in turn, was built to fulfill Juraj Parun’s vow. The year of construction and the reason for building it are not the same thing: in this case, the vow is recorded as the reason for its construction.

Zalina Kula and local history

Zalina Kula is one of the notable towers on the Makarska coast. It is associated with Ivan Antičić Zale, who defended Igrane against an Ottoman attack in 1687. The tower offers a different way into the town’s history than the churches: the focus here is on the memory of Igrane’s defense and on a person linked to the building’s name. Together with the older churches and the houses in the historic center, it opens up several perspectives on Igrane’s past.

Events, cycling and a break at the beach

Open-air concerts, performances and klapa singing are part of Igrane’s event offerings. Dates are seasonal; check the specific event dates before your trip. This lets you plan around events that are actually scheduled rather than assuming a particular program will be available during your stay.

Cycling can also be part of planning a stay in Igrane. In 2018, the Drašnice–Igrane–Živogošće mountain bike route was marked and equipped with a cycling map and an information board. Check the current signage before setting out. Snack Bar Excalibur is located on a beach in Igrane and serves simple meals, coffee and beer. If you’d like to stop there, check the latest service information, as offerings may change.

Discover more destinations: Zivogosce, Drasnice, Gornje Igrane, Podgora.

Back to the main travel overview: Općina Podgora.