Gornje Selo: Churches, Village History and Landscape

When looking for hotels in Gornje Selo, it is worth considering what you are interested in during your stay. Sacred architecture, traditional Dalmatian architecture, and trails toward the southern coves and olive groves offer different points of interest. This can help you decide whether village architecture, churches, or excursions into the landscape should be the focus of your trip.

Churches and historic buildings

The parish church of St. John the Baptist is located in the center of Gornje Selo. It was built in 1859 on the site of an older church and is designed as a three-aisled basilica. The word “three-aisled” describes its division into a central nave and two side aisles. The Church of St. Mary in Borima stands on the site of a Benedictine church from the 13th century. It acquired its present appearance in 1776. The dates mark different aspects: the older church site and its present appearance. The Church of Our Lady in Borima in Gornje Selo has been designated a Marian shrine since 1995. It stands beside Vela Straža, the highest peak on Šolta.

Village history and traditional houses

The history of the village is also reflected in its settlement layout. The rural cultural and historic complex of Gornje Selo developed in the Middle Ages, south of a Late Antique settlement. At Stomorija, near Gornje Selo, there was an old Benedictine monastery with a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary; the monastery is documented for the period from 1260 to 1452. Gabrinovi dvori is considered one of the most valuable folk-style house complexes in Gornje Selo. Thus, historic residential complexes are another aspect of the village’s history alongside its churches.

Explore the village on foot and discover local offerings

Gornje Selo can be explored on foot. Visitors can discover traditional Dalmatian architecture and restored original houses. Local visitor experiences also include a Dalmatian konoba, family farms, and an olive mill. These features complement visits to the churches with insights into the village’s built and rural culture.

Olynthia Natura has a tasting room in Gornje Selo and offers private cultural and gastronomic tours and cycling tours in summer. The tours are a seasonal offering; if you would like to plan one, time your trip for the summer period.

Trails toward the countryside

From Gornje Selo, visitors can set out toward the southern coves and olive groves. The trail from Gornje Selo first passes the votive chapel of St. Benedict, locally known as Sv. Bene.

Šolta as part of a wider travel itinerary

For regional travel, Jadrolinija ferry line 636 connects Split with Rogač on Šolta. As schedules can change, check departures for your travel date in advance. Cycling routes on Šolta also have different profiles: “Slatki Rogač” is a flat route along the waterfront promenade and is suitable for cyclists of all ages and all types of bicycles. The “Staza sutona nad 7 otočića” route climbs to 170 meters above sea level, where numerous views open up. These offer different options: a flat waterfront route and a climbing route with viewpoints.

Discover more destinations: Nečujam, Rogač, Donje Selo, Maslinica, Grohote, Stomorska.

For the main travel overview: Šolta.