The Stari Grad Plain has numerous small chapels built for farmers. The Chapel of St. Roko was constructed in 1889 in gratitude for surviving a plague.

Chapels of the Plain

Farming, even on a beautiful island, can be hard work. The Chapels of the Stari Grad Plain provided respite and, today, provide travellers with a look into ancient times.

The Chapel of St. Helena is on the way from Stari Grad to Dol and was built in the 15th century. – © Stari Grad Plain

The Chapel of St. Michael was built in 1886 at the intersection of the ancient and medieval paths. Inside, there is a painting of the saint as a winged angel holding a spear. – © Stari Grad Plain

The farmers who have worked on Stari Grad Plain for centuries have always looked for comfort. To address their need, they built small stone huts called "trims," which protected them from the summer heat or winter rain. But to address their spiritual comfort, they turned to local chapels.

Across the plain today, you can still find numerous chapels constructed between farms so that workers could regularly pray. These beautiful little buildings may not have the grandeur of the churches in the towns, but they each have their own rustic artistic charm.

The Chapel of Our Lady (Gospojica) is on the main axis that passes through Stari Grad Plain. It was built by a nobleman in the late 16th century and has, on the top of the façade, a cross with two flowers in the relief.

The Chapel of St. Helena is on the way from Stari Grad to Dol and was built in the 15th century. One of its highlights is an old rustic relief showing a walking bear, that may be left over from an older Slavic sanctuary in the 7th to 9th century.

The Chapel of St. Helena was built in the 15th century, but may contain elements of a sanctuary from many centuries before. – © Stari Grad Plain

The Chapel of St Roko is more recent—built in 1889—and was constructed in gratitude for surviving a plague. Covered in stone plates, the structure has a small bell tower—though there is no bell inside. The Chapel of St Michael, built in 1886 near the village of Vrbanj, sits at the intersection of the ancient and medieval paths. It has a stone relief showing a laughing skull and crossed femur bones.

As you explore the Stari Grad Plain, look out for these chapels. They provide excellent insight into the importance of the agricultural land for the surrounding communities.