Almost all houses in Selca are built entirely of stone. This material shapes the townscape not only in individual historic buildings, but throughout the housing stock. If architecture and literary history are priorities when choosing a travel destination, Selca offers several specific points of interest.
Stone, Churches and Architectural History
On Gradac Hill, the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Nedilja stands below a prehistoric hillfort. The Church of St. Nicholas dates from the 11th to 12th century and is considered one of the most important medieval monuments on Brač. The two churches represent different periods in the area’s architectural history. The Church of St. Thomas, meanwhile, stands on a hill above the hamlet of Nadsela, along the road from Gornji Humac to Selca.
Squares and houses also tell the story of stone masonry. Trg Stjepana Radića, locally known as Pijaca, is a cultural and historical monument to stone masonry. Palac, also known as the Štambuk family palace, was built in 1869 by three merchant brothers. Its stones are laid without visible joints—a specific architectural detail that sets the building apart. Didolića dvori is a 19th-century house built by the influential Didolić family. The Slovak writer Martin Kukučin lived in this house. Tolstoy Park was established in 1910.
Routes and Orientation
The cycling network of the Municipality of Selca connects Selca, Sumartin, Povlja and Novo Selo through olive groves, viewpoints and historic landscapes. It passes through several settlements and different landscapes. Hiking and cycling maps are posted on a public board in Selca beside the church; if needed, check on site whether the information is still up to date. Water, food and shops are available in Selca.
More to Explore in the Wider Destination of the Municipality of Selca
The wider destination of the Municipality of Selca has several other notable cultural connections: 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 was Selca’s first parish church and was built in the lower part of the town square in the 18th century. Immediately after the death of Leo Tolstoy, the world’s first monument dedicated to him was erected in Selca.
The Poets’ Wall is also part of this cultural heritage. Its stone plaques commemorate poets honoured at the annual poetry evening “Ča, kaj, što”. The multilingual literary event Croatia rediviva Ča-kaj-što has been held in Selca since 1991. Its concept is based on the threefold nature and unifying effect of the Croatian language. Check the dates for your travel year before your trip.
The wider destination of the Municipality of Selca is also home to LuÄŤica Cave, on the coast between Sumartin and Selca. The natural sea cave was used during the Second World War and now serves as a small chapel. The longer Via Brattia hiking route passes through Sumartin and Povlja: this 140-kilometre circular tourist trail connects numerous settlements on BraÄŤ and twelve cultural and historical sites. It therefore differs from the cycling network, which connects Selca, Sumartin, Povlja and Novo Selo. Before setting out on a hike, check local trail conditions and signage.
Discover more destinations: Sumartin, Povlja.
Back to the wider travel overview: Municipality of Selca.
