About Stobreč

Stobreč is a small coastal town located on a peninsula just 7 kilometres east from Split’s historic city centre and Diocletian's  Palace, its UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is surrounded by the sea and islands to the south and by Mosor and Perun Hill to the north.  Nearby, the Žrnovnica River winds its way through Stobreč on its way to the sea.

Stobreč was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Issa (present-day Vis) in the 3rdC BC, who named it Epétion. Over the centuries, as Romans, Venetians and others subsequently ruled, its name and historical significance has changed and many  traces of this evolution are still clearly visible even today.

Although it developed well beyond its original peninsular borders over time, Stobreč has retained its rich, turbulent history. The remains of once massive fortification walls, still visible today on the northern side of its peninsular core, testify to Stobreč’s important role as a key maritime trading port more than 1000 years ago. These walls, made of monumental stone blocks, amazed the famous travel writer Alberto Fortis, who in his work “Viaggio in Dalmazia'' (Travels in Dalmatia) compared them to the city walls in Salona, Rome’s capital city in the province of Dalmatia (with 50,000 residents)  just outside Split. Such a conplex fortification system indicates the historical importance of Epetium - a city that for centuries played a key role as part of Rome’s defensive strategy.

An ancient canal, 0.35 metres high and 0.62 metres wide, was also discovered near these ramparts, with walls made of carefully placed stone blocks. The canal stretched across the entire peninsula, all the way to the sea, and probably served as the city sewer system.  It too is further evidence of a remarkably well-developed urban infrastructure during the Roman era.

The peninsular core of Stobreč also preserves folk architecture from later historical periods, among which traditional rural buildings stand out. This architecture bears witness to the long history and adaptation of Stobreč through various eras, which over time has created a special aesthetic harmony with the nature that surrounds the town.

The most significant architectural monument in Stobreč today is a large early Christian basilica from the 5th C century, a former sacral complex built on the foundations of an even earlier temple. It became a religious centre and the precursor of today's Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Although its name was later changed, the memory of the basilica and St. Lawrence remain as a lasting symbol of  historical records and folk traditions.

Stobreč is today a favorite vacation destination for many tourists, thanks to its pebble and sandy beaches, clear sea and well-maintained coastal promenades. The beaches in the centre are sandy and perfect for families, while quieter, rocky coves stretch to the south-west.

Stobreč has a full array of accommodation options, from private apartments to award-winning campsites, as well as a rich gastronomy with numerous restaurants, taverns and cafes offering  traditional recipes using fresh locally grown produce,  outstanding seafood and home-made specialties including pasta, olive oil and wine from the surrounding area, with an emphasis on quality and authenticity.

In Stobreč, fans of active vacations can enjoy tennis, golf, cycling, diving and excellent hiking on newly-developed trails that include nearby Perun Hill, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the Split archipelago.

During the summer, Stobreč comes alive with numerous events such as fishermen's evenings, open-air concerts and local celebrations that introduce visitors to Dalmatian culture, traditions. The most important of these events is the feast of St. Lawrence, the town’s patron saint, which is celebrated from 26 July (the feast of St. Anne) to 10 August (the memorial day of St. Lawrence). The highlight of this event is a solemn procession in honor of St. Lawrence that passes through the town, starting from the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The feast of St. Lawrence also includes a rare, beautiful celestial phenomenon—a display of shooting stars, or meteor shower, that appear in the sky above Stobreč for a month: from 23 July to 22 August.  On the night of the feast of St. Lawrence, it reaches its peak, which is why it is locally called “Saint Lawrence’s Tears”.

Stobreč offers a unique combination of natural beauty, a peaceful Mediterranean rhythm and a rich cultural and historical heritage. With its superb gastronomy, beaches and active outdoor activities, it promises one thing for sure – once you visit, you will always return!