Church of St John the Baptist

The Church of St John the Baptist represents one of the oldest religious structures in the Old Town, with origins dating to the seventh century in its original…The Church of St John the Baptist represents one of the oldest religious structures in the Old Town, with origins dating to the seventh century in its original architectural form. The building underwent substantial reconstruction and rebuilding during the seventeenth century following damage sustained during earthquake events. The most distinctive feature is the church's bell tower, which stands as the tallest vertical structure within the entire Old Town walls and serves as the most recognisable landmark when approaching from the Slovenska Obala seafront route. The bell tower's distinctive profile makes the church easily identifiable from across the town and from approaching coastal pathways. The interior architecture displays relatively austere design characteristics, featuring stone walls throughout the nave and a simple altar arrangement without elaborate ornamentation.

No significant interior decoration is present. The church functions as an active Catholic religious institution, holding regular Catholic services and ceremonies. The presence of both Catholic and Orthodox churches within close proximity inside the Old Town walls reflects the historic positioning of this coastal settlement on the boundary between Venetian maritime control to the west and Ottoman administrative influence to the east. This geopolitical history created distinct religious communities coexisting in the same fortified town. Visitors may enter freely during non-service periods; access is restricted during active religious services. There is no admission charge.