Parish church of St. Stephen the Protomartyr

Nestled among tall, centuries-old trees, the Parish Church of St. Stephen the Protomartyr stands as the spiritual and historical heart of Brela. The current building is the third church dedicated to the same patron saint to be built on this exact site, preserving a long-standing tradition of faith.

A journey through history
The first mentions of a church at this location date back to the pre-Ottoman era, noted in the reports of Friar Bartul Kačić of Makarska. In 1705, a new church was built on its foundations and later consecrated by Bishop Stjepan Blašković in 1759. Construction of the present-day church began in 1887, and it was officially consecrated on October 17, 1897.

Sacred art and heritage
The interior of the church houses valuable artworks and altars that testify to the region’s rich cultural heritage:
The main altar: a beautiful masterpiece crafted from fine Carrara marble.
The altar of Our Lady: transferred from the older church, it features a statue of the Virgin Mary acquired in Venice in 1825.
Baroque paintings: the choir section houses two intriguing Baroque depictions of St. Peter and St. Jerome.
The altarpiece: a standout work by artist Antonio Zuccaro (1827–1892), depicting St. George, St. John, and St. Paul.
The bell tower: the tall stone bell tower, which defines the church’s silhouette today, was added to the facade in 1966.

Medieval monuments
A unique historical feature can be found just outside the churchyard fence, facing the sea. Several medieval stone slabs (stećci) are located there, decorated with relief carvings of shields, swords, and crosses, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient past.

Patron Saint and Municipal day
St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is the patron saint of the Municipality of Brela. His feast day, which also marks Brela Municipality Day, is celebrated annually on August 3rd.