Povlja, Coastal settlement in Selca, Croatia
Povlja is a coastal settlement on the eastern shore of Brač Island that stretches along a protected bay with stone houses sloping down to the waterfront. The village sits just 1 meter (3 feet) above sea level and features a natural harbor that accommodates both fishing vessels and recreational boats.
The first written record of the settlement is the Charter of Povlja from 1184, which documents the village as an established community. This medieval document shows that people recognized this location as an important place on the island even then.
The early Christian church of Saint Mary from the 5th century shapes the village center and reflects the deep Catholic traditions of the local community. The church remains a gathering place for religious celebrations and local events that connect residents throughout the year.
The village has several family-run guesthouses and rental properties available for visitors. The steep terrain and narrow lanes mean limited parking, so arriving early or planning where to leave a car ahead of time is practical.
The village elementary school building closed after World War II due to population decline and now serves as a space for cultural events and community meetings. This shows how small places adapt their buildings and find new purposes when circumstances change.
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