Route: Milohnići – Church of St Chrysogonus – Milohnići

The 5.2 km long trail stretches northward from the centre of Milohnići, one of the settlements of Šotovento, all the way to a notable cultural and historical landmark nestled amid stunning scenery. The landmark in question is the stone Romanesque Church of St Chrysogonus, hidden in a deep oak forest from which the route circles back to its starting point.

– The area of Šotovento as the westernmost and greenest part of the island is dotted with settlements of a characteristic urban structure with small houses lining the country roads. The original buildings were built from stone, with a storeroom and tavern on the ground floor and living quarters on the first floor. One such settlement is Milohnići, which is assumed to have been established in the second half of the 15th century, much like the neighbouring villages. The 5.2 km long trail stretches northward from the centre of Milohnići, one of the settlements of Šotovento, all the way to one of the most notable cultural and historical landmarks on the island, which is nestled amid stunning scenery. But before setting off on an exploratory hiking adventure, outdoor enthusiasts can take a tour of the settlement whose centrepiece is the Church of Our Lady of Health, which was erected in the early 20th century, while lovers of unique natural environments are bound to look for the karst pond, which is the entry point to the Path of Ponds educational trail. After starting the hike and proceeding along the western edge of the settlement, you continue northward through thick vegetation, which is especially soothing in the summer, to a dense oak forest that occludes a picturesque masterpiece of Romanesque architecture on the island – the Church of St Chrysogonus. This stone building was constructed in the 12th century with a layout that is distinguished by an irregular trefoil with a rectangular entryway, a domed centre and groined window frames. The church was erected on the remains of a Roman-period rustic villa and in addition to its name, the influence of Zadar is noticeable in the masterful Romanesque designs by builders from that city that are present throughout the island. Despite its diminutive size, the church gives off an air of monumentality, especially its interior, which was detected by the academician Branko Fučić, who wrote: …small as a toy, yet monumental as a cathedral… The route passes through the woodland dominated by thick canopies of holly oak and downy oak and occasionally touches the edges of agricultural areas, before walking back to Milohnići, where you can find refreshment in one of the local catering establishments that serve island specialities made from homegrown produce. It should be noted that this trail can be adapted to the needs and fitness levels of hikers, since its length can be reduced by taking alternative routes.

Highlights:

– Church of Our Lady of Health, Milohnići

– (unnamed) pond in the centre of the village of Milohnići

– holly oak and downy oak forest

– Church of St Chrysogonus, Milohnići