Summary
A Roman deacon and martyr whose name is preserved in the name Lovrečina. The early Christian basilica in the bay connects his cult with the archaeological and religious heritage of Brač.
The name of the bay preserves the name of the patron saint of the old Church of St Lawrence.
A deacon and the tradition of martyrdom
Lawrence was a deacon of the Roman Church. According to tradition, before his execution during the persecution under Valerian, he distributed the church’s treasures among the poor. In iconography, he is recognized by the gridiron associated with the story of his martyrdom in 258.
Sources: [1]
The name Lovrečina
Lovrečina preserves the name of the church dedicated to Saint Lawrence. A large early Christian complex survives in the bay east of Postira, so the place name can be connected with specific sacred remains. This relationship between a place name and its patron does not show that the saint personally came to the island.
Sources: [2]
The basilica and its paintings
The early Christian basilica in Lovrečina has remains of a baptistery, ancillary rooms and wall paintings. Research on the frescoes identifies a complex decorative programme from the 6th century. Together, the dedication, name of the bay and material finds show the long-standing importance of this coastal sanctuary.
Sources: [3]
