Summary
The apostle after whom Supetar is named. His veneration on Brač can be traced through the town’s name, its parish and church dedications, while distinguishing the ancient biography from later island heritage.
Supetar is an example of an island place name derived from a saint’s name: Saint Peter.
The apostle in Christian tradition
According to the New Testament, Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman and one of Jesus’ closest disciples. The name Peter is associated with the rock. Christian tradition links him with a leading role among the apostles and martyrdom in Rome, while iconography often depicts him with keys.
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Why Supetar has its name
Supetar derives its name from Saint Peter. The town’s tourist board notes the name in documents from 1423, and the diocesan directory confirms a parish dedicated to Saint Peter. The town’s name and the older sacred site form part of the history of local veneration, without implying that the apostle came to Brač.
Peter and John the Baptist
The Croatian Encyclopedia recounts a tradition that Peter was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. Their names both appear in dedications on Brač, but this biblical relationship should be distinguished from the island’s much later churches and settlements.
Sources: [1]
