Pirovac is not only a popular seaside destination known for its beaches and authentic Dalmatian atmosphere. This charming Croatian town also hides fascinating traces of its long history. One of them is a valuable Glagolitic inscription dating back to 1495, preserved on the Church of St George at the cemetery in Pirovac.
An inscription more than 500 years old
The Church of St George (Crkva sv. Jurja) at the cemetery in Pirovac preserves a valuable Glagolitic inscription dating from 1495.
It is one of the fascinating traces of Pirovac’s historical and cultural heritage and a reminder of the long tradition of the Glagolitic script along the Croatian coast.
According to the published transcription, the inscription records the completion of work on the church and mentions master craftsman Mihovil Jaković:
“Let Gospodnjih 1495. to delo svrši meštar Mihovil Jaković.”
The inscription essentially records that in the year of the Lord 1495, the work was completed by master Mihovil Jaković.
Although it is only a short inscription carved into stone, it provides a remarkable connection to the people who lived and worked in Pirovac more than five centuries ago.
Hidden for centuries
The story of the inscription’s rediscovery is equally interesting.
Over time, the Glagolitic inscription became hidden beneath layers of lime and remained out of sight for many years.
It was finally rediscovered in 1972, revealing an important piece of the area’s cultural heritage.
Today, this small inscription serves as a reminder that the history of Pirovac reaches far beyond its modern identity as a popular Croatian holiday destination.
What is the Glagolitic script?
Glagolitic is one of the oldest known Slavic alphabets and holds a particularly important place in Croatian cultural history.
The script was used in Croatia for centuries, especially in religious texts, inscriptions and other written documents. Today, preserved Glagolitic manuscripts and stone inscriptions are considered an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Pirovac is one of the places where traces of this remarkable tradition can still be found.
A long Glagolitic tradition in Pirovac
The inscription on the Church of St George is not the only evidence connecting Pirovac with the Glagolitic tradition.
Glagolitic wills from the former settlement of Zlosela, the historical name of today’s Pirovac, have also been preserved. These documents date from the late 17th and 18th centuries.
Their existence shows that the Glagolitic script continued to be used in this area for centuries after the inscription on the Church of St George was created.
Together, these historical records provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and written traditions of Pirovac.
Discover another side of Pirovac
Most visitors come to Pirovac for its sea, beaches, restaurants and relaxed Dalmatian atmosphere. However, exploring its historical sites reveals another side of this charming coastal town.
The Church of St George and its more than 500-year-old Glagolitic inscription are perfect examples of how history can be hidden in places that are easy to overlook.
More than five centuries after it was carved, this small inscription in stone continues to preserve a piece of Pirovac’s story.
So, while enjoying your holiday in Pirovac, take some time to discover its historical heritage as well. Beyond the beaches and the Adriatic Sea, you may find that some of Pirovac’s smallest details tell its most interesting stories.
Source: Pirovac Tourist Board




