The old town of Jelsa (Civitas Vetus Ielsae)
was mentioned in The Statute of Hvar in 1331. Although the exact location and
extent of the ancient Jelsa are not well understood, remnants of the old
protective wall can still be seen on the west side of the Gradina peninsula.
Material remains from the Roman period prove the existence of a settlement in
the area of Jelsa. Several villas are preserved in the area of Kutac, round
St. Rock and in the cove called Carkvica of St. Luke.
On the mountain spur overlooking Jelsa to
the south, is the
