In the second half of the 15th century, due to constant Turkish attacks, looting and destruction, the people living in the inland part of what we today know as the Primošten region, at that time known as Bosiljina and the Parish of Prhovo, were forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge on the nearby small island called Capocesto (the Bare Head), now Primošten. They built a church on top of the hill in 1485 and Primošten became the centre of the new parish. Unfortunately, the Parish of Prhovo, founded in 1298, ceased to exist.
The church was dedicated to Saint Mary after a local woman, Magdalena Butković, bequeathed a painting of the Madonna to the church in 1560. Saint Mary became the patron saint and protectress of Primošten. The other patron saint of Primošten is Saint George. He was also the protector of the Parish of Prhovo from where two bells were brought and gifted to Saint Mary’s church by Andrija Gracić Gracin in 1685. On the foundations of the first church, a new one was constructed leaving only the sacristy as a reminder of the old one. In 1760 a completely new, big church was built and it was consecrated on 11th May. The date is engraved on the plaque by the main entrance.
The church of Saint George is built of white stone. It has three naves and lies in the direction East-West. It has been classified as immobile cultural property and is listed in the Register of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
