Churches in Istria and Kvarner

Istria and Kvarner are recognizable, among other things, for their numerous stunning churches, which are known for their architecture, history or religious significance. To list them all would be almost impossible, but here we bring an overview of several churches that can be your door to sacral architecture, art and history of Istria and Kvarner.

ISTRIA

Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč

The Euphrasian Basilica is one of the most famous churches not only in Istria, but throughout Croatia. It is under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is a must-see when visiting Istria. It was built in the 6th century and contains beautiful mosaics in the Early Byzantine style.

Basilica of St. Euphemia, Rovinj

The Basilica of St. Euphemia is named after the Christian martyr and patron saint of the city. It was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier church and has a bell tower with a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings.

The Church of St. Peter and Paul, Sveti Petar u Šumi

This church complex, completed in the 13th century, originally belonged to the Benedictines, and in the 15th century

emperor Frederick II handed it over to the Paulines, who thoroughly rebuilt the church and monastery. The church is home to numerous examples of late Baroque art, as well as beautiful organs from 1770. The complex is still in the possession of the Paulines and is one of the three remaining Paulines monasteries in Croatia.

Church and Monastery of St. Francis, Pula

The church complex dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi is located on the slope of the Pula hill. The church and monastery were built in the 14th century and are examples of Gothic architecture. From the history of the complex, it should be noted that throughout the years it served as a barracks, a food warehouse, a kindergarten and a museum, and for the last 20 years it has been in the possession of the Franciscans again. The remains of Blessed Otto, a 13th-century Franciscan from Pula, are preserved in the church.

The Church of St. Blaise, Vodnjan

The Church of St. Blaise, built in the 18th century, is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. It is adorned with the highest bell tower in Istria (62 m), beautiful baroque architecture and a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures and relics.

KVARNER

The Cathedral of St. Vitus, Rijeka

The Cathedral of St. Vitus, the patron saint of Rijeka, is one of the most important churches in Kvarner. It is a baroque rotunda, a circular church built by Jesuits. The cathedral contains a rich display of art and liturgical objects.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rab

Located in the town of Rab, this cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Originally probably built in the 4th century as an early Christian church, it was thoroughly remodelled in Romanesque style in the 12th century. It has a collection of valuable art and relics, among which the skull of St. Christopher, a Christian martyr and patron saint of the city. The cathedral also has a beautiful bell tower, which together with three other bell towers of the churches of Rab gives a recognizable view of the city.

Church and Monastery of St. Mary Magdalene, Porat

This church complex in Porto on the island ofKrk was built by the Franciscans in the 16th century. The complex is characterized by a central atrium in which numerous events are held during good weather, especially during the summer. In addition to the famous collection of works of art, thanks to the Glagolitic heritage of the Franciscans of the Third Order, this complex also keeps numerous Glagolitic books, both printed and manuscript.

The church and monastery of St. Jacob, Opatija

This church complex significantly determined not only the development, but also the name of the city. The church was built in the 12th century on the site of a Benedictine abbey (abbey/opatija = community/monastery of the Benedictines), which is also the name of the city. Today, besides masses, chamber music concerts are held here.

And between sightseeing of sacral architecture, art, books and relics, take a rest in the best accommodation, which can be found on the Molo Longo Agency website.