Date Visited

2023



 
 

Croatia



Zadar



Church of St Francis





 

Summary

The Church of St Francis is the oldest Gothic church in Dalmatia having been established around 1221, it consists of both Gothic and Renaissance styles.  Although the external construction is somewhat unimpressive the inside contains some beautiful altars with richly decorated and intricate artwork.

 



The Church of St Francis was established around 1221 by the Franciscan Order, at the same time as their monastery. The church was consecrated on October 12, 1282, making it the oldest Gothic church in Dalmatia. In 1358, the Zadar Peace Treaty was signed in the church's sacristy between the Republic of Venice and the Hungarian-Croatian king Louis I.

Between 1452 and 1480 the bell tower was constructed, in a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles with the lower level in the Gothic style, which features pointed arches and detailed stonework.   

The upper part, added later, exhibits Renaissance influences with more refined lines and classical proportions, this was completed in 1894 under the direction of English architect Thomas Graham Jackson.   Standing at approximately 60 meters (197 feet), its height and sturdy construction reflect the engineering skills of the period and make it a dominant feature of the church's skyline.

 


Externally, the building itself is quite unimpressive, but on entering, its appearance is very light and airy, with the altars being brought out by the lightly coloured walls and ceiling of the single-nave design, a common characteristic of Gothic architecture. 

 


At the far end is the elevated sanctuary, which adds to the grandeur and is typical of Gothic churches. Within the sanctuary is the ornate main altar which was placed in 1672. This is richly decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The painting behind the altar depicts the heavenly and earthly Church, featuring historical figures such as Matthias Corvinus, Pope Sixtus IV, and Katarina Kosača-Kotromanić. The painting was created by the Venetian painter Lazzaro Bastiani, who lived from 1429 to 1512, and is painted on a wooden panel, a common medium for religious art during that period. On one side of the painting is a statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus and on the other is that of St Francis.

 


Along the side of the nave are side altars dedicated to various saints.  These are adorned with religious art and decorations that reflect both Gothic and Renaissance styles.

One of the side altars is dedicated to Saint Joseph, which is used as a place for prayers related to family and work. The altar features a statue of him with the infant Jesus.  There is also an altar dedicated to Saint Sebastian. This altar is a place for prayers for strength and endurance in suffering. The altar dedicated to Saint Roch is the place for prayers for healing and protection from illness as he is known for his care for plague victims.

 


























Situated above one of the other altars is the famous silver relief. This is crafted from silver and features detailed religious engravings and decorations. Dating back to the medieval period, a time when Zadar was an important cultural and religious centre, the relief is used as a focal point for prayer and meditation.

 


The organ was built in 1901 and underwent a significant restoration in 2010 to preserve its original features and improve its functionality.  Its pipes are made from a combination of wood and metal with each contributing to the unique sound of the instrument.

 

 

 
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              All  Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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