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Dubrovnik Church of Saint Blaise 
Built in 1715 by the Venetian architect and sculptor Marino Gropelli on the site of a medieval Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Blaise. The previous church was constructed in 1349 and named after Saint Blaise as a gesture of gratitude for his protection during the plague that struck Dubrovnik in that year. That church was to survive an earthquake in 1667 but was destroyed by fire in 1706. Architecturally, it is designed in the flamboyant Venetian Baroque style, which is characterised by its elaborate decorations and grandiose appearance. The façade is constructed of high-quality marble and stone, which contribute to its impressive appearance. It has four Corinthian columns which add a sense of grandeur and elegance, and a stairway leading up from the square. The columns support a semicircular gable and a balustrade with statues of Saint Blaise in the centre, depicted holding a model of the city of Dubrovnik, symbolizing his protective role. He is flanked by figures of Faith and Hope. These statues are crafted with intricate detail, reflecting the Baroque style's emphasis on dramatic and expressive art. The façade is richly decorated with intricate carvings, scrolls, and floral motifs, typical of Baroque exuberance. In the centre is the doorway with three statues of angels located above.  On entry the church consists of a single square nave with a ground plan in the form of a Greek inscribed cross. The apse is flanked by a sacristy ether side with a statue above, and a cupola in the centre.  The interior is richly decorated in Baroque style, with Corinthian columns. At the end of the nave are the three altars.  The main altar is made from a combination of white and polychrome marble and is richly embossed with figures and statues. The most prominent item is a precious, gilt silver Gothic statue of Saint Blaise, crafted in the 15th century by an unknown local master. This statue survived the fire of 1706 and is a significant relic of the church. Saint Blaise is depicted holding a scale model of the Romanesque church that was destroyed by the earthquake in 1667. This statue is flanked by two kneeling angels. The altar also features a domed antependium decorated with two angels.  On the left side of the main altar is the carved timber pulpit with the statue of Christ above.  On either side of the main altar there is a side altar. Located to the left is the Altar of the Crucifixion which features a statue of the Crucifixion.  The altar on the right is that of St. Lucia, who was martyred in 304 AD, during the Diocletian Persecution. This is adorned with paintings by the local 19th-century painter Josip Rossi. The paintings depict the Madonna with the Infant Jesus, Saint Blaise, The church's patron saint, and Saint Emigdi, who is the protector from earthquakes. Underneath the altar are the relics of a martyr named Silvanus.  The organ is designed in the Baroque style, consistent with the overall architectural theme of the church. and was installed in 1715, the same year that the church was completed. Over the years, the organ has undergone restoration to preserve its historical and musical value. It features mechanical (tracker) action, which provides a direct connection between the keys and the pipes, giving the organist precise control over the instrument.
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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