The Church of Saint Blaise, located on the eastern end of Stradun, is one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The church, dedicated to Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, dates back to the early 18th century.
A Romanesque church stood at this location from the 14th century until the middle of the 17th century. In 1667, a large earthquake destroyed much of Dubrovnik, including the church, leaving a void in the city’s religious and cultural landscape.
Only a silver statue of Saint Blaise holding a scale model of Dubrovnik before the earthquake survived the disaster.
In the early 18th century, government officials decided to rebuild the church. Between 1706 and 1714, Venetian architect Marino Gropelli designed and oversaw its construction. He designed the church in the popular Baroque style.
Multiple statues of angels and decorative elements adorn the façade. A statue of Saint Blaise watches over the church from the top. He holds a model of Dubrovnik, which symbolizes his role as protector of the city. Though ornate and elaborate, the church feels welcoming, with a grand staircase leading to the entrance.
The interior of the church is just as impressive as the exterior. It features an inscribed Greek cross within a single square nave, an apse bordered by two sacristies, and an oval dome at the center.
The main altar, the centerpiece, is richly decorated with intricate carvings and gilded details. It is also the location of the statue of Saint Blaise, which survived the earthquake.
The nave and side altars also contain various paintings, sculptures, and ornate decorations depicting different saints and religious scenes. In addition, the church houses many important relics of Saint Blaise.
Every year, on February 3rd, the Feast of Saint Blaise occurs with mass at the church, processions, and various cultural events in Old Town Dubrovnik.
In the square in front of the church, Luža Square, is Orlando’s Column.
Church of Saint Blaise Information
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Nearby Sights
Orlando's Column
In the center of Luža Square, on the eastern end of Stradun, is Orlando's Column, a historic stone monument dating back to 1418. Carved into the statue is a heroic medieval knight who defended Dubrovnik from invaders. In 1418, Bonino di Jacopo, an Italian master sculptor from Milan, built the column with the help of local sculptor Antun Dubrovčanin.
Small Onofrio Fountain
Located at the eastern end of Stradun, off Luža Square, is the historic Small Onofrio Fountain, an ornately decorated octagonal fountain. The small fountain, often overlooked by tourists, played an essential role in the history of Dubrovnik's water supply. Italian architect Onofrio della Cava designed and constructed the fountain between 1440 and 1442.
Marin Držić Statue
At the eastern end of the Stradun, across the street from the Church of Saint Blaise, is the bronze Marin Držić Statue. At the bottom of the seated statue is a plaque that reads "MARIN DRŽIĆ (1508-1567) - On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of his birth - City of Dubrovnik."
Stradun
Stradun, officially Placa, is Dubrovnik's main street, stretching 300 meters from Pile Gate in the west to Luža Square in the east. Along the limestone-paved street, which cuts through the heart of Dubrovnik, are many historical sights, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Along Stradun, you will find some of Dubrovnik's most important sites, including the Large Onofrio Fountain, Sponza Palace, the Church of Saint Blaise, and Dubrovnik Bell Tower.
Jesuit Stairs
The Jesuit Stairs are a grand Baroque staircase that connects Gundulić Square to the Church of St. Ignatius in Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Church of St. Ignatius, at the top of the stairs, is an old church that once belonged to Collegium Ragusinum, a Jesuit college in Dubrovnik. The stairs are considered one of the city's most notable examples of Baroque architecture.
Ploče Gate
Ploče Gate is a 14th-century Romanesque-style gate that serves as the entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town and its main street, Stradun. While Pile Gate is the main entrance on the western side, Ploče Gate, also known as Vrata od Ploča, once played a key role in the city's defenses and today serves as the main entry point into the Old Town from the east.