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.