Early Croatian Churches

Early Croatian churches (Middle Ages)

by Dora Glavaš

When Croats first came to this land in the 7^th  century, along with other Slavs, they inhabitated near already built cities. They accepted Christianity and started building churches.

First churches were made out of roughly cut stone (lomljenac) and bounded with layers of mortar. They had strong semi-circular buttresses and a bell positioned in front of the entrance.

Here are some of the most famous examples:

Church of Holy Salvation 

It is located in village Cetina and it was built in the 9^th century. Its characteristics are very common for that time. It was built in the form of trefoil and has a bell that stands to this day. It has a very big cultural and historic significance, because a lot of graves, tombs and architectural fragments were found around it. The most valuable found was a golden censer that they used to baptize Croats.

It was damaged a few times in the past (Ottoman Empire, war…) but it has still managed to save the original position and features.

Church of St. Vitus 

It is located on island Krk and it was built in 1100. It has a longitude shape and a high stone bell. It was mentioned in a document by Dragoslav, written in Glagolitic script. It was also restored with a new roof so it's an important representation of Romanesque architecture.

Church of St. Donatus 

It was built in the 9^th century in Zadar. It was named after a bishop Donat, who was later pronounced a saint. It represents a mix of Pre-Romanesque and Carolingian period. It is a circular shape, 27 meters tall, has three apses and an ambulatory. The shape is typical for Mediterranean medieval buildings. Throughout history, it was used as a warehouse, archaeological museum and today, music festivals are held in it (Musical Evenings in St. Donatus). 

Church of St. Dunat 

It is a Roman catholic church built in Krk, and the exact century is speculated (9^th to 12^th century span). It has a four-leaf layout and a square entrance.

As I already mentioned, early churches were made out of roughly cut stone. Throughout the years, the church has lost some of its original look, but there is still evidence of roughly cut stone look at the bottom. One of the reasons for that could be because of the explosion that happened on the island in World War II. They believe it was decorated with mosaics and frescoes from the inside.

The church was dedicated to bishop and saint Dunat, who died during the persecution of Emperor Julian the Apostate.