The Church of St. Blasius in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is one of the largest churches in the city. Every year in February, it is the centre of festivities in honour of Dubrovnik's patron saint.
St. Blasius (Sveti Vlaho) is the patron saint of Dubrovnik. The church dedicated to him is located on Luža Square just opposite the Sponza Palace. Together with the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the Church of Sveti Vlaho is a UNESCO World HeritageSite.
The Baroque church was built between 1706 and 1715 on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church, also dedicated to St. Blasius, which was destroyed by the earthquake in 1667.
The stairs leading up to the simple Venetian Baroque façade invite you to take a short break and soak up the atmosphere of Dubrovnik.
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PICTURES: Sveti Vlaho Church in Dubrovnik
Photo gallery: Baroque church Sveti Vlaho in Dubrovnik
Worship of Dubrovnik's patron saint
The church's namesake and Dubrovnik's patron saint can be seen at every corner of the Sveti Vlaho church. His statue guards the entrance portal and his gilded figure is enthroned above the main altar. This also has historical-documentary value, as St. Blasius holds a model of Dubrovnik in his hands, showing the historical buildings before the devastating earthquake.
The treasury of Dubrovnik Cathedral houses precious relics of St. Blasius: hand, foot and skull, masterpieces of Dubrovnik goldsmiths from the 11th to 13th centuries set with precious stones.
Procession in honour of St. Blasius
Every year on 3 February, the otherwise rather quiet area around St. Blasius Church comes to life. Then the church is the starting and ending point of numerous festivities held in honour of St. Blasius. The statue of the patron saint is carried through the streets of Dubrovnik in processions and solemn parades.
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