Church of San Biagio

The Church of San Biagio, located in the heart of the Old City of Dubrovnik, is an iconic representation of Baroque architecture and a symbol of the city’s devotion to its patron saint. Built between 1706 and 1715, the church stands on the foundations of a previous Romanesque church destroyed by a fire in 1706. This disastrous event offered the opportunity to erect a new building that not only reflected the architectural style of the time, but also represented a symbol of rebirth and resilience for the community of Dubrovnik. San Biagio, or Sveti Vlaho as he is known locally, has been revered as the patron saint of Dubrovnik for centuries. According to legend, San Biagio saved the city from a Venetian attack in 972, miraculously warning the citizens of the imminent danger. This legend is one of the main reasons why the saint is so deeply respected in the culture and history of Dubrovnik. Every year, on February 3rd, the city celebrates the feast of San Biagio with a grand procession, where the statue of the saint is carried through the streets, followed by songs, dances, and religious and civil celebrations. The current church is the work of the Venetian architect Marino Gropelli, who was inspired by the church of San Maurizio in Venice for its design. The facade of the church is divided by four Corinthian columns supporting a semicircular pediment, topped by a balustrade with three statues. In the center, the statue of San Biagio holds a model of the city of Dubrovnik, symbolizing his eternal protection. On the sides, the allegorical statues of Faith and Hope complete the composition, emphasizing the spiritual and moral dimension of the structure. The interior of the church, with its single square plan and central dome, is a riot of Baroque decorations. The Corinthian columns supporting the dome are exquisitely decorated, and the vaulted ceiling is adorned with frescoes and golden decorations that capture the natural light, creating an effect of magnificence and solemnity. The centerpiece of the main altar is a precious Gothic statue of San Biagio, dating back to the 15th century and made of gilded silver. This statue is particularly significant as it was the only element to survive the devastating fire of 1706, becoming a symbol of hope and protection for the city. The location of the church, adjacent to the lively Stradun and in Luža square, makes it easily accessible and visible to all who visit the Old City. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a must-see for anyone wishing to fully understand the history and culture of Dubrovnik. Every year, thousands of visitors stop to admire its imposing facade, participate in religious functions, or simply sit on the steps to watch life flow in the square below. The church also houses several relics, including those of San Silvano, displayed in such a way as to allow the faithful to venerate them. These sacred elements add an additional dimension to the spirituality of the place, making the visit not only an aesthetic experience, but also deeply religious.