Cathedral of Saint Mark (Korčula)
Dubrovačko-neretvanska županija
The Cathedral of Saint Mark, located atop Kačić Square in Makarska, Croatia, is a notable baroque church and the co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska. Construction began in 1700 under Bishop Nikola Bijanković but was never fully completed. It was consecrated in 1756 by Bishop Stjepan Blašković. The cathedral's façade faces southwest, and its bell tower is visible throughout the city. Inside, the cathedral houses important altars including the right-side altar containing the bones of Saint Clement, the patron saint of Makarska and its diocese, brought from Roman catacombs in 1725. On the left side are the altars of the Mother of God and the Rosary, featuring a Byzantine-style painted wooden Virgin with Child, reportedly built during the 1815 plague. Another left-side altar dedicated to the Holy Cross represents Calvary with life-sized wooden statues. The cathedral suffered significant damage during the 1962 earthquake, leading to interior renovations including relocating the main altar to the side chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which is a Venetian masterpiece. New organs were installed in 1970 by the Slovenian company Jenko. The cathedral remains an active place of worship with daily masses and is administered by Monsignor Pavao Banić and other canons.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the cathedral's mass schedules, which vary seasonally, to experience services. The best time to visit is outside mass times for quiet exploration. Booking tickets is generally not required, but guided tours may enhance understanding of its rich history and art. Discounts or special access might be available for groups or pilgrims.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral houses the bones of Saint Clement, patron saint of Makarska, brought from Roman catacombs in 1725.
- •A small altar dedicated to the Rosary was reportedly built during the 1815 plague as a votive offering.
- •The main altar is a Venetian masterpiece, relocated to a side chapel after the 1962 earthquake.
- •The cathedral's bell tower is a visible landmark across Makarska.
History
The Cathedral of Saint Mark's construction started in 1700 by initiative of Bishop Nikola Bijanković but remained unfinished.
It was consecrated in 1756 by Bishop Stjepan Blašković.
The bones of Saint Clement were brought to the cathedral in 1725, enhancing its religious significance.
The 1962 earthquake caused substantial damage, prompting restoration efforts including the relocation of the main altar and installation of new organs in 1970.
Place Guide
Main Altar18th century
A Venetian masterpiece originally located at the front of the cathedral, relocated to the side chapel of the Blessed Sacrament after the 1962 earthquake. It is the most beautiful altar in the cathedral.
Altar of Saint Clement1725
Located at the right side entrance, this altar contains the relics of Saint Clement, patron saint of Makarska, brought from Roman catacombs in 1725.
Altar of the Rosary (Mother of God)1815
A small altar on the left side featuring a Byzantine-style painted wooden Virgin with Child. According to local tradition, it was built during the 1815 plague as a votive offering.
Altar of the Holy Cross
Depicts Calvary with life-sized wooden statues on the left side of the cathedral, representing Christ's crucifixion.
Bell Tower
The cathedral's bell tower is a prominent city landmark, visible from almost anywhere in Makarska, symbolizing the city's spiritual heritage.
