Church of St. Philip and St. James, Vukovar
Vukovarsko-srijemska županija
The Church of St. Philip and St. James in Vukovar is a significant Roman Catholic parish church within the Franciscan monastery complex. It is the third longest church in Croatia, measuring 58 meters in length, surpassed only by the Zagreb and Đakovo cathedrals. Construction began in 1723 by the local Franciscans, with the church being blessed in 1732 and consecrated in 1738. In the late 19th century, the church was expanded with a classicist-style addition designed by Viennese architect Richard Jordan, enhancing its baroque architecture and establishing its notable length. The interior features frescoes painted in 1911 by artists from the Maribor Zoratti school, and the church houses three bells cast in Ljubljana in 1924, including one donated by Countess Sofija Eltz. During the Croatian War of Independence, the church and monastery suffered severe damage from Serbian forces, including desecration and destruction. Despite this, the cultural and artistic treasures were largely saved through the efforts of Fra Marko Kurolt. Post-war restoration began in 1999, with careful reconstruction of the roof, walls, and altars, culminating in a re-consecration ceremony in 2013. The church today remains a powerful emblem of resilience and faith, hosting regular masses and cultural events such as the annual Christmas concert broadcast by Croatian Radio Television.
Plan your trip to Croatia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should consider attending a mass service to experience the church's spiritual atmosphere, with Sunday services held at 9:00, 11:00, and 18:30. The best time to visit is during the warmer months for easier access, and advance inquiries about special events or concerts, such as the annual Christmas concert, are recommended. While no specific ticketing is required, supporting local parish activities is encouraged. The church is accessible by car and public transport, with contact available via phone or the official parish website for up-to-date schedules and visitor information.
Interesting facts
- •The church is the third longest in Croatia, measuring 58 meters in length.
- •It was expanded in the late 19th century by Viennese architect Richard Jordan, blending baroque and classicist architectural styles.
- •During the 1991 siege of Vukovar, the church was heavily damaged and desecrated, with the crypt violated and walls defaced with Cyrillic graffiti.
- •Fra Marko Kurolt saved most of the church's cultural and artistic treasures by securing them during the war.
- •The church hosts an annual Christmas concert broadcast by Croatian Radio Television since 2001.
History
The Church of St.
Philip and St.
James was initiated by Vukovar Franciscans in 1723 and completed with its blessing in 1732 and consecration in 1738.
It underwent significant expansion in 1896-1897 under architect Richard Jordan, which gave it its current length and classicist elements.
The church endured devastating damage during the 1991 Serbian siege of Vukovar, including desecration and looting.
After the war, Franciscans returned as some of the first inhabitants, beginning restoration work in 1999.
The church was fully restored and re-consecrated in 2013, preserving scars of war as a reminder of its turbulent past.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Baroque Architecture18th century and 1896-1897
The central part of the church features classic baroque architecture with an extension in classicist style added in the late 19th century. Visitors can admire the spacious nave and the intricate frescoes painted in 1911 by the Maribor Zoratti school.
The Bells1924
The church has three bells acquired in 1924 from a Ljubljana foundry, including one donated by Countess Sofija Eltz, a notable local noblewoman. These bells are integral to the church's soundscape and heritage.
Crypt and War Damage1991
The crypt suffered barbaric desecration during the 1991 siege, with sarcophagi overturned and remains disturbed. The church's walls bear graffiti from the conflict, serving as poignant reminders of the town's wartime suffering and resilience.
Contact
Phone: 032 441 381
