Roman Catholic Church, Šabac
Mačvanski okrug
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Anne in Šabac, Serbia, is a significant religious and cultural landmark built in 1928. It was the first Roman Catholic church constructed in Serbia outside Belgrade after World War I, symbolizing a gesture of Christian forgiveness and unity following the atrocities committed by Croatian soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian army during the war. The church serves the Roman Catholic community within the Archdiocese of Belgrade and is recognized for its historical and memorial value, being registered as an immovable cultural property by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Valjevo. Architecturally, it features two side altars dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony of Padua, with wooden statues crafted by Dragutin Horvat from Domžale near Ljubljana. The church's establishment was supported by the local municipality, which donated the land, and its consecration in October 1928 was attended by both Catholic and Serbian Orthodox clergy, reflecting interfaith respect. Despite proposals to replace the church with a larger structure in 2008, it remains a testament to the resilience and multicultural history of the Šabac region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the church's opening hours via the official website or contact by phone before planning a visit. The best time to visit is during religious festivals or community events to experience local cultural traditions. Tickets are generally not required, but donations are welcomed. Advance notice is recommended for group visits or special ceremonies.
Interesting facts
- •The church was the first Roman Catholic church built in Serbia outside Belgrade after World War I.
- •It symbolizes Christian forgiveness for atrocities committed during the war by Croatian soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian army.
- •The wooden statues in the side altars were crafted by Dragutin Horvat from Domžale near Ljubljana.
- •The church is registered as an immovable cultural property by Serbia's Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.
- •Its consecration was attended by both Catholic and Serbian Orthodox clergy, reflecting interfaith harmony.
History
The church was constructed in 1928, thirteen years after the tragic events of World War I in the Mačva region, where atrocities were committed by Austro-Hungarian forces, including Croatian and Hungarian soldiers.
The Serbian community in Šabac viewed the church's construction as a symbol of Christian forgiveness and reconciliation.
The land for the church was donated by the Šabac municipality in 1927, and the church was consecrated on October 21, 1928.
Over time, it became a center for the local Roman Catholic community, which numbered about 150 people in the city at the time.
In 1935, two side altars with wooden statues were consecrated, enhancing the church's artistic and spiritual significance.
In 2008, there was an initiative to demolish the church and build a larger one, but the historical value and local attachment preserved the building.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Altar1928
The central worship area features a main altar dedicated to Saint Anne, surrounded by seating for the congregation. It reflects the church's modest but meaningful architectural style from the late 1920s.
Side Altars with Wooden Statues1935
Two side altars dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony of Padua, featuring wooden statues carved by Dragutin Horvat from Domžale near Ljubljana. These altars were consecrated in 1935 and remain significant artistic features of the church.
Contact
Phone: 069 5703800
