Bjelovar Cathedral
Bjelovarsko-bilogorska županija
Bjelovar Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila, is a prominent baroque church located in the heart of Bjelovar, Croatia, on Eugen Kvaternik Square. Originally constructed between 1765 and 1770 by the Piarist brothers Hubert and Ignacije Diviš, the cathedral was built to replace a small chapel and serve the growing community. It was consecrated on October 15, 1772, on the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, the Spanish saint and Doctor of the Church, who was also the patron saint of Empress Maria Theresa, founder of Bjelovar. The church features a 52-meter-high bell tower with a clock installed in 1774. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent significant renovations, notably after an earthquake in 1880, with architect Hermann Bolle leading restoration efforts in 1888 and a comprehensive interior refurbishment completed in 1896. The cathedral served as the parish church until 2009, when Pope Benedict XVI established the Bjelovar-Križevci Diocese, elevating it to cathedral status. The building witnessed tragic events during the 1991 conflict in Croatia, when a shell struck the church, killing three women; a memorial plaque honors them. Recent restoration included the installation of organs restored in Austria in 2023. The cathedral remains a central cultural and religious landmark in Bjelovar, reflecting baroque architecture and the city's historical ties to the Habsburg monarchy.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral during weekdays when it is less crowded. The best time to visit is in the spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and local events. Tickets are generally not required for entry, but donations are welcome. Guided tours may be available through the parish office by prior arrangement. Visitors should check the cathedral's official website or contact the parish for current opening hours and special services. Nearby parking and public transport connections facilitate access.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral's bell tower stands 52 meters tall, making it one of the tallest structures in Bjelovar.
- •The church is dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Empress Maria Theresa, who founded Bjelovar in 1756.
- •Underground burial corridors exist beneath the cathedral, although very few people were interred there.
- •A shell hit the cathedral in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence, killing three women; a memorial plaque commemorates them.
- •The cathedral was originally a parish church before being elevated to cathedral status in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.
History
The cathedral's origins date back to 1761 when the Piarist brothers arrived in Bjelovar and decided to build a new church.
The foundation stone was laid in April 1765, and the church was completed by 1770.
It was consecrated in 1772 and featured a bell tower with a clock by 1774.
The 1880 earthquake damaged the structure, leading to restorations by architect Hermann Bolle in 1888 and interior renovations in 1896.
During the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, the cathedral was struck by a shell, resulting in casualties.
In 2009, the church was elevated to cathedral status with the creation of the Bjelovar-Križevci Diocese.
Restoration efforts continued into the 21st century, including the installation of restored organs in 2023.
Place Guide
Bell Tower1774
The 52-meter-high bell tower features a clock installed in 1774 and offers a striking baroque architectural element visible from various points in the city.
Main Nave and Interior1896
The interior was thoroughly renovated in 1896, showcasing baroque design elements and housing a notable baroque statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Underground Burial Corridors
Beneath the cathedral lie underground corridors used for burials, though very few individuals were interred there, adding a mysterious aspect to the cathedral's history.
Organs2023
In 2023, restored organs from Austria were installed in the cathedral after three years of restoration and expansion, enhancing the musical heritage of the place.
Contact
Phone: 043 638 639
