Labin - St. Stephen's Church

Labin is an eastern Istrian town whose older quarter developed on a hill. In its compact centre, churches, noble houses and public buildings can often be seen from the same pedestrian route.

Along 1 May Street, religious and noble buildings meet within an especially short stretch.

Here stands the small Church of St. Stephen. It is immediately beside the larger Battiala-Lazzarini Palace, yet its own façade and bell gable distinguish it from the palace.

A heritage survey dates the Church of St. Stephen to the 17th century and describes it as a small Baroque building, probably built on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Its position beside the palace makes it part of the same building complex, but that does not mean its present use is limited to a private chapel. Since restoration in the late 20th century, it has also served as an exhibition space and a venue for occasional events.

Warm-toned plaster, a prominent entrance, two windows and a small bell gable above the roofline distinguish the church from the large palace beside it. Viewing both buildings together helps explain their historical and spatial relationship.