Rogoznica - Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The parish church of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary is located on top of a hill in the middle of the Rogoznica peninsula. The church is very old, it was built in the Baroque-Neo-Gothic style, which is characterized by many ornaments. It was first mentioned in 1615.
At that time it was called the Church of St. Nicholas, later it was renamed the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was consecrated in 1746, as can be seen from the inscription above the main entrance. In 1800 a north nave was added, then in 1894 a south nave, so the church now has three naves. In 1892, a fire broke out in the church and all equipment was destroyed. The church was rebuilt, about thirty years later a new fire broke out and at that time the equipment and the sacristy were destroyed again. After the fire, the church was completely restored. A new roof was built, a tower on the south side of the church was added, and two statues were made, a statue of St. Peter and a statue of St. Paul. They stand on top of stone pillars in front of the church entrance. Inside, there are three beautiful paintings on the wooden ceiling, which are the work of the artist Josip Sonj. The church has five altars from the 19th century. The main altar is quite impressive. It has many ornaments, which is typical of the Baroque. The tall pillars of pink marble almost touch the blue arch, which is decorated with golden stars. On the main altar is a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the work of a Venetian master from the 18th century. To the left of the altar is a Gothic cross, which is the most valuable object in the church from the point of view of art historians. On the main altar is a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the work of a Venetian master from the 18th century. To the left of the altar is a Gothic cross, which is the most valuable object in the church from the point of view of art historians. Just below the ceiling are frescoes by four evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who were discovered during the restoration of the church. Along the walls, the stations of the Cross are painted in oil on canvas. The south wall of the church is decorated with two beautiful stained glass windows. One depicts the Assumption of Mary, the other depicts St. Nicholas. Above the church entrance there is an organ choir made in Germany in 1908. It has been completely restored and organ concerts are often held in the church. Around the church are graves dating back to the beginning of the settlement on the peninsula. The first settlement was on the mainland and is now called Lozica or Stara vas.
When the Turks invaded the area, people fled to the island and the oldest tombs around the parish church date from this period. It is possible to see some interesting tombstones dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.