Church of St. Chrysogonus, Zadar

The Church of St. Chrysogonus in Zadar is a significant architectural heritage site dating back to the 12th century. This Romanesque church is dedicated to Saint Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city, and is the only surviving part of a large medieval Benedictine abbey.

Built at the site of a Roman emporium, the Church of St. Chrysogonus replaced the Church of Saint Anthony the Hermit. The church was consecrated by Lampridius, Archbishop of Zadar, in 1175.

The church is adorned with archaic designs and statues of patron saints Chrysogonus, Anastasia, Simeon, and Zoilus. The frescoes, high altar, and exterior stonework of the church are notable features. The exterior walls of the three apses at the back of the church have several graceful blind arches.

The construction of a bell tower began in 1485 but was abandoned in 1546 and never completed. The church's facade is plain, but the sides are adorned with elaborate columns that resemble Twizzler sticks.

In 1387, Elizabeth of Bosnia, the murdered queen dowager of Hungary and Dalmatia, was secretly buried in the church, where her body remained for three years until being moved to the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Székesfehérvár Basilica).

While the Church of St. Chrysogonus is no longer active, a few evening concerts are held there in July and August. Visitors are advised to call ahead for timings, as the church is rarely open. The Church of St. Chrysogonus is a beautiful and significant part of Croatia's rich cultural and religious heritage.