Crkva Svete Marije Koledate (Church of St. Mary Collegiate), Kotor

Crkva Svete Marije Koledate (Church of St. Mary Collegiate), Kotor

The Church of Saint Mary, originally built in 1221 atop the site of a 6th-century basilica, holds significant historical and religious importance in Kotor. Notable features include its remarkable 20th-century bronze doors adorned with bas-reliefs, remnants of 16th-century frescoes attributed to Greek artists, and a striking larger-than-life crucifix. However, one of its most significant aspects is the presence of a glass coffin containing the body of Blessed Osanna of Cattaro (1493–1565).

Osanna's story is one of profound devotion and selflessness. Opting for a life of prayer, she chose to become an anchoress, secluded within a small cell attached to the church. Despite her solitude, she remained deeply connected to her faith, attending Mass through a window and offering prayers for those who sought her intercession. Following the destruction of her initial hermitage by an earthquake, Ossana relocated to a cell at Saint Paul's church and faithfully adhered to the Dominican rule for the last 52 years of her life.

Even in death, Osanna continued to be revered by the people of Kotor, who regarded her as a saint and protector of their city. Her incorrupt body was initially housed in the Church of Saint Paul until 1807 when it was transferred to the Church of Saint Mary, where it remains to this day. In 1905, the process for her beatification commenced in Kotor and was successfully completed in Rome.

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Crkva Svete Marije Koledate (Church of St. Mary Collegiate) on Map

Sight Name: Crkva Svete Marije Koledate (Church of St. Mary Collegiate)
Sight Location: Kotor, Montenegro (See walking tours in Kotor)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Kotor, Montenegro

Create Your Own Walk in Kotor

Create Your Own Walk in Kotor

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kotor is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kotor Old City Walking Tour

Kotor Old City Walking Tour

Nestled on the shores of the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of the surrounding mountains, the beautiful fortified city of old town Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it receives less attention than many other settlements from the same period, Kotor is visited by more tourists every year.

The port here has been in use since Ancient Roman times, but most of the fortifications were built...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Kotor's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Kotor's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Kotor, a picturesque coastal town in Montenegro, albeit small, nonetheless, boasts a surprising number of historical churches that beautifully reflect its centuries-old heritage. Many of these temples are richly decorated with frescoes, some dating as far back as the 1300s.

At the heart of the town lies Saint Tryphon Square dominated by the eponymous cathedral, an iconic landmark from the 12th...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.5 Km or 0.3 Miles
Kotor Palaces Walking Tour

Kotor Palaces Walking Tour

This magnificent historic city is home to a number of wonderful palaces. Many of these beautifully ornamented mansions belonged to wealthy and influential families. Visitors can trace the history of each building by looking at the coats of arms of noble families and the paintings on the walls. Take this self-guided tour to see these beautiful historical palaces in Kotor.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles