| Project Id |
3205 |
| Project Name |
St. Martin´s Chapel in Stari Brod, Croatia |
| Description |
The wooden chapel of St. Martin in Stari Brod (approx. 1700) is a rare example of a traditional folk Baroque architecture with a completely preserved painted interior. Throughout the centuries, it had an important role in the everyday life of local villagers, not only as a gathering place for celebrating Mass, but also as an important symbol of centuries of survival despite wars and floods. In spite of the extremely dilapidated and ruinous state and the evacuation of its inventory, it remained opened until 2007, when construction started. The chapel was reopened and re-consecrated in 2015, after conservation and restoration was finished and all its traditional and historic characteristics preserved. Stari Brod is one of many traditional villages with unique wooden churches, and though these structures were once numerous in the region, St. Martin’s Chapel is just one of around 40 buildings dating from between the 17th and 19th centuries which still survive in this area today. |
| Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project |
“This exemplary project has placed great importance in Croatia’s vernacular architecture, an aspect of the country’s heritage which has faced a decline in previous centuries. The delicate and fragile architecture has been respectfully and sensitively handled, and has enhanced the painted jewel-box like quality of this chapel. The excellent conservation of the painting is especially commendable, along with the way in which local craftspeople, the owners, and the community were encouraged to participate in the conservation process”, highlighted the jury of the European Heritage Europa Nostra Awards. |
| Web links |
http://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winner_prize/award/ |
| Country |
Croatia |
| City size |
Village (less than 5.000) |
