CHURCHES DEDICATED TO MARY ON THE ISLAND OF KRK

Mother of God of Gorica, Our Lady’s Sanctuary on the Island of Krk

Tradition has it that the Church of the Mother of God has existed since the 11th century on the southern part of the Island of Krk, in the Baška Valley, on the hill upon the remains of the old city. This story behind this sanctuary is a long, rich and touching pilgrimage story.
It was consecrated (1550) to the Assumption of Mary, and a special papal indulgence was granted by Pope Leon XVIII to the pilgrims on the feast of Pentecost (1896), Spiritual Monday, the Assumption of Mary and on the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Since 1993, this Pastoral-charity home has been a therapeutic community and is an advisory centre for addicts.

The history of the sanctuary
is in large part due to the operations of the brotherhood of the same name (founded in 1425), as well as a continuity of sincere inspirations and the faith of its pilgrims. These pilgrims arrived from all parts of the island, neighbouring islands, and the mainland.
They come to see the statue of Our Lady of Gorica (16th century) holding baby Jesus in her arms. They come to be influenced by the miracles; they come to be “Mary’s followers.” They show their gratitude with votive gifts. One such gift is certainly the votive stairs (237 steps) from the base to the top of the hill.
It is worthwhile seeing the altar painting by Celestin Medović, and taking the steps up the bell tower to the brass bell (1594) and treating yourself to an exceptional view.


Information

Baška Tourism Association
tel. 051/856 817, 856 544
Pastoral-charity Home
tel. 051/856 171, 856 547
www.tz-baska.hr
tz-baska@ri.t-com.hr

Accommodation: hotels, apartments, camps

How to get here:
- several kilometres before Baška, in Jurandvor, turn left over the field under Goričica hill, take the stairs (237 stairs dating back to the 19th century) or the steep road to the top

Pilgrimages:
May/June Pentecost
August Feast of the Assumption (15 August)
September Nativity of the Virgin Mary (8 September)

Churches dedicated to Mary on the Island of Krk:

Krk Cathedral, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (see the page on the Krk Cathedral) Krk Cathedral)

The Church of Our Lady of Health, Krk
Early Romantic Basilica (10th-12th centuries) with valuable altar paintings. Papal indulgence (Pope Blessed Innocent XI) granted to pilgrims (1685) on the feast of Our Lady of Health (21 November)
Info tel: 051/ 221 414

The Church of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Njivice
On the day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (8 September), the town, sea, fields and vineyards are blessed; the procession is led by a painting of Our Lady.
Info tel: 051/ 846 243

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Omišalj
Constructed in 1213 on the foundations of an older church. The rich interior decoration is completed by a valuable carved wooden altar. The main celebrations are on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, as well as on the feast day itself and the following day (Stomorina; dvizanje bandiri)
Info tel: 051/ 846 243, 841 042

The Church of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Polje
The Parish patroness is celebrated on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 September). Many locals from the island arrive, as well as people from the mainland regions.
Info tel: 051/ 852 107

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rasopasno
A celebratory procession with a beautiful wooden statute, held on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August).
Info tel: 051/ 852 107

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Vrbnik
This church dates back to the 9th-11th centuries, and is decorated with works of art (16th century) on the main and side alters. Great numbers of pilgrims gather on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August).
Info tel: 051/ 857 479

The Church of Our Lady of Health, Gospoja, Vrbnik
The sanctuary to Our Lady, Gospoja, is located on the cape overlooking the Vinodol Channel and the mainland coastal and forest belt. The greatest celebrations here are on the Feast of Our Lady of Health (21 November) and the Sunday following the Feast of the Nativity (8 September).
Info tel: 051/ 857 479