Parish Church of the Annunciation

The Parish Church of the Annunciation in Svetvinčenat is a striking example of Renaissance architecture in the heart of Istria. Built in the early 16th century, the church stands on the east side of the town’s main square and is immediately recognizable by its elegant trefoil façade, crafted from local dressed stone. The single-nave interior is both serene and richly decorated, featuring five marble altars adorned with paintings from the Venetian school.

Among the church’s artistic highlights is the main altar, commissioned by the influential Grimani family, which displays a painting of the Annunciation by Giuseppe Porta-Salviati. Other notable works include an altar dedicated to St. Victoria, whose relics were brought from Rome in 1669, and a painting by Palma il Giovane. The church also honors Blessed Miroslav Bulešić, a local martyr, with a reliquary containing items stained with his blood.

Visitors are often drawn to the church’s unique fresco, the “Dance of Death” (Danse Macabre), which vividly depicts the medieval theme of mortality. The church’s organ, built by J.M. Kaufmann in the early 20th century, adds to the atmosphere during services and concerts. Whether you are interested in art, history, or spiritual heritage, the Parish Church of the Annunciation offers a memorable and contemplative stop in Svetvinčenat.