Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady, also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a small historic church in Novigrad, the old coastal town on the northwest coast of Istria, and it is one of the town's quieter monuments. Heritage records describe it as a Gothic church of the 15th century that was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1781, and it is protected as a cultural monument by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia. The combination of Gothic bones and Baroque alterations is typical of Istrian churches, where later generations updated older buildings rather than replacing them. Novigrad itself is very ancient, with a Roman predecessor called Neapolis, a bishop's seat from the early Middle Ages and a long period under Venetian rule, and the church fits into this layered town of walls, loggias and narrow streets.

Inside, the church holds several works of art and devotion. Murals and paintings from different periods decorate the walls and altars, and a revered votive statue of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, which is dated to the 16th century, draws the attention of worshippers. The size of the church is modest, and the interior is intimate and calm, with a cool, dim atmosphere that suits quiet reflection. Many visitors spend an hour or two in and around the church, looking at the details of the art and architecture and enjoying the peace of the setting. The church is generally accessible, though there are no widely advertised opening hours, so visitors should be respectful, dress modestly and avoid entering during services unless they are attending.

A local legend links the church to Queen Elisabeth, who is said to have embroidered a royal mantle here while she was held captive in the fortress of Novigrad. The story is picturesque, but it should be treated as folklore. The best-known captivity of a queen of that name was that of Elizabeth of Bosnia, the mother of Queen Mary of Hungary, who was imprisoned in 1386 in the fortress of Novigrad near Zadar, in Dalmatia, a different town from the Istrian Novigrad. The tale shows how stories travel and attach themselves to places, and it adds colour to a visit even if the history is uncertain.

Novigrad has plenty of other things to see on foot. The medieval fortification walls and the Town Walls Promenade give a pleasant circuit with sea views, the Venetian Loggia stands near the harbour, and the Parish Church of St. Pelagius and Maximus, with its early medieval crypt, is the main church of the town. The PERVINO winery offers tastings of Istrian wines, and the waterfront has cafés and restaurants serving fresh fish.

The church suits history and art lovers, and travellers who enjoy small, quiet places. Allow about half an hour, and combine it with a walk along the walls.