Church of St. Andrija the Apostle

The Church of St. Andrija, which is the Croatian form of St. Andrew the Apostle, is the main parish church of Bakar, a small and old port town at the head of a deep bay on the Kvarner coast, a short drive east of Rijeka. The church is set in the old part of town, on the slope above the harbour, and its bell tower and large roof are among the landmarks seen from the water. Bakar has been a significant harbour for centuries, and the church reflects the town's long role as a seat of religious life in the area.

The present building results from several phases of construction and rebuilding. Churches have been standing on this site for a very long time, and the structure that visitors see today is the product of centuries of alterations, repairs and enlargements rather than a single moment. It is a large, three-nave church with side altars, and the interior is lined with altars, paintings and statues that have been collected over time. Its scale surprises many visitors, because Bakar itself is a small town, and the church speaks of times when the settlement had much greater economic and religious importance, as a port of the noble Frankopan family and of the Kvarner region.

One feature often mentioned in local descriptions is the crypt under the church, where priests and prominent townspeople were buried, and which is sometimes visited as part of guided walks around the town. Access arrangements can change, so it is best to ask in town or at the tourist office rather than assume it is open. The church is also known for good acoustics, and concerts are occasionally held in it.

Bakar's other points of interest make an easy walk. The old streets run down to the sea, the Bay of Bakar offers views over the deep blue water to the surrounding hills, and traditional drystone walls climb the terraces behind the town. The whole setting has a quiet, unspoiled character that contrasts with busier coastal resorts. The bay itself has an industrial side, with port facilities visible across the water, but the old centre keeps its small-town feel.

Plan on twenty to thirty minutes for the church, and more if you add a stroll through the old quarter. Dress modestly, since this is an active parish church, and check opening hours locally. The visit suits people interested in religious architecture, local history and off-the-beaten-path stops on the Kvarner coast.