Church of St. James (Crkva sv. Jakova), Prelog

The Parish Church of St. James, Župna crkva sv. Jakova, is the main historic church of Prelog, a small town in Međimurje, the northernmost region of Croatia, close to the Drava river and the Slovenian and Hungarian borders. It is a Baroque monument of the 18th century, built between 1758 and 1767, at a time when the region was recovering and prospering under Habsburg rule and when many parishes replaced older, smaller churches with larger, more decorated ones. The building was commissioned by the parish priest, Ivan Mihovil Smrekar, and paid for by the local citizens, which says something about the importance of the church to the community and the confidence of the town in the mid-18th century. It stands in the historic centre, and its tower and façade are the main landmarks of Prelog.

The great treasure of the interior is the monumental three-part high altar. It is attributed to the sculptor Veit Königer, an Austrian-born master who trained at the Vienna Academy and worked for churches across northern Croatia, including Varaždin, Zagreb and Međimurje, and to the cabinetmaker Josip Herman, who built the architectural framework. The altar was financed by Abbot Josip Gradičaj, and it dates from around 1750 in its design, though it was installed later. In style, it blends the balanced forms of Classicism with the flowing, ornamental language of the Rococo, with gilded and painted surfaces, carved figures and decorative details that catch the light. Its three sections are dedicated to three saints: St. James, the patron of the church, St. Joseph and St. John of Nepomuk, the Bohemian martyr who was a very popular saint in Central Europe in the 18th century. The altar is the focal point of the interior and the main reason for art lovers to visit.

Prelog itself has a history of trade and crossing. It lies on the banks of the Drava, near Lake Dubrava, a large reservoir, and its location at a crossing of routes made it a market centre from the Middle Ages, with records from the 13th century. The name is thought to be connected with a word for crossing or a place beside the river, which reflects its role in travel and trade. The town today is a quiet local centre, with a calm pace and a gentle landscape of fields and villages.

The church does not usually charge an admission fee, and visitors are welcome to look at the interior, though it is mainly open for services and at certain hours, so it is wise to ask locally. Dress modestly, speak quietly and avoid disturbing worshippers. A visit takes about twenty to thirty minutes, and the detailed carving of the altar rewards a slow look.

It suits lovers of Baroque art and church architecture, and travellers exploring Međimurje. Combine it with a walk along the Drava and a drive to Lake Dubrava, and a meal of local dishes.