Saint Anthony of Padua Church

Saint Anthony of Padua Church is the Franciscan church of Našice, a town in eastern Slavonia, in Croatia, at the foot of the Krndija hills. It belongs to the monastery of the Franciscans, the order that has long been active in Slavonia and tended to the faith of towns and villages throughout the region, and it is one of the older religious buildings in the town.

Franciscan churches are usually built to a straightforward plan, with a single wide nave that allowed large congregations to hear sermons, and a chancel at one end. Their outside appearance is often plain, with the richness saved for the interior. That is true here. The façade is painted in an ochre colour with white detailing, a combination that is common for churches in central Europe and gives the building a warm, distinct look from different parts of town. A bell tower rises above it, topped by a rounded, onion-shaped cap that is typical of the Baroque in this region and gives the church a recognisable silhouette.

Baroque forms are the dominant feature of the inside. Slavonia, after the end of Ottoman rule in the late seventeenth century, saw a great surge of church building and rebuilding in the new style, and Našice’s church shares in that history. Decorative detail such as gilded capitals, carved altars and painted surfaces adds a sense of richness to the single space, and the quiet atmosphere makes it a place for reflection rather than sightseeing at speed. The visible building is largely Baroque.

Located close to the Franciscan Monastery, it has grounds that are kept tidy. It is a short walk from the centre of town and from the Pejačević Castle, the grand residence of the family that shaped Našice’s history and that remains the most important monument in the town. The lake at Lapovac is a pleasant place to extend an afternoon, with walking paths and a calm setting.

The church suits visitors who like quiet, historic interiors, those who follow the trail of Baroque architecture in Slavonia, and anyone passing through town who wants a calm half hour. It is an active place of worship, so respect services, dress modestly and check whether it is open before you go.