The Church of St. Stošija in Biograd na Moru is a significant historical and cultural landmark, recognized as a protected cultural asset. It stands as one of fifteen such assets in the city, underscoring its importance in the region’s heritage.
Constructed with finely worked stone blocks, the Church of St. Stošija is a monumental single-nave building featuring a square apse and a bell tower. The church, built in a simple Baroque style, boasts a profiled portal and a rosette on its facade. Atop the gable, a stone Baroque statue of Saint Stošija adds to the church’s majestic appearance. The side facades are elegantly divided into three fields and three window axes, highlighting the building’s architectural harmony.
The bell tower, built in a more rustic neo-stylish form, rises to 30 meters. It bears a dedication plaque from 1859, commemorating its construction. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with the wooden polychrome Baroque altar being one of its most significant features. In total, the church houses five altars: the main altar with the sacristy and the image of the descent of the Holy Spirit, the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary, the altar of St. Ante, the altar of the Souls in Purgatory, and the altar of St. More.
Throughout its history, the Church of St. Stošija has endured the ravages of war, yet it has been meticulously restored and preserved. The current structure was consecrated in 1761 by Zadar Archbishop Mate Karaman. The Latin inscription above the main entrance translates to a dedication to God Most High, noting the temple’s dedication to Saint Anastasia the martyr, and crediting the local community and religious leaders for its construction during the fifteenth year of Archbishop Mate Karaman’s tenure.
Adjacent to the church, a 30-meter-high belfry was erected in 1859, featuring three bells installed in 1925 to commemorate the millennium of the Croatian kingdom. Additionally, a new parish house was constructed next to the church in 1869, further enhancing the site’s significance.
Today, the Church of St. Stošija stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the resilience and piety of the Biograd na Moru community. It is a cherished cultural asset that continues to draw visitors and worshippers alike, reflecting the rich historical tapestry of this Adriatic town.