Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota
Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota
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Tatiana Torgonskaya
Translation: Vera Root
Photo: Tatiana Torgonskaya
09.02.2020

Graceful Church of St. Eustahije is floating by Adriatica at the northern part of Dobrota. It is one of the most important historical sights of the Bay of Kotor.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The church was built in the 18th century on the site of an older temple. Famous Venetian architect, Bartolo Riviera, oversaw the construction.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Local noble families financially supported the project. Thanks to their generosity, the church became spacious enough to accommodate the increased Catholic community, and magnificent enough to impress anybody.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The church is built in the Baroque style, and the bell tower next to it has elements of the Neo-Romanesque style.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Amazingly, the construction of the bell tower took more than a hundred years — the first stone in its foundation was laid in 1795, and all the works were finished only in 1903.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The structure was wrecked by the horrible 1979 earthquake, then lightning struck the bellfly three times, causing damage to the tower and the temple. In 2007, a large-scale restoration of this historical monument has begun. At the moment, the restoration is completed.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

In addition to the temple and bell tower, the architectural complex includes a large terrace, garden and cemetery. The cemetery is fenced with a stone wall. There is a small sculpture above the gate.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The cemetery has tiny chapel.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Many honorable citizens of Dobrota rest in peace near the holy walls of St. Eustahije.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The interiors of the church also beautiful and interesting.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The tourists will see many amazing details.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

For example, a presbytery decorated with mosaics. This is the work of the infamous Croatian artist Edo Murtić.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

In addition to the central one, the temple has several side altars.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The altars are made in lavish Baroque style.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The artist used unique red marble.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Paintings and sculptures adorn the altars.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The altar of the Holy Cross frames-up a wooden crucifix. This is the oldest piece of sacred art, created long before the church itself.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

The altar of Our Lady of the Rosary amuses the visitors...

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

….with incredible carvings and paintings.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Look up to the amazing ceiling.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

It was painted by Jozo Kljaković. The Croatian artist depicted scenes from the life of St. Eustahije.

Church of St. Eustahije in Dobrota

Beautiful paintings embellish the walls of the temple. They tell stories about Christ and the saints of the Catholic Church.

The St. Eustahije is a property of the Catholic Church. It is open to all visitors.

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Culture Kotor Dobrota architecture monasteries and churches