Fulfinum Mirine

Omišalj, Croatia

The Fulfinum Mirine basilica has been preserved up to the roof level. It is the only preserved sacral building of this type not only on the island of Krk, but on the entire Croatian Littoral.

The construction of this church on the remains of the Roman town of Fulfinum marked the beginning of a new Christian town. However, its secrets are yet to be discovered by experts. Local tradition associates this church with the Glagolitic Benedictine abbey of St Nicholas, which was abandoned in the 15th century and relocated closer to Omišalj.

In its original construction phase, this impressive single-nave church had an entrance area in the front (called the narthex or vestibule), a porch on its south side, and two smaller side rooms which could be defined as early examples of a sacristy and which were connected to the wall of the presbytery. The presbytery itself has a simple layout: its rear is flat and features a freestanding bench for the clergy. In front of the bench there is part of the presbytery enclosed with an altar balustrade with a cross-shaped altar tomb at its centre. The entrance area contains a sarcophagus dug into solid rock and covered with mortar. A privileged tomb with two deceased was later placed alongside the sarcophagus. It has been dated to the period between the 7th and 8th century.

The atrium at the south porch, which also features several privileged tombs, was probably added at the same time. Over the centuries that followed, this community developed into a well-organised religious community that eventually took on the teachings of St. Benedictine, as suggested by later sources that mention the Abbey of St. Nicholas at the foot of Omišalj. Inside this monastery complex, on the eastern side of the church which also underwent changes in its interior, there are smaller spaces of a memorial and commercial character.

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Details

Founded: 7th century
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Croatia

More Information

www.visit-omisalj-njivice.hr

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Adriana Zubovic (7 months ago)
Classical music nights in Mirine - what a combo of old times and beautiful music for your soul. Do not miss!
Max (9 months ago)
Nice old stones ? No serioussly very interesting place, as you have old building beside new Oil Harbour
Mária Czinkóczki (2 years ago)
It is a calm place, very few people visít these ruins and its beach is. It is well maintained, historically interesting and significant. Beach is recommended for those who like to swim almost alone and do not mind the sight of LNG terminals. Personally, I think it is not disturbing, since it is not a huge industrial place and surrounded with greenery.
Antonio K (3 years ago)
beautiful ruins surrounded by nature. An ancient roman port just a few hundred meters away from modern LNG and crude oil terminals, showing the timeless strategical importance of the location.
Gus Godd (4 years ago)
Perfect spot for history lovers. Calm walk among the ruins with the sea sound.
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