Church of St. Francis: Architecture of the Mendicant Orders

The Church of St. Francis was erected in the second half of the 15th century, following the planned construction of “New Pag.” However, the work was prolonged, and it was only completed in the first half of the 16th century, evidenced by the coat of arms of the Pag Duke Bartol Pesaro on the facade.

Architecture

The architecture of the church is typical for the so-called mendicant (poor) and preaching orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominican order.

It is a simple, elongated, single-nave rectangular building with a rectangular apse covered by stellar vaulting. The facade is constructed of fine, dressed stone and features a modest portal topped by a triangular gable. Above the rear section of the church rises a simple bell gable (zvonik na preslicu) designed for two bells.

In the Renaissance urban plan of New Pag, the eastern part of the city was intended for the lower and working classes. It is therefore unsurprising that the church and convent of St. Francis, the patron of the poor, were located precisely in this area. The Dominican convent and the Church of St. Anthony were also situated in the eastern part of the city.

Tombstones and Heritage

Although the Church of St. Francis is not rich in major artworks, it preserves the tombstones of distinguished Pag families, complete with their coats of arms and inscriptions. Perhaps the most significant memorial plaque belongs to Elizabeta, the daughter of the Pag Duke Jerolim Bragadin.

The male Franciscan convent that stood adjacent to the church was abolished in 1795.

A Stage for Classical Music

Today, the Church of St. Francis is known as a major cultural venue in Pag. During the Pag Cultural Summer event, the church hosts classical music concerts organized by musicologist Nina Pogorelić and pianist Lovro Pogorelić. These concerts represent the most attractive part of the summer program and draw classical music enthusiasts.