The Church of Saint Michael and the Monastery
The Third Order Franciscans Secular – Glagolitic Monks have lived in the Monastery of Saint Michael since 1818.
This is a Franciscan lay order. The church is mentioned in the 12th century, but towards the end of the 14th century, it was rebuilt in Gothic forms that have largely been preserved to this day.
In its floor plan, it is a single-nave building with a rectangular sanctuary.
The main facade is the most representative, featuring a main portal rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style with an original lunette attributed to Paul of Sulmona, figures of saints, and Roman spolia.
A valuable painted wooden crucifix from the 13th century is preserved in the church. The cloister and monastery buildings lack distinct stylistic features.
Location
Zadar
Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea, at the northwestern part of Ravni Kotari region. Zadar serves as the seat of Zadar County and of the wider northern Dalmatian region. The city proper covers 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi) with a population of 71,000 in 2025, making it the second-largest city of the region of Dalmatia and the fifth-largest city in the country.
ExploreGothic
Gothic appeared relatively late in Croatia. In addition to the 13th and 14th centuries, as long as it lasted in Europe, its influence is also visible in the 15th and 16th centuries – for example, on the Trogir and Sibenik cathedrals. Also on the territory of Croatia, you can often see admixtures of Romanesque and Renaissance in Gothic buildings. Gothic influence from European countries adapted to its possibilities and needs and thus created a “domestic artistic expression”. This mixture of styles is most pronounced in Dalmatia. The northern regions were exposed to the influences of Central Europe, while the coastal regions tied their artistic expression to Italian models.
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