Vodnjan, Church of St. Catherine

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The church stands out as one of Vodnjan's most ancient sacred structures, tracing its history back to the 12th century. For centuries, this church was a popular pilgrimage site just outside the city limits, but by the 17th century, as the town grew and expanded, it seamlessly became an integral part of its fabric. In 2020, cutting-edge scanning and photogrammetry techniques were employed following a comprehensive program of conservation and restoration work, along with in-depth research into the church's exquisite wall paintings. The north wall boasts vivid depictions of St. Apollonia and the mystical union between St. Catherine and her beloved. Closer inspection of the apse reveals a striking painting featuring Christ at its center, surrounded by two male and female saints on either side. Meanwhile, the south wall preserves a portion of an ancient scene where the saints gather around a table, while the west wall showcases a dramatic detail from the last judgment narrative. In addition to these captivating murals, the church's interior also features a range of intricate engravings (ships, coats of arms, and stars) as well as graffiti scrawled in both Latin and Glagolitic script.