Croatia Travels - Karlovac

Karlovac was founded in 1579, but the parish was already mentioned in 1334. Around it grew an important cultural, commercial and industrial centre. Still, the main reason to come are the sacral buildings of the town, including the early Baroque church of the Holy Trinity.

The national shrine of St. Joseph on Dubovac is of particular interest. This modern church began to be built in 1968 and was consecrated in 1975. It was officially designated a national shrine in 1987. The main nave (33 x 17 m) is oriented towards the white marble shrine. The statues of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, cast in plaster, are the work of the academic sculptor, Ante Starcevic. Equally striking are the pictures of Croatian saints and blessed ones dating from 1985, as well as the picture of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the country, dating from 1988 - works by Prof. Danko Butala. The aisle of the shrine (17 x 17 m) is also dedicated to Croatian saints and blessed ones. The church has a steeple with three bells weighing 980, 520 and 297 kg. The most important pilgrimage occurs on 19th March, St. Joseph’s Day.