Church of Our Lady of Planica

The Church of Our Lady of Planica (Blessed Virgin Mary) is located in Kostirna, along the old road connecting Vis and Komiža, between the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Michael. It was first mentioned in sources in 1668, and although three construction phases can be recognized in the structure of the walls, its style belongs to the Baroque period. It is special for its circular floor plan with a shallow rectangular apse to the east, which is extremely rare in Croatian church architecture. At the top of the roof there is a circular lantern whose shape resembles a crown, while the final cornice of rhomboid-shaped bricks further emphasizes its originality. The door with a Baroque cushion and acanthus leaf decoration and round windows with volutes complete its decorative Baroque plastic. The interior is simple: the walls are plastered with white plaster, and under the dome they end with a stone profiled cornice. In the apse there is a small stone Baroque altar depicting the “Meeting of Mary and Elizabeth”, which also reveals the church’s dedication – Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth, which is traditionally celebrated on July 2. Due to its age, distinctive architecture and historical value, the Church of Our Lady of Planica is registered in the Register of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia as a protected immovable cultural property (code Z-5695). Today it is considered one of the most important sacral monuments on the island of Vis, and due to its circular shape it is often compared to the Church of St. Donatus in Zadar.