The Church of St. Bernardina of Siena in Portorož is a historic gem, formerly a monastery church, and now an integral part of the Bernardin hotel complex.
History of the Church of St. Bernardina
The bell tower and presbytery of the former Franciscan monastery's church have been preserved in the Bernardin area. This should not be confused with the older Benedictine monastery of St. Lawrence, which stood on Vesna, the site of the former Villa San Lorenzo and the current Hotel Metropol.
The monastery and the Church of St. Bernardina of Siena were founded in 1452 by St. Janez Kapistran (1386-1456), a priest of the Order of Friars Minor. Kapistran, a peace broker, itinerant preacher, religious reformer, and confessor, was a student of St. Bernardin Sienski, renowned for his exceptional oratory skills.
The Observants, a branch of the Franciscan Order, arrived in Istria in the mid-15th century. During his journey through Istria in 1450, Kapistran, then Vicar General of the Observants, permitted the people of Piran to establish an outpost for his order outside the city walls. The chosen site adhered to the typical location for Northern Italian medieval observant monasteries—isolated yet strategically important.
The monastery was completed and inhabited by 1452. The church included the Chapel of the Mother of God, consecrated around 1490. The Bishop of Koper, Paolo Naldini, described the church in his Ecclesiastical Chronicle as large and bright, adorned with marble altars and precious paintings. The medium-sized monastic building rose to dormitories, surrounded by workshops and extending between gardens and floors.
The monastery was closed in 1806. In 1830, the Austrian Imperial Army converted the buildings into a fortress for bay defence. Over time, the surviving structures fell into disrepair, with valuable artwork either lost or relocated.
Preserved Architecture
Today, the foundations of the nave, the cross-ribbed Gothic presbytery with a pointed triumphal arch, and the later Baroque bell tower on its northern wall remain, now part of the hotel complex since 1976. Despite the modest architectural remnants, the church exhibits typical Venetian-oriented architecture, with the belfry also reflecting Venetian style. The one-nave floor plan with a slightly narrower, cross-rib vaulted square presbytery is characteristic of Northern Italian observant churches.
In the early 20th century, fragments of the nave walls and the western facade with the entrance portal survived. The rectangular portal featured a tympanum with a pointed arch, though the design details of the portal frame are indeterminate from existing images. To the left of the church entrance was a rectangular space with a facade that had two pilasters adorned with coats of arms, possibly the Chapel of Mary.
In the presbytery, notable architectural details include four arched consoles, the capitals and bases of two semi-columns of the triumphal arch, and the joint. These elements display soft modelling, particularly evident in the triumphal arch's half-capitals and consoles, decorated with smooth corner leaves ending in fringed spreading leaves. Between the corner leaves on the south half-capital is a rosette, and on the ship's side, is a human head, while an animal figure resembling a lion's head adorns the north half-capital.
The semi-column bases, with Attic profiles and corner leaves, are partially preserved.
Instructive Tip for Visitors
When visiting the Church of St. Bernardina, remember to respect the site's historical significance. Avoid touching the preserved architectural elements to help maintain their condition. Take time to appreciate the intricate details and the history they represent. Exploring the church grounds can offer a deeper connection to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Portorož.
Exploring the Church of St. Bernardina offers a captivating journey through history and architecture. Whether you're an enthusiast of historical sites, and architecture, or simply seeking a serene spot within the Bernardin hotel complex, this location provides a unique glimpse into Portorož's past.
Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the story of this remarkable church.
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