On the island of Šipan, the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities is restoring the unique fortress church of St. Spirit from the 16th century. It bears witness to a time when pirates attacked and plundered the island, and the inhabitants found refuge within its walls. It is a unique structure on our coast, with a similar example existing only in Hvar, reports HRT.
Šipan has just over 400 residents, with as many as 30 churches that testify to the unwavering faith of the islanders throughout history. Standing out among them is the church of St. Spirit, built in the 16th century as a fortress.
It was here that the islanders found refuge from the pirate threats from the sea, their plundering, and attacks. Evidence of their defence can be seen in the openings on the roof.
Interestingly, the church was built in the shape of a Latin cross, which is best seen from the roof overlooking the Šipan field and the Koločepski Channel. Since 2016, at the initiative of the Dubrovnik Diocese, the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities has been restoring the church-fortress.
"We faced the threat of further deterioration due to water ingress through the roof, and the first phase focused on static repairs and resolving water issues. The second phase brought the refurbishment of the church interior," said Vedran Kosović, president of the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities.
The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of the year, when the people will once again gather in the church. There is no doubt - it will be an attraction for tourists as well, thanks to its historical significance.