Assumption of Mary Church, Koper

In the charming coastal town of Koper, Slovenia, stands a magnificent testament to history and architecture: the Assumption of Mary Church, known locally as Stolnica Marijinega vnebovzetja v Kopru. This awe-inspiring cathedral is not only the seat of the Diocese of Koper but also a parish church that has witnessed centuries of change, culture, and devotion.

The History of Assumption of Mary Church

Historical records suggest that a basilica might have existed in Koper as early as the 4th century, although archaeological evidence to support this claim is yet to be found. The first concrete mentions of a Romanesque church dedicated to Mary date back to the late 11th century. By 1187, Koper had its own permanent bishop, and the church was described as the main church with an altar dedicated to Mary and an open atrium or loggia.

The church endured significant turmoil in 1380 when Genoese forces looted and ravaged Koper, taking with them the relics of the city's patron saints, Saint Nazarius and Saint Alexander, and setting the church ablaze. The subsequent reconstruction efforts spanned over a century, during which the church was extended westward. In 1422, the relics of Saint Nazarius were triumphantly returned from Genoa and placed under a grand canopy altar.

By the 18th century, under the guidance of Venetian architect Giorgio Massari, the church's interior underwent a transformation into the Venetian Baroque classicism style. This renovation replaced the original Romanesque basilica's structure, leaving only the southern wall with remnants of the now-sealed Romanesque windows.

Architectural Splendor

The Assumption of Mary Church is a harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. The church's exterior is adorned with a beautifully crafted Venetian Gothic ground floor, a design attributed to the workshop of Bartolomeo Bon, who also worked on the Doge's Palace in Venice. The upper floor, characterized by pure Renaissance style, was developed by the Lombardi family of sculptors and architects in the 16th century.

The eastern facade is particularly striking, with niches housing statues of saints under their own canopies. These statues were likely part of the original canopy altar crafted after 1422, with other pieces now housed in the regional museum's lapidary.

Exploring the Interior

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by an interior that speaks volumes of its historical evolution. The nave, divided by pilasters, showcases a rich Venetian Baroque classicism style, with stucco decorations crafted by Francesco Schiavi in 1749. The profiled cornice running along the outer walls and the columns dividing the nave create an optical division of the church, culminating in the presbytery, the heart of the cathedral.

The Main Altar and Side Altars

The main altar, a canopy design, features a painting depicting the Assumption of Mary, surrounded by saints and prophets. The side altars, mostly from the 17th century, house altar paintings that could be the works of notable Venetian masters, including Pietro Liberi and Andrea Celesti.

Artistic Treasures

Among the church's most prized possessions is Vittore Carpaccio's Madonna Enthroned with Saints from 1516, displayed in the transept. Opposite this masterpiece are two more paintings by Carpaccio, The Massacre of the Innocents and The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, dating back to 1523 and considered his last known works. The presbytery features Antonio Zanchi's The Wedding at Cana in Galilee.

The marble tomb of Saint Nazarius, a 6th-century bishop and city patron, is another significant artifact. Gifted by the Venetian Republic around 1350, the tomb is an exemplary piece of Venetian sculpture, often attributed to Filippo de Sanctis. The tomb depicts the bishop in his episcopal robes, with reliefs of Pope Alexander, Saint Nazarius holding a model of the city, Deacon Elijah, and figures of the disabled seeking miraculous healing.

The Treasury and Organs

The church's treasury houses remarkable items, including a Byzantine ebony chest and an antiphonary by the miniaturist Nazarius of Koper. The cathedral's original Gaetano Callido organ from 1773 was modified in 1940 by Giorgio Bencz, altering its sound. However, in 2021, the church was endowed with new organs, the largest church organs in Slovenia, donated by Zurich's Tonhalle concert hall. These organs, crafted by Kleuker and Steinmeyer in 1988, were designed by the renowned French composer Jean Guillou.

The Bell Tower

The church is connected to a bell tower that was originally a standalone Romanesque city tower from the 12th century. It was integrated with the church during the 15th-century expansion and topped with an octagonal pyramidal cap in 1644. Standing at 53 meters, the bell tower houses the bell of Saint Nazarius from 1333, one of the oldest bells in Slovenia.

The Assumption of Mary Church in Koper is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and architectural splendor. A visit to this cathedral offers a journey through time, showcasing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Koper and its enduring significance in the heart of Slovenia.