At one time, this part of town was situated on the right bank of the Miljacka River between Latin Bridge and Ćumurija Bridge. Known as Latinluk, it took its name from the Catholics (Roman Catholics) who lived there. Before Sarajevo was sacked and burned by Eugene of Savoy in 1697, around 200 Catholic families lived in this neighborhood, the majority of whom were traders from Dubrovnik.
The only Catholic church in Sarajevo
When the original Church of St. Anthony was built in 1882 it was the only Catholic church in Sarajevo. The Archbishop of Sarajevo, Josip Štadler, served at this modest wooden structure, which was 18 m long and 9 m wide and mortared with unbaked clay (ćerpič), until the completion of the Cathedral of Jesus’ Heart (1889).
As it was built using poor-quality materials, only ten years after its construction it was in a dilapidated state, so it was decided that a new place of worship be built on the same spot. A new church was built in two years and consecrated on September 20, 1914.
It was the last religious structure designed by the famous Czech architect, Josip Vancaš, who gave Sarajevo many immeasurably important structures.
The Church of St. Anthony is built in the neo-Gothic style and is about 31 m long and more than 18 m wide. The church’s spire is more than 50 m high and contains five bells, the largest of which weighs over four tons.
The interior of the church began to take on its current appearance in the 1960s, when the artistic renovation, which lasted a full 20 years, began. There are highly valuable pieces which adorn the interior and feature the work of Croatian artists. Dulčić, Seder, Kršinić, Michieli, Keser, Vulas, Lovrenčić and Grgić are just a few of the great artists whose works are on display, giving the Church of St. Anthony one of the richest art collections of any churches in BiH.
Monastery and Franciscan seminary
St. Anthony’s monastery (built in 1894) has been of great importance to the religious and cultural life of Sarajevo. Located in the same complex, there was also a Franciscan seminary (1909-1968).
Located in the basement of the monastery, the Little Gallery of St. Anthony has been doing quite well for years now and hosts various cultural events, such as musical evenings, book promotions, exhibits, lectures….
Throughout the centuries, the Church of St. Anthony has been, and remains, a seat of spiritual life in Sarajevo. Its doors are open to visitors all day long and it’s interesting that, in addition to Catholics, it is also visited by Sarajevans of other faiths who pray to God in their own way and leave donations which are then distributed by the good Franciscans to Sarajevo’s poor, regardless of their religious confession.
It is precisely the openness of the Franciscans and their dedication to the welfare of the citizens of Sarajevo that the 100th anniversary of the Church of St. Anthony of Padua was celebrated not only by Catholics, but by all who are in love with the wonderful multi-confessional tapestry of Sarajevo, and this church in Bistrik is an important and colorful part of this fabric.
