Speleolog, Vol. 72 No. 1, 2024.
Editorial
Results of the Research on the St. Anthony's Cave Church in the Channel near Šibenik
Emil Podrug
Josip Pavić
Abstract
St. Anthony’s Cave is located in the channel of the same name, which connects Šibenik and its port with the open sea. The cave consists of a single spacious hall with a large opening facing northwest. In the Middle Ages, the cave was adapted into a sanctuary dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbot (the Hermit), which led to its entrance being closed with a stone wall, and its interior began to take on elements of church furnishings. The cave church of St. Anthony is mentioned in numerous historical sources, primarily in wills where believers recorded donations to it, and it is often depicted on Venetian and later maps. It was also known as a hermitage, chosen by hermits for their ascetic, penitent life in isolation. Of the stone elements of the church of St. Anthony, the cave still contains two altars (in poor condition), a water basin, and segments of the floor paving. In the first half of the 20th century, the cave lost its sacred purpose and became part of a military zone that occupied much of the channel’s coasts. Between the two World Wars, a concrete structure was built inside the cave, serving as a military warehouse and guardhouse, which led to the devastation of a large part of the facade wall and the church interior. Recent construction of a walkway in St. Anthony’s Channel has made this unique cave site more accessible to visitors, and efforts have been initiated to restore the former church space. As part of the preparatory research and conservation activities, archaeological excavations have been carried out inside and in front of the cave.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
329412
URI
Publication date:
13.3.2025.
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