Church of Saint Blaise on Gorica Hill
Why is it significant?
Conclude your journey along Dubrovnik's maritime shield on the summit of Gorica Hill before the venerable votive Church of Saint Blaise on Gorica (Crkva svetog Vlaha na Gorici).
Key Facts
| Place | Church of Saint Blaise on Gorica Hill |
|---|---|
| Address | Ulica don Frana Bulića 50, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia |
| Geo Coordinates | 42.65050, 18.08300 |
| Part of Walk | Fort Lovrijenac, Gradac Park and Danče Bay: The Maritime Shield of Dubrovnik |
| Generated | Generated |
Conclude your journey along Dubrovnik's maritime shield on the summit of Gorica Hill before the venerable votive Church of Saint Blaise on Gorica (Crkva svetog Vlaha na Gorici). The first shrine on this high plateau was erected in the twelfth century in gratitude to the patron saint for safeguarding the city against enemy fleets. The current church, with its elegant belfry, was rebuilt in the nineteenth century on medieval foundations, surrounded by ancient cypresses.
The church on Gorica plays an essential role in Dubrovnik's paramount civic holiday — the annual Feast of Saint Blaise on February third, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At dawn on feast day, early Mass is celebrated here, after which the procession of church banners marches toward Pile Gate to open the solemn celebrations.
From Gorica Hill, an extraordinary panoramic vista unfolds: to the west lie the pine slopes of the Lapad peninsula and the channel leading toward Koločep Island, while to the east the entire defensive contour of Fort Lovrijenac and the Old Town stands proudly against the sea, revealing the strategic brilliance of the city's location. The stone terrace surrounding Saint Blaise Church on Gorica Hill offers one of the finest sunset vistas along the entire southern Dalmatian coast. As the sun sinks into the Adriatic, the limestone battlements of Dubrovnik glow with fiery amber hues, casting long shadows across the peaceful cypress grove and the tranquil hillside sanctuaries that look out over the boundless western horizon.
Standing on this peaceful summit surrounded by ancient cypresses, you survey the path traveled from stone bastions to open sea bluffs. Here, city, nature, and eternity unite in harmony, showing why Dubrovnik remains an enduring pearl of the Adriatic and an immortal symbol of human liberty and architectural triumph.
Rest on the scenic benches of Gorica Hill or stroll down to the coast at sunset.