St Stephen’s Church and Jewish Square
Church, Piran
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Church of St. Stephen served as a gathering place for townspeople to make important decisions. Its current Baroque appearance includes a richly carved stone decoration above the main entrance, attributed to Paolo Groppelli (18th century). The church was once known as “Del Crocifisso”, after a painting of the Crucifixion that formerly adorned the main altar.
Today it features an older wooden crucifix, statues of St. Stephen and St. Lawrence (late 19th century), and altars crafted by Giovanni Battista Bettini (1755, 1778). The right altar holds Mary of Good Counsel with Saints, painted by Matteo Furlanetto. A rococo stucco ceiling is crowned by the fresco Stoning of St. Stephen (Avgustini, early 20th c.). Behind the altar, stone stairs lead to the former confraternity quarters for those praying for a peaceful death. Two processional symbols are displayed, and stained-glass windows by Mira Ličen Krmpotić (1998) depict the evangelists.
Access to the church is restricted.
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