CROATIAN MARIAN SHRINES, The Sanctuary of Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj

Serene and majestic, framed by the bronze relief doors created by academic sculptor Stipe Sikirica, the Basilica of Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj dominates the town’s main square. Built between 1699 and 1712, it has withstood wars and earthquakes and has preserved its original appearance to this day. At the heart of both the basilica and the people of Sinj is the image of Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj. An unknown artist painted it in the 15th or 16th century. Gently inclined and with her gaze lowered, she has faithfully watched over her people ever since she was brought from Rama to the Cetina region, driven by the Turkish invasion, as their greatest treasure and source of hope. Historical sources, both Franciscan and those of the city’s defense commander Juraj Balbi, state that through her miraculous intercession, Sinj was forever freed from Turkish rule in 1715. As a sign of gratitude, the people of Sinj crowned the image with a golden crown in 1716, bearing the inscription: IN PERPETUUM CORONATA TRIUMPHAT – ANNO MDCCXV (Forever crowned she triumphs – 1715). Today, the image is set in a silver frame with a relief of the Sinj fortress on the back (created by sculptor Ante Jakić) and adorned with votive offerings from the faithful. In addition to Our Lady’s altar, the church also houses altars dedicated to St. Joseph, St. Francis, St. Anthony and St. Nicholas. In the presbytery, the stone altar of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac stands out, crafted by academic sculptor Kuzma Kovačić, as well as stained-glass windows by academic sculptor Anton Vrlić. Above the entrance doors are stained-glass windows depicting the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, along with images of Friar Pavao Vučković and St. Nicholas Tavelić. On the side walls of the nave are representations of the Evangelists, Blessed Alojzije Stepinac and the Servant of God Ante Antić, all works by academic painter Ivan Grgat. A mosaic and stained-glass window depicting the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ on the Cross, created by academic painter Josip Botteri Dini, are located behind the main altar. A bronze relief by Kuzma Kovačić, featuring the image of Our Lady of Sinj crowned with twelve stars, similar to the detail on the doors of the Franciscan church at Šćit in Rama, can be found in the church’s inner courtyard. The current bell tower, with four new bells and standing 43.5 meters tall, was completed in 1927 on the site of the old one built in 1775, made from muljika, a type of stone characteristic of the region’s construction. In 1958, new organs by the company Franc Jenko from Ljubljana were blessed. The church was consecrated in 2009 on the Feast of the Ascension, along with a new altar and a statue of Our Lady in the monastery courtyard (a work by academic sculptor Josip Marinović). The church and monastery are listed in the Register of Cultural Property of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia as a protected cultural monument of sacral architecture. The Sanctuary of Our Miraculous Lady of Sinj