Croatia hasn’t had many visits from the Papacy over the years. With the exception of Alexander III who was shipwrecked there in the 12th century (hardly a formal visit), the only other Pope to come to Croatia was John Paul II.
So the faithful in Rijeka, Croatia wanted to be sure to commemorate John Paul II’s 2003 visit to the Church of Our Lady of Trsat in grand style. In 2008 the architecture firm of Randić & Turato completed work on a new building at the monastery which houses pilgrims and cultural activities, according to ArchDaily.
The building contains a columned portico that creates a public square within the monastery. The building is constructed out of terracotta bricks. The designers gave the facade its distinctive pattern by staggering spaces between the bricks which allow light in to shine on the devout.
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John Paul II Hall by Randić & Turato. Photographs by Robert Leš.
The building seems to live and breathe. One for the bucket list!