Church of Our Lady of Mercy

The exact date when this beautiful edifice was constructed is not known, but we do know it was consecrated in 1487. Prefect Scipione Benzone commissioned the church which was reconstructed in 1584, when the elegant loggia, with the municipal prefect’s crest on its gable, was probably added (the inscription SCIP BENZ P.M.D.84 is carved into the lintel).

The inscription on the transom of the entrance to the church reveals it was renovated in 1750. Furthermore, at the beginning of this century both the church interior and exterior were renovated again. The church has valuable late Baroque carved wooden benches and votive offerings pertaining to Rovinj’s nautical history. The exquisite altar painting (tempera and oil on wood) ‘Our Lady of Mercy’ from 1567 is by an unknown painter, reminiscent in style of Venetian Mannerism. The inscription on the floor gravestone indicates that Countess Elizabetta Angelini-Califfi, celebrated as the ‘mother of the poor’, was buried here on December 13, 1762.