Jurčići, Chapel of St. Anthony the Abbot

The Chapel of St. Anthony the Abbot in the settlement of Jurčići, south of Kastav, was built in the mid-15^th century. A Glagolitic inscription dated 16^th April 1453, has been preserved on the northern wall, next to which the Latin-script date 1837 was later carved, associated with one of the later restorations. This single-nave church with a wooden roof structure was significantly altered during the 19^th century. At that time, the sanctuary was partitioned, the nave was extended, and a porch and a single-bell gable were added to the facade.

Due to a series of subsequent interventions, the Late Gothic frescoes are preserved today only in fragments. Their reliable interpretation will only be possible after systematic research and restoration work. Nevertheless, the preserved fragments already indicate a connection with the workshops of Vincent and John of Kastav, active during the last quarter of the 15^th century.

On the northern wall, a motif of a small dog under horses' hooves can be discerned, along with fragments of richly decorated horse trappings with stamped punch marks, suggesting the remains of the Adoration of the Magi scene. A fragment on the southern wall depicts the Eucharistic Christ with a host near the halo and stalks of wheat passing through his right hand. The decorative program featuring a rainbow motif further confirms the connection of these paintings with the production of the Kastav workshops.

Iconographic program:

Northern wall: 1 Adoration of the Magi, 2 Eucharistic Christ, 3 Ornamental repertoire.