Church of St. Mary of the Snow in Balti
   Photo: Church of St. Mary of the Snow in Balti

Church of St. Mary of the Snow in Balti is one of the brightest samples of Baroque art in northern Croatia. The first mention of the church found in 1676 (it is referred to as a chapel). The church was built in two years by order of Keglievich Elizabeth, widow of Count George Keglievicha.

The church looks simple: one-storey building, surrounded by a stone wall, attach it to the chapel and the sacristy, and from the western facade of the tower rises. Particular emphasis is placed at the main entrance to the church, faced with wrought iron.

Despite the simplicity of the structure and the symmetrical architecture, interior of the church is of special interest for lovers of Baroque art. The church preserved old gilded wooden furniture, fixtures and Baroque sculptures and murals.

Particularly strong impression produced five magnificent Baroque altarpieces and frescoes preserved on the arches and ceilings of the central nave. It is not surprising, because the frescoes were done by renowned artist of Austrian origin, a monk Ivan Ranzherom.

German art critic Arthur Schneider calls the Church of Mary of the Snows in Balti jewel among the preserved examples of Baroque art.

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