Our Lady of Carmel

The church lies in the historic center of the town, in the lower part of Trgovačka Street, right after turning into Contrada del asì (vinegar alley) which is one of the oldest and best known streets in Vodnjan. Built in 1630 with a ground plan in the shape of a Latin cross, it has an exceptional facade made of finely dressed stone and a rosette that stands above the coat of arms of podestà Francesco Barbaro. The rather small belfry with one bell that rises along the left edge has the shape of a tower. The church interior is splendid: a wooden guilt altar (1651), statue of St. Sebastian, painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Simon Stock, stucco-coffered ceiling, painted wall ornaments, organ and choir gallery above the main entrance and original paintings of angels playing different musical instruments.

 The niche holds the statue of St. Peter of Alcantara, whose preaching about penitent poverty was remembered in times of drought when the statue was carried in the procession invoking rain. The position of St. Fabian's head on his feast day, January 20, was prediction to the people of Vodnjan of the successfulness of the forthcoming harvest. 

Owing to its excellent acoustics, the church is nowadays the site of many concerts of classical and sacral music.