Sisak Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Sisak is the main church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sisak in Croatia. It stands in the heart of the city on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, right beside the Siscia in situ archaeological park. For a visitor it is a natural starting point for a walk through Sisak, because Christian history and the Roman past of the town meet in one place.

What is the history of the cathedral?

A church has stood here for a very long time. The parish appears on a list of parishes of the Zagreb diocese from 1334, and some accounts suggest an early Christian basilica may have preceded the present building. The exact form of the church is known only from the 16th century onward. The sacristy dates from that period, and the presbytery was completed in 1601. In the early 18th century the nave was extended, and most of the present church is the work of that century. It was consecrated in 1765.

How did the facade change?

An earthquake in 1909 altered the look of the church. It damaged the front, and the Baroque facade was replaced with the neoclassical one you see today. The building therefore pairs a Baroque body and interior with a calmer, later front.

Why did a parish church become a cathedral?

The church gained cathedral status in 2009. On 5 December 2009 Pope Benedict XVI re-established the Diocese of Sisak, and the former parish church became its cathedral. Since then it has been the bishop's seat and the diocese's most important church.

What happened in recent times?

During the Homeland War of 1991 to 1995 the church was shelled. After the war it was thoroughly restored, and the square in front was redesigned to display remains of Roman Siscia. The strong earthquake of 29 December 2020 again caused serious damage. Before visiting, check the current state of reconstruction and whether you can go inside.

What else is nearby?

• Siscia in situ archaeological park: traces of the Roman city, exposed right next to the cathedral.
• Trg bana Josipa Jelačića: the main square of the centre, good for an unhurried stroll.
• The Kupa river and the old town area, a few minutes on foot from the cathedral.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the cathedral? In central Sisak, on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, close to the Siscia in situ park.

Since when has it been a cathedral? Since 5 December 2009, when the Diocese of Sisak was re-established.

From which period is the building? Mostly the 18th century, with a presbytery from 1601 and a neoclassical facade from the early 20th century.

Can the cathedral be visited? After the 2020 earthquake the building was badly damaged, so check current access information before you travel.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes. The archaeological park is right next door, so both can be seen in a single walk.