"Beram, a hidden marvel" Beram by JLBG

Beram Travel Guide: 39 reviews and 47 photos

BERAM is located on a hill ten kilometers from Pazin toward Porec. In the 19th century, a prehistoric necropolis at the base of the settlement was studied that yielded valuable archeological findings. In the Middle Ages, Beram was surrounded by bulwarks and a great defensive tower was built in the center. In 1431 at the base of this tower, the Late Gothic church of St. Martin (Sveti Martin) was built. This church was decorated with frescoes that have been preserved in the eastern part of the new parish church (built at the beginning of this century since the old church was incorporated within the new monumental building).

Approximately 1.5 km from Beram is one of the most famous cultural and artistic landmarks in Istria - the cemetery church of St. Mary (Sveta Marija na Skrilinah). It was built in the Middle Ages and baroque remodelling contributed to its present appearance.

The interior of the church is ornamented by the most significiant Istrian mural cycle - frescoes painted by Vincent of Kastav in 1474. The different fields show sequences from the life of Mary and Christ, the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the figures of individual saints and symbolic scenes, Saint Martin, Saint Florian , etc.

The top half of the northern wall is occupied by a colorful procession, the Adoration of the Kings, and the top half of the western wall by an allegorical Dance of death.

The cycle of frescoes in the Church of St. Mary shows all the characteristics of the art of the border territory where influences from the south and north merge. Models of folk simplicity are incorporated in a unique narration. In this work, Vincent of Kastav was joined by assistants.

During the remodelling of the church in the early 18th century, some of the paintings disappeared from the sanctuary of were damaged when new windows were installed. With time, the frescoes by Vincent of Kastav and his assistants became covered by mortar, to be rediscovered in 1913 and exhibited to the public.

Last visit to Beram: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Feb 11, 2005
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Reviews (37)

Old tombstone Off The Beaten Path (1)

In the cemetery that is around the church, a few graves have kept their stone. More grave stones must be hidden by the... more travel advice

Inside Sveta Marija na Skrilinah - Beram

Inside Sveta Marija na Skrilinah Favorites (8)

The first glimpse inside Sveta Marija na Skrilinah is a great surprise. Frescoes cover the walls and the ceiling. Every... more travel advice

The entrance of Sveta Marija na Skrilinah - Beram

The entrance of Sveta Marija na... Favorites (8)

The entrance of Sveta Marija na Skrilinah does not open directly on the outside. There is a porch that protects the main... more travel advice

Sveta Marija na Skrilinah Favorites (8)

The church Sveta Marija na Skrilinah is small is strong and massive. It has been able to protect the frescoes from rain,... more travel advice

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Comments (15)

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TheWanderingCamel Mar 9, 2012 at 7:25 AM

I'm thrilled to have found this page. Definitely on my planned itinerary for our visit to Istria this September, though I think I shall keep it as a surprise for MrL, a little detour along the way. He loves frescoes churches, as do I, and I'm sure knows nothing about this one. Merci bien, Jean-Louis.
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balhannah Jan 18, 2012 at 9:35 PM

Wow! Excellent page! The frescoes are marvellous, I hope they are never destroyed. I have really enjoyed reading all about them.
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volopolo Feb 13, 2009 at 3:24 AM

Great pictures
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angiebabe Jan 2, 2009 at 7:42 AM

lovely art here - I love visiting medieval frescoes as well - shame we didnt know about this place when we drove down to Porec! - will have to make a pg of non-visited top5 destinations as well!
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Paris92 Nov 7, 2008 at 4:20 PM

Just discovered these pages--really interesting! Great job documenting this!
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matcrazy1 Apr 18, 2005 at 9:27 AM

Impressive and detailed presentation of old frescoes with very good pictures and writings.
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Bwana_Brown Feb 11, 2005 at 9:41 AM

Very impressive that so many important historical frescos can still be found in such a small and out-of-the-way church!! Beautiful photos and great descriptions of the scenes!
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Daja123 Dec 28, 2004 at 1:33 PM

Excellent page Jean., especially frescoes. Enjoyed reading your tips and viewing your photos. Thanks so much for your visit to my pages.
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Waalewiener Nov 30, 2004 at 10:05 PM

Wow what a page Jean I never knew where Beram was located ,but now I see how beautiful it is Great page Jean.
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sim1 Oct 1, 2004 at 2:22 PM

Wow, those fresco's are fantastic! Great detailed page!