Cathedral Basilica of St. Demetrius, Sremska Mitrovica, Croatia Verified listing

Cathedral Basilica of St. Demetrius, Sremska Mitrovica, Croatia

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Demetrius stands proudly in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. It is a Roman Catholic church following the Latin rite. As the seat of the Diocese of Srijem, the cathedral holds great spiritual importance for the local community.

First, the Diocese of Srijem was established in the 4th century. Later, Pope Gregory IX restored it in 1229, reaffirming its role. This long history adds to the cathedral's significance.

The cathedral’s construction began in 1810. By June 30, they completed the church and dedicated it to Saint Demetrius of Sirmium, the city’s patron saint. Subsequently, in 1984, the church became a co-cathedral. Then, in 1991, the Vatican elevated it to a minor basilica. Finally, in 2008, the church became the official cathedral of the Diocese of Srijem.

Architecturally, the cathedral follows a Neoclassical style. It has a single nave, a rectangular shape, and a rounded apse. The side façades feature shallow pilasters and Doric capitals. Furthermore, the windows have segmental arches. On the right, a sacristy of an irregular cubic form is attached. On the left, a small room houses the Holy Sepulcher.

Inside, the main altar now holds a statue of Saint Demetrius, replacing an earlier painting by Arsa Teodorović. Surrounding it are statues of Saint Joseph and Saint Mark. Additionally, two side altars honor Our Lady of the Rosary and the Holy Trinity.

In conclusion, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Demetrius offers more than just architectural beauty. It embodies centuries of religious tradition, making it a key landmark in Serbia’s spiritual history.

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