Church of St. Stephen (remains)

"The remains of the Church of St. Stephen in Dubrovnik are often overlooked by visitors who stick to the main streets or walk along the city walls, as the view of the sea and the island of Lokrum tends to capture most attention. Situated southwest of the Dubrovnik Cathedral, the remnants of this Romanesque church bear witness to a rich history, despite having collapsed in the earthquake of 1667. Historically, the church is noted in 949 by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus in his work "On the Management of the Empire," where he describes it as "the central, most important building in Dubrovnik" that housed the relics of St. Pancras. The origins of the church trace back to around 920 when King Pavlimir returned from Rome, generously donating to the church and storing the relics of five saints he had brought with him: St. Nereus, St. Achilles, St. Pancras, St. Domitila, and St. Petronila, the daughter of St. Peter. A larger structure was later commissioned on the same site by Croatian King Stjepan Miroslav and his wife Queen Margarita in 948 during their visit to Dubrovnik. They decorated the church lavishly, with Queen Margarita contributing two pieces of wood from the Holy Cross. Dubrovnik historians also report that King Miroslav granted land to the city, encompassing areas such as Župa, Brgat, Šumet, Rijeka Dubrovačka, and Zaton, under the condition that churches of St. Stephen of equal size be built in these locations, reflecting the significant cultural and religious influence of the original church in Dubrovnik’s history. Despite its current state of ruin, the Church of St. Stephen remains a poignant symbol of the city’s rich heritage and religious devotion."