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Baroque church of Dubrovnik’s patron St Blais (St Vlaho), built on the place of the old Romanic church from 1368 that has been lost in a fire, gained its final shape in 1715. Sustained major damage in 1667 earthquake, but completely ruined in the one night fire in 1706. On request of Dubrovnik authorities was rebuilt by Venetian architect and sculptor Marino Gropelli foloving the design of Venetian church of St Mauricius, but managed to retain some treasures from the previous church. It’s a central building with the oval dome in the center, big decorated portal and large staircase out front, with its rich baroque decorations stand out from the simple facades of the Piaca houses bringing vividness to this street. The golden statue of St Blaise holding a model of the Town from 15th century is placed at the main altar, an it is one of the precious sculptures of Dubrovnik art in general, made by an unknown sculptor from Dubrovnik school. Later on, due to this marvelous map held in the saints arms, when the buildings crashed in the 1667 earthquake, were easily recognizable and the fact that a statue is considered to be miraculous is because it survived the Church fire undamaged. The painted organ loft behind the high altar is work of Petar Mattel Matejević (early 18th century) and the glass windows are work of Ivo Dulčić (1971). Stone walls statues of St Peter and St Jerome are made by Nikola Lazanid of Brač in late 16th century
