Summary
The isolated funerary church of medieval Straževnik stands below a prehistoric stone mound. Its apse contains a stone relief of St Clement dated 1535; the source also records the former blessing of livestock on his feast day.
Approximate location in the Straževnik area; do not approach across private land.
History and purpose
The Church of St Clement stands in isolation east of Pražnica, on the southern slope of Klinje glave below a prehistoric stone mound. It served as the funerary church of the medieval settlement of Straževnik.
Structure and traces of the past
The apse contains a masonry altar with a relief of Pope St Clement, made by a Renaissance sculptor working in the tradition of Nikola Firentinac. The figure in the niche is carved in high relief. The arch bears the inscription S. CLEMENS PAPA, while the left pilaster is dated MDXXXV, or 1535. Livestock used to be blessed here on St Clement’s feast day.
Access and visiting
The site is in an isolated landscape. Check the route and conditions for moving through the area before visiting, and respect the archaeological and religious character of the place.
