Parish Church Maria Zvijezda Trapisti
street: Slatinska bb, 78000 Banja Luka
Object Type
ChurchYear Built
1870Object area
2000 m2Religion
Roman CatholicFrom City Center
6.9 kmVisit Object
09:00 - 18:30Detailed information about the property
Parish Church Maria Zvijezda Trapisti
Hidden on the outskirts of Banja Luka, the Parish Church of Maria Zvijezda stands as one of the most significant cultural and spiritual symbols of the region. Founded as part of the Trappist monastery established by Father Franz Pfanner in 1869, this church is the heart of a community that deeply transformed the character and spirit of Banja Luka. The Trappists, members of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, came with a vision – to build a self-sustaining, spiritually rich and industrially advanced brotherhood through silence, prayer, and work. This very church is a lasting testament to their dedication, skill, and vision.
Construction of the church began in 1925 and was completed in just one year. The project was designed by monk-architect Brother Eberhard a...
Hidden on the outskirts of Banja Luka, the Parish Church of Maria Zvijezda stands as one of the most significant cultural and spiritual symbols of the region. Founded as part of the Trappist monastery established by Father Franz Pfanner in 1869, this church is the heart of a community that deeply transformed the character and spirit of Banja Luka. The Trappists, members of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, came with a vision – to build a self-sustaining, spiritually rich and industrially advanced brotherhood through silence, prayer, and work. This very church is a lasting testament to their dedication, skill, and vision.
Construction of the church began in 1925 and was completed in just one year. The project was designed by monk-architect Brother Eberhard and academic sculptor Bruno Diamant, whose works are still preserved inside the church. Architecturally, it is a unique three-nave basilica with pronounced early Christian and Romanesque elements. The central nave stretches an impressive 60 meters, while the church’s character is defined by ornate reliefs, sculptures, and capitals – each one different, each with its own story. The sacristy, made entirely from walnut wood, is a true masterpiece of woodcarving, referred to by art historians as the "crown of ecclesiastical woodcraft" in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Trappist monastery, of which the Church of Maria Zvijezda is a part, was not only a spiritual center but also a driver of regional development. Beyond their religious mission, the Trappists established orphanages, schools, craft workshops, a brewery, a dairy, a printing press, a brickyard, and even the first hydroelectric plant in Bosnia. They were pioneers of industrial modernization in Banja Luka, and their production of the famous "Trappist" cheese became renowned far beyond the borders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This harmony of prayer and labor (Ora et labora) is embodied in the church’s very structure, reflecting both monastic simplicity and rich artistic expression.
The church has withstood numerous disasters – wars, nationalization, two devastating earthquakes (in 1969 and 1981) – yet it still stands as a testament to resilience and faith. One of the most fascinating details is the 2.6-meter-tall statue of the Madonna and Child, which, despite being unanchored and placed in a high niche above the sanctuary, was never damaged. While the rest of the church suffered serious destruction, the statue remained untouched – for many believers, it is still a symbol of a miracle and divine protection.
Today, the Parish Church of Maria Zvijezda remains a place of gathering, silent prayer, and remembrance. Although the Trappist community now consists of only a few monks, the spirit of their mission lives on in every corner of this remarkable structure. The church is open to visitors, and its crypt houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the Trappists. Throughout the year, pilgrims and believers of all faiths attend masses and major celebrations, paying tribute to the legacy this community has left behind – a legacy deeply woven into the identity of Banja Luka.
Some of the available facilities and amenities within this religious site:
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Slatinska bb
78000 Banja Luka
Phone:
051 300 951
Fax:
051 319 551
Email:
ordinarijatbl@gmail.com
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