Senj Catacombs and Crypts
Catacombs are underground burial sites where early Christians buried their dead and, during times of intense persecution, sought refuge. The term catacomb comes from the Greek kata kymbas, meaning "by the hollow". They were especially numerous around ancient Rome, with the most famous being the Catacombs of Sebastian, Domitilla, and Priscilla.
The first preserved record of a cemetery on the Senj square called Cimiter is found in the Statute of the Senj Chapter from the year 1340.
The Senj catacombs are located beneath the right aisle of the Senj Cathedral, partially extending under the Cimiter Square, which historically served as the city cemetery.
In the mid-18th century, Bishop Benzoni of Senj (1730–1745) added a right side aisle to the cathedral, under which a space for tombs was created.
Prices – Catacombs of Senj
Adults: €5.00
Children: €3.00 (ages 7–12)
Family ticket: €10.00
Free Admission
Children under 7 years of age
Residents of the City of Senj
Guided Tour Services
Pre-arranged group tours: €20.00
The price includes a guided tour of the catacombs, the cathedral, the crypt, and the votive church of St. Mary of Art. Advance booking is required.
Opening Hours – Catacombs of Senj
June 1 – August 31
Every day: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
September 1 – May 31
Visits available with prior telephone reservation ► +385 99 4411 240
The beginning of the burials is confirmed by a document from 1737, which mentions that beneath the right aisle of the nave there is the tomb of Tomica Dujmović. The last burial took place in 1868.
When the state authorities prohibited access to tombs from inside the church, an entrance was opened from the outside, which still exists today.
By the mid-19th century, burials were no longer allowed in the Senj catacombs.
During World War II, thanks to the exceptionally thick walls, the crypt served as a shelter for citizens during the bombing of Senj.
The crypt is a protected cultural monument and is registered as cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.
It was restored between 2017 and 2020 through the efforts and financial support of the Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Senj and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.
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