Bihaćki sarkofag

The Bihać sarcophagus stands as a silent custodian of tales, known by the evocative title of the Tomb of Croatian Nobles or the Tomb of the Bihać Nobility. Its origins trace back to the twilight of the 19th century, a testament to a bygone era following the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hallowed grounds chosen for its creation were destined to hold a legacy, the very site where the majestic Church of St. Anthony of Padua would later rise in Bihać. Within the sacred confines of this sarcophagus, the essence of nine remarkable individuals from Bihać is preserved. These were the valiant souls who, defending their city, met their fate in the tumultuous battles against the Ottoman forces during the early 16th century. Picture the initial resting place – the weathered walls of the old Church of St. Anthony, where Croatian nobles, including an esteemed tailor, found their eternal repose. Yet, history took a turn when the Ottoman shadows cast their veil over Bihać in 1592, transforming the church into the Fethiye Mosque. The nobles' remains were relocated to a nearby plot, standing witness to the passage of centuries. Then, a chapter unfolded in the late 19th century, where the distinguished departed were granted a new sanctuary – the Bihać sarcophagus. The noble names etched into history include Nikola Farkašić, Ivan Bucković, Bernardin Stivković, Luka Cvitković, Ivan and Gašpar Kobašić, Petar Rebrović, Luka Bihaćanin, Juraj Šubić, and Ivan Izačić. Fast forward to the artistic endeavors of Tomislav Turkalj in 2009, a maestro who breathed life into devastated reliefs and crafted a replica of the Bihać sarcophagus. As the seasons changed, so did the narrative of this eternal resting place, weaving a captivating story that echoes through the ages, reminding us of the valor and sacrifice encapsulated within its stone embrace.