In one of the most impressive locations on the Adriatic, on a hill that dominates the bay of Komiža, in the 13th century, the Benedictines from the island of Biševo, erected a fortified monastery with the church of St. Nicholas
Every year, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, children and fishermen, an old and unusable wooden boat, hauled by hand from Komiža, is set on a bonfire in front of the church. On the St. Nicholas Day, the boat is set ablaze – and with the ashes left behind, new ships are consecrated and blessed. This ritual, which sacrifices the old ship for the blessing of those that are still sailing, emphasizes once again the genuine connection between the inhabitants of Komiža and the sea.
Likewise, on Palm Sunday, which is a week before Easter, in this fortified church begins the ritual of Kvarantore.
Kvarantore is a Catholic practice of prayer and adoration that lasts for 40 hours (the name is derived from the Italian words quaranta=forty and ore=hours). The rite itself is the act of exhibiting the Most Blessed Sacrament. It begins on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, and ends on Tuesday night, when after the evening Mass, there is a closing ceremony.
It is not known when they were introduced, but probably in the 18th century – the decoration of the altars in Komiža still takes place today, without changes. Komiža is the only place in our diocese where the classical way of decorating altars for the Kvarantore has been almost completely maintained. On the agreed day of the week before Palm Sunday, a group of men and women set up decorations on the main altar according to the usual arrangement. Along with the red cloth, which is a typical feature of Baroque decoration, the walls of the shrine, the arch above the entrance to the shrine, the wooden structure for candlesticks and the parts of altar, where a large number of candlesticks, a throne, angels and a crown are placed, are covered. During the common hour of worship, more than 120 candles burn in a space filled with numerous flowers.
It is a unique and sublime experience to attend solemn ceremonies for the duration of the Kvarantore, because of all the decorations and the mystical light coming from the lit candles.
The Kvarantore in Komiža are a testimony of man’s endeavor to get closer to God, through prayer, and adoration, but also working unto His Glory. If the trip causes you to come to Dalmatia at pre-Easter time, be sure to come to the island of Vis, in Komiža. Throughout the Holy Week, apart from the Kvarantore, you can attend ceremonial mass celebrations, and experience some of the rare historical ceremonies that still take place in this region.
Location: From Komiža harbour, you can reach St. Nicholas Church in an easy, 15 minutes’ walk.
