Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Replica of the Stone Rose Window for St Margaret’s Church in Nerežišća

- on the island of Brač, in the very heart of Nerežišća, stands St Margaret’s Church – a Gothic single-nave church with a rectangular apse. Its interior is built of finely cut stone, covered by a pointed vault, with pilasters and leafy capitals. Along the side walls are trilobes on corbels shaped as human heads, and in the sanctuary, painted consecration crosses from the 14th century have been preserved. The church is registered under Z-1551 as a protected cultural monument and a valuable example of sacred architectural heritage. The church façade once featured a stone rose window, crafted in the Gothic style, which over time became severely damaged. Our workshop created a replica of the rose window, following the original design that is more than 700 years old. The new rose window was entirely hand-carved from a single block of white Brač limestone, using traditional tools and methods. The material, as in the past, is white Brač stone, renowned for its purity and durability. Every detail was sculpted with care – the columns framing the openings, the precisely defined edges, and the small central cross, symbolising light and spiritual unity. The hand-polished surfaces and deep carvings recreate the play of light once achieved by the old masters. This entire work was created as a donation from the Jakšić family to the Municipality of Nerežišća and the Parish of St Margaret – a gesture of gratitude and connection with the place, faith, and tradition that continue to inspire us. This project is part of our ongoing work on sacred buildings, where tradition is restored with deep respect for the original craftsmanship. Each restoration is, for us, a return of history into the present – where stone once again speaks the same timeless language. The new stone rose window of St Margaret’s Church revives the original Gothic façade and the spirit of old Brač. Its hand-carved form, made from a single block of stone, stands as a testament to the strength and precision of Brač stonemasonry, which we continue to uphold with dedication and respect.