Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Millennial Cross for the Croatian Pilgrims' House in Rome / Project led by Lovre Jakšić

- as part of a noble initiative in the field of sacred architecture, led by Father Božidar Nagy, a remarkable contemporary project dedicated to spirituality and historical memory was created – the Millennial Cross, placed in the courtyard of the Croatian Pilgrims’ House in Rome (Domus Croata).
The cross was made from bricks of the destroyed church in Aljmaš near Vukovar – a church that was demolished during the Homeland War, yet never forgotten.
The conceptual design and execution were carried out by academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić, who shaped Christ on the cross in a deeply emotional and symbolic way.
Christ’s body is stylised as a sculpture made from broken bricks – each bearing the mark of the past and of suffering. His head is bowed, arms outstretched in a gesture of surrender, the figure appearing to hover in a moment of pain and hope.
This interpretation conveys both intense suffering and the strength of faith.
The cross is mounted on an elegant white stone pedestal, while the surrounding steps and side elements are made of Veselje stone, donated by Jadrankamen from Pučišća on the island of Brač.
The staircase encircling the cross further highlights its monumental and symbolic presence.
Through his unique artistic expression, sculptor Jakšić has carved the central message of the cross – a message of faith, suffering, and unity.
This project remains a lasting reminder of the spiritual strength and identity of the Croatian people, and of values that cannot be erased by destruction or forgotten over time.