The first building erected on the site of this church is believed to have been a Roman villa rustica.

On its remains an early Christian church was constructed from the 4th to 6th centuries AD and later added to and completed in the late 8th century. From that period to the end of the 12th century the church of St. Mary was repeatedly reconstructed and repaired until it finally assumed the form it has today, that of a three-nave Romanesque basilica on columns.

This church used to be a holy place with pilgrims visiting on a yearly basis because the statue of the Madonna was thought to answer prayers and petitions and was also known as the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.

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№13 of 17 places in Vrsar
№2101 of 2178 places in Croatia
№3 of 4 Churches and cathedrals in Vrsar
№280 of 290 Churches and cathedrals in Croatia