EARLY CHRISTIAN AND PRE-ROMANESQUE CHURCHES ON THE PAG ISLAND

It seems that, unlike other islands and neighbouring fortified towns, the island of Pag was not lucky enough to escape damage during the 7th century Avar and Slavic invasions, mainly because of vicinity of mainland and a relativelyl shallow sea. The island ws known for salt production, and was situated along the very important transport route linking the Byzantine Empire and the centre of the Roman Empire. This is why remains of many early-Christian churches were found in the northern part of the island, particularly in the present-day Novalja. The most interesting church, mainly because of its size and beauty, is the basilica situated in the town's centre and thought to have been a double basilica. Traces of other chruches are mostly connected with old Byzantine fortifications. Much smaller churches were discovered in the southern part of the island, which used to be less populated in past times. One of the most interesting examples of such churches is the St. Nicholas Church in Povljana which has preserved its pre-Romanesque appearance to this day, although there are some indications that this church was built on the remains of an older early-Christian church.