Church of St. Helen in Pertoča
St. Helen s Church in Pertoča is original Gothic church from 16th century. In Gothic architecture are preserevd only belfry and Gothic presbetery, in 60s in 20th century the navi was demolish and built in new style. The church stands on an exposed position, at the top of a hill above the village. There is a cemetery next to it. Church of St. Helena in Pertoča hides artwork of the renowned Slovenian mosaicist, Vicar Mark Rupnik. His works we can find in churches of Fatima in Portugal, Lourdes in France, Rome in Italy and of course, at home in Koper and Pertoča. The mosaic covers almost the entire front of the church - the presbytery, measures 92 square meters. It is rich with colors and images and deep theological significance and message.
In 2009 the churc was enrichted by a mosaic created by Vicar Marko Rupnik. The predominantly late Gothic appearances in today s side chapel and the parish church belfry have all been preserved. A short presbebytery bears witness to a Gothic construction phase, whereas the equipment is pseudo Gothic. A new house of God was built in the opposite axis of the previous nave in the period from 1963 to 1970 in line with the plans by Jože Požauk. High-quality status by Tyrolean master Josef Schmalzl and painted windows, so called glass screens, szand out among the elements. The drafts fort he latter were elaborated by Jože Zel in 1984.
