Dajla: a seaside country palace and former monastery
Dajla is a coastal village north of Novigrad. Its seaside country estate includes the church of St John the Baptist and later housed Benedictine monks.
The palace, church and chaplain’s house surround a central space open towards the sea. A former garden and gateway lie between the main building and the shore, where there is a small stone jetty. The estate could therefore also be reached by sea.
A church and its architectural counterpart
The Baroque church of St John the Baptist was consecrated in 1783. French architect Le Terrier de Manetot designed the present complex in 1839, retaining the church. Opposite it, he placed a chaplain’s house with a matching façade. The two buildings form an architectural pair on either side of the central space, despite their different uses. Behind them stands the rectangular neoclassical palace, with two upper floors, built on the site of an earlier castle.
From country estate to monastery and care home
The estate’s history reaches back to antiquity, long before the present palace. A medieval monastic community preceded centuries of management by noble families. Count Francesco Grisoni designated the estate for the Benedictines of Praglia near Padua, on condition that they provide education in the area.
The Benedictines moved into the villa in 1860, and the monastery operated until 1948. Afterwards, the complex housed a home for older people and a poorhouse, which continued until 1989.
Distance from Bale: 46 minutes driving
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