Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic

The medieval castle-like wall and twin towers surrounding the Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic, symbolise the Croatian people's historical resistance to invading Turkish forces and their steadfast defence of the Catholic faith. Croatian migration to Australia dates back to the gold rushes of the mid-1880s.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas Tavelic, a Croatian Franciscan friar who was martyred in Jerusalem in 1391 and canonised in 1970 as the first Croatian saint. Over the years, the church has served as a unifying force, particularly during periods of political diversity within the Croatian community in Sydney.
More than just a place of worship, the Croatian Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas Tavelic in Saint John’s Park, stands as a cornerstone of the Croatian community in Sydney - preserving faith, culture and identity while offering vital spiritual and social support.