Sopajac

SOPAJAC or Veli dol is the largest and deepest karst swallow hole in Istria. The legend says that, after a special and precise ritual in the bottom of Veli dol, one can become invisible.

The church of St. Mary used to stand along this road above the Dol. The market was held once a year around it until one year there was a bloody fight and a murder. It is said that the statue of the Mother of God in the church cried because of that crime. After that deplorable event the church was demolished and the statue of the Mother of God was moved to Karojba. However, the statue would return to Sopajac every night, kneeling and praying on the nearby stone. The legend says that this went on until the statue was transferred to the church of Karojba, where it still stands, in a solemn procession celebrated by numerous priests. Where the Mother of God would kneel and pray knee and footprints of the Mother of God can still be seen. The shepherds when passing along this place were accustomed to kneel in the same spot and say ten Hail Marys.