For seven centuries Trsat sanctuary is gathering worshipers of the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary of Nazareth, at 135 meters high hill on the left bank of the river. The worship of Mary began by transferring Mary's house from Nazareth to Trsat on May 10th 1291. According to legend the on December 10th 1294. the same house was  transferred to Loreto, where it was supposed to be transferred in the first place. Once the house was transferred to Loreto, people of Trsat went to the Pope, and prayed him to give them back the house. In order to console the people of Trsat, Pope Urban V gave them the painting of Mother of Mercy. On the spot were Mary's house once was Prince Martin Franko built a Franciscan monastery and church for the painting. Since 1367. the painting has been worshiped. According to the legend the painting was painted by St. Luke himself. Today Trsat Shrine of Virgin Mary is known for many answered prayers and pilgrimages of many believers. Within the sanctuary there is a church Mother of God, the Franciscan monastery, the treasury and pastoral center of Pope John Paul II.