Recent earthquakes in Croatia damaged almost 80.000 buildings. This paper concentrates on sacral architecture and presents an in-depth analysis of the failure mechanisms observed in arches, vaults, and domes within sacral architecture. The study focuses on the structural vulnerabilities that were exposed during the earthquakes, resulting in significant damage to historically and culturally important edifices. Besides failure mechanisms detection, a combination of field surveys, laboratory testing and structural analyses, are performed. The primary failure modes are identified, assuming the causes and design deficiencies specific to these architectural forms and period of construction. Case studies of notable structures affected by the seismic activity illustrate the challenges faced in preserving both the integrity and the aesthetic value of these heritage buildings. A brief overview of all the steps is provided, highlighting the unique approach required for each building due to their specific characteristics and the relatively small stock of sacral architecture in the region. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the broader discourse on the protection of cultural heritage in seismically active regions, providing insights that can inform future architectural practices and policies in earthquake-prone areas.