Monument to Gregory of Nin, Split Travel Guide

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An iconic statue honoring a champion of Croatian language and culture, located just outside Diocletian's Palace in Split. Don't forget to rub his toe for good luck!

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Monument to Gregory of Nin

The Monument to Gregory of Nin, crafted by Ivan Meštrović, stands just outside Split's Golden Gate, a tribute to the medieval bishop who championed the Croatian language in religious services. Rubbing the statue's toe is said to bring good luck, making it a popular stop for tourists.

A brief summary to Monument to Gregory of Nin

Ul. kralja Tomislava 12, Splitska, 21000, HR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monument to Gregory of Nin.

Rub the statue's big toe for good luck – it's a popular local tradition!
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.
Take some time to explore the nearby Golden Gate and the adjacent park, Đardin.

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Diocletian's Palace

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Getting There

Walking

The Monument to Gregory of Nin is located just outside the Golden Gate, one of the main entrances to Diocletian's Palace. From the center of Split, walk north towards the palace. Once you reach the Golden Gate, the statue will be immediately visible to your left. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

The monument is easily accessible by public transport. Several local buses stop near the Golden Gate. From the Split Bus Station or ferry port, take any bus heading towards the city center and get off at a stop near Diocletian's Palace. From there, walk to the Golden Gate. A single bus fare within Split costs approximately €1.00 - €2.00.
Taxi

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Split. Simply ask your driver to take you to the Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata). The monument is located right outside this gate. A short taxi ride from the Split Bus Station or ferry port to the Golden Gate will typically cost between €5.00 and €10.00.

Discover more about Monument to Gregory of Nin

The imposing Monument to Gregory of Nin is a powerful symbol of Croatian cultural identity, located just north of Diocletian's Palace, near the Golden Gate in Split. Created by the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, the nearly 8.5-meter tall bronze statue depicts Gregory of Nin, a 10th-century bishop who advocated for the use of the Croatian language in religious services. This was a significant challenge to the Latin-dominated Church at the time and is seen as a key moment in the struggle for Croatian cultural preservation.Originally erected in the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace in 1929, the statue was later moved by Italian occupying forces during World War II. In 1954, it was re-erected at its current location. Gregory of Nin's advocacy for the Croatian language has made him a symbol of resistance against oppression and a figure of national pride.Today, the statue is a major tourist attraction. A local tradition holds that rubbing the statue's big toe brings good luck, and the toe is noticeably polished from countless visitors participating in this custom. The monument serves as a reminder of Croatia's rich history and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage.