Patriotic statue of Orgur Ninski (1924) by Ivan Mestrovic, near Golden Gate in Old Town.

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Grgur Ninski statue

Split


Sculpted by Ivan Meštrović, this gargantuan statue is one of the defining images of Split. Its subject, a 10th-century Croatian bishop, fought for the right to use old Croatian in liturgical services instead of Latin. Notice that his left big toe has been polished to a shine – it’s said that rubbing the toe brings good luck and guarantees that you’ll come back to Split.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Split attractions

1. Golden Gate

0.02 MILES

The biggest and grandest of the city gates, this was the main processional entrance into Diocletian's Palace. Metal bars once blocked the outer entrance,…

2. Gallery of Fine Arts

0.04 MILES

Housed in a building that was the city’s first hospital (1792), this gallery exhibits 400 works of art spanning 700 years. Upstairs is the permanent…

3. Split City Museum

0.05 MILES

Built by Juraj Dalmatinac in the 15th century for one of the many noblemen who lived within the old town, the Large Papalić Palace is considered a fine…

4. Synagogue

0.07 MILES

Built into the western wall of Diocletian's Palace, Split's synagogue is the third-oldest synagogue in Europe that's still in use. Created out of two…

5. Diocletian’s Palace

0.08 MILES

Taking up a prime harborside position, the extraordinary complex of Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures in existence…

6. Iron Gate

0.09 MILES

The high arches of this large double gate lead from Diocletian's Palace to the main city square.

7. Peristil

0.09 MILES

This picturesque colonnaded ancient Roman peristyle (courtyard) lies at the very heart of Diocletian's Palace. In summer you can almost be guaranteed a…

8. Silver Gate

0.09 MILES

Originally a double gate on the eastern wall of Diocletian's Palace, only the inner part of this portal remains, decorated with arches and niches that…