Grgur Ninski Statue is a bronze sculpture of Gregory of Nin, a medieval Croatian bishop who opposed the Pope and introduced the Croatian language in the religious services. The statue was created by Ivan Meštrović in 1929 and is located in the city of Split, near the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace. The statue is 8.5 meters tall and weighs 5 tons. It is one of the most popular attractions in Split and a symbol of Croatian national identity.
You can visit Grgur Ninski Statue at any time of the day or night, but it is especially beautiful at sunset when the bronze glows in the golden light. You can also touch the statue’s big toe, which is said to bring good luck. Many visitors rub the toe for a wish or a blessing.
To get to the Grgur Ninski Statue, you can walk from the main bus station or the ferry port, which are both about 15 minutes away. You can also take a bus number 3, 9, 10 or 17 and get off at the stop «Zlatna vrata». From there, you can see the statue on your left. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour of Split that includes the statue and other historical and cultural sights.
Some tips for visiting the Grgur Ninski Statue are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as it can get hot and crowded in the summer.
- Respect the statue and do not climb on it or damage it in any way.
- Take a photo with the statue and share it on social media with the hashtag #grgurninski.
- Learn more about Gregory of Nin and his role in Croatian history at the nearby Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments.
Some other things to see near the Grgur Ninski Statue are:
- The Golden Gate, one of the four main entrances to Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century AD.
- The Chapel of St Martin, a small church built inside the gate in the 6th century AD.
- The Peristyle, the central square of Diocletian’s Palace, surrounded by columns and arches.
- The Cathedral of St Domnius, a former mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian that was converted into a church in the 7th century AD.
- The Temple of Jupiter, a Roman temple dedicated to the supreme god of ancient Rome.
