St. Nicholas Church, Split

One characteristic of the Marjan Hills is a harborage of churches. They are mini-churches, almost like the tiny churches in the guard towers of Diocletian's Palace. They nestle in the forest, beside the trails or carved into the rock of the hillsides. They date from medieval times, offering spiritual retreat to the citizens of Split.

Saint Nicholas qualifies as one of these havens from the world. It is small. It is an early rustic chapel from the 13th century. The church is devoted to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of fishermen. There are a respectable number of fishermen in Split.

The church was built by one Rako and his wife in 1219. It was donated to the Abbey of Saint Stephen on Sustipan. Later it was cared for by Benedictine monks and even later by hermits. Today it is in the care of the Marjan society.

Saint Nicholas on the Hill is perched on the southeast slopes of Marjan, watching over the sea and the ships and the sailors who go to sea.