Poljud Franciscan Monastery
A serene Franciscan monastery in Split, featuring beautiful gardens and significant religious art, offering a peaceful escape near the stadium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Poljud Franciscan Monastery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Franciscan monastery in Split, featuring beautiful gardens and significant religious art, offering a peaceful escape near the stadium.
"An oasis of peace in a nice area near the stadium and the docks."
🚗 Free Parking Available
A free parking lot is conveniently located across the street for visitors arriving by car.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
You can generally walk right in without issue; no special permission is needed for garden visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Main Church
Marvel at the polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce and the oldest known depiction of Split.
Monastery Gardens
Monastery Grounds
Find tranquility in the spacious gardens, an oasis of peace near the bustling stadium.
Portrait of Tommaso Negri
Monastery Collection (limited access)
A significant work by Lorenzo Lotto, though often not on public display.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Peaceful Escape Near the Stadium
Art and History Unveiled
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
A free parking lot is conveniently located across the street for visitors arriving by car.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
You can generally walk right in without issue; no special permission is needed for garden visits.
📸 Photography Friendly
Feel free to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings.
🤫 Respectful Silence
Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the peaceful nature of this religious site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
A free parking lot is conveniently located across the street for visitors arriving by car.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
You can generally walk right in without issue; no special permission is needed for garden visits.
📸 Photography Friendly
Feel free to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings.
🤫 Respectful Silence
Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the peaceful nature of this religious site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Poljud Franciscan Monastery for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens, offering a serene escape near the stadium. While the church holds significant art, access to some pieces may be limited. It's a tranquil spot appreciated for its historical charm and accessibility.
"The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Paludi is one of the most important places to visit in Spalato because of the beautiful polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce (1549), who was painting in an archaic style to please the conservative local clergy. Among the saints you can see St. Domnius (Duje/Dujam in Croatian or Doimo in Italian), the patron of Split, holding a model of the city which is considered the oldest reproduction of the city. Among the other paintings you can see a 18th century copy of a 16th century painting by Nicola Braccio, a Dispute over the Immaculate Conception (a very Franciscan subject), where, among the supporters of the special nature of the Virgin Mary, you can find the prophet Muhammad, who in a famous hadith (quoted in Latin in the painting) said that she and Jesus are the only human beings after Adam and Eve who were not touched by Satan as soon as they were born. The monastery (Benedictine, then of course Franciscan as everywhere in Croatia) holds a beautiful portrait of Tommaso Negri by Lorenzo Lotto, which is one of the most important works of art in Croatia. But you will not be able to see it unless on special occasions, because friars are not necessarily good people and probably the city or state government don't care."
Heiliger Satyr
"Super close to the city's main stadium. Lovely priest"
Bronisława G.
"Thank you Lord for this amazing place."
Matilda Kezic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is located near the Poljud Stadium in Split. If you're driving, there's a free parking lot across the street. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops near the stadium.
Yes, it's quite accessible and often mentioned as being close to the stadium and docks, making it a landmark for navigation.
Depending on your starting point, it's a manageable walk from the city center, offering a pleasant stroll along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no ticket is required to enter the church or walk through the gardens. It's a place open for visitors to explore peacefully.
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's typically accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally if you plan a very early or late visit.
The gardens are usually free to access, contributing to the monastery's role as a peaceful sanctuary for all.
Absolutely. The monastery welcomes all visitors, and you can explore the church and gardens without any religious restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The church features a significant polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce and a copy of a painting depicting the Dispute over the Immaculate Conception. You can also see St. Domnius holding a model of the city, considered the oldest reproduction of Split.
Yes, the gardens are described as lovely and spacious, offering a peaceful escape and a nice area to relax.
Photography is generally permitted, especially in the gardens, allowing you to capture the serene beauty of the location.
It's considered an oasis of peace, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet and contemplative experience away from the city's hustle.
Art enthusiasts can appreciate the polyptych and potentially the portrait of Tommaso Negri by Lorenzo Lotto, though the latter may require special arrangements to view.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the monastery itself. However, Split offers numerous restaurants and cafes nearby.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the sacred areas of the monastery to maintain its peaceful and respectful atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer beautiful greenery and architectural elements. The church's interior, with its artwork, is also a popular subject, though be mindful of any restrictions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in religious sites and urban areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photography in the gardens and around the exterior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Artistic Treasures of the Monastery
Another important artwork mentioned is a 18th-century copy of a 16th-century painting by Nicola Braccio, titled 'Dispute over the Immaculate Conception.' This subject is deeply Franciscan, and interestingly, the painting includes prophet Muhammad among the supporters of the Virgin Mary's special nature, referencing a hadith.
A Sanctuary of Peace and Nature
The accessibility of the monastery and its gardens is a key feature. Travelers have noted that you can 'walk right in' without much fuss, making it an easy addition to any itinerary. This open access, combined with the peaceful ambiance, makes it a recommended spot for those seeking a moment of calm and reflection during their visit to Split.
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