the The polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce
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Poljud Franciscan Monastery

4.9
·256 reviews·Split, Croatia

A serene Franciscan monastery in Split, featuring beautiful gardens and significant religious art, offering a peaceful escape near the stadium.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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the The polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce

Poljud Franciscan Monastery

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Franciscan monastery in Split, featuring beautiful gardens and significant religious art, offering a peaceful escape near the stadium.

4.9
(256 reviews)

"An oasis of peace in a nice area near the stadium and the docks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 256 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

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 Gardens

Monastery Grounds

Find tranquility in the spacious gardens, an oasis of peace near the bustling stadium.

Portrait of Tommaso Negri

Portrait of Tommaso Negri

Monastery Collection (limited access)

A significant work by Lorenzo Lotto, though often not on public display.

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Planning Your Visit

Peaceful Escape Near the Stadium

Discover an oasis of calm at Poljud Franciscan Monastery, a serene spot perfect for quiet contemplation. It's conveniently located near the stadium, offering a peaceful retreat before or after events. Visitors can explore the church and its beautiful gardens.

Art and History Unveiled

Immerse yourself in the rich history and art within the Poljud Franciscan Monastery. Admire the polyptych by Girolamo da Santacroce and a rare portrait by Lorenzo Lotto. While some art may only be visible on special occasions, the monastery itself offers a glimpse into centuries of devotion and artistic expression.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy the gardens in sunlight
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

come & spend the day with me at Saint Anthony’s Monastery, Egypt. 🍃 #copticorthodox #orthodoxmonasticism #saintanthony #egypt #fyp
@tabithamnk
45.2K likes • 277.9K views

🚗 Free Parking Available

A free parking lot is conveniently located across the street for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

You can generally walk right in without issue; no special permission is needed for garden visits. Reddit

A life of a monk. Father Lazarus is a orthodox coptic monk living in the scorhing dessert in Egypt, up in the rocks and in the cave of St. Anthony the first monk in Christianity all alone. The cave is based above the St. Anthony monastery. #☦ #monk #fatherlazarus #frlazarus #egypt #stanthony #orthodoxy #God #JesusChrist #theJesusprayer #Jesusprayer #prayer #christianprayer #orthodoxprayer #chu...
@r22h_dpb
18.4K likes • 100.5K views
Exploring the oldest Christian Orthodox Monastery in the world, established by Saint Anthony the Great in Egypt’s Red Sea mountains. This is where Christian monasticism took root and spread across the globe. Forever Proud Coptic Orthdox. #CopticNation #CopticOrthodox #Orthodox #Monastery #SaintAnthony #ChristIsKing #Christ #الكنيسه_القبطيه_الارثوذوكسيه❤️✝️💒 #مسيحي
@thecopticnation
13K likes • 117.2K views

📸 Photography Friendly

Feel free to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Silence

Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the peaceful nature of this religious site. Reddit

Monastery of Saint Anthony - #fyp #orthodox #christian
@orthodoxvoyage
9.6K likes • 94.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

A free parking lot is conveniently located across the street for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

You can generally walk right in without issue; no special permission is needed for garden visits. Reddit

📸 Photography Friendly

Feel free to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the monastery and its surroundings. Reddit

🤫 Respectful Silence

Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the peaceful nature of this religious site. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(256 reviews)

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

Peaceful gardens
Oasis of calm
Easy access

What People Dislike

Limited art access

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely. The monastery welcomes all visitors, and you can explore the church and gardens without any religious restrictions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Yes, the gardens are described as lovely and spacious, offering a peaceful escape and a nice area to relax. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, especially in the gardens, allowing you to capture the serene beauty of the location. Reddit

It's considered an oasis of peace, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet and contemplative experience away from the city's hustle. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.

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