Marjan Hill is a fascinating place to explore with an extensive history. Upon this peninsula are numerous churches, however only a handful have been preserved and remain standing today. All of the 6 ancient churches on Marjan Hill are accessible by foot and are completely charming in their appearance.
Marjan Hill has been used as a park since the Romans inhabited the area in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian’s Palace was built where the Old Town of Split now stands, and the park was used by its 10,000 inhabitants.
Church of St. George
This is the oldest of the remaining churches, thought to have been built in the 9th century. On this same site was a Roman temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana. The church is located right at the tip of the peninsula right above the Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries. The view is outstanding and the church so sweet.
Church of St. Nicholas the Traveller
Being built in 1219, this is the next oldest church on the hill. A mass is still held in this church every year on December 6th for the Feast of St. Nicholas. The building has been resorted as recently as 1990 and is situated on a landing surrounded by magnificent views and benches. You will definitely see this church if you take the Marjan Stairs as the entry into the park.
Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
A teeny tiny little church hidden in the pines of the forest. This church was first written about in 1362. It is a haven for the unfortunate and suffering to come and write their sorrows.
Church of St. Benedict
Another little stone church first mentioned in text in 1362. Only the foundation remains in the Bene Cove where a beautiful playground, beachfront and park now exist.
Church of Bethlehem
This church was built sometime before 1500 and used by hermits until WWI when it was abandoned and used as a barn. It has recently been restored and looks like it could have been built yesterday. It sits atop a small plateau near the cliff face and offers spectacular views of the sea and islands.
Church of St. Jerome
A cave beside the church was used by St. Jerome, the patron St. of Dalmatia to write his early works. In the Middle Ages, the church was built and is really quite spectacular to see. It sits high up on the hillside and looks completely endearing in amongst the pines with the towering cliff face behind it.
On the inside of St. Jerome there is an original inscription above the doorway that reads ‘The town to me is a prison, and solitude paradise’.
After visiting Malta and Rome, I was churched-out. This happens when I visit too many similar things and I begin to not appreciate what I am seeing, for they become overwhelming in their grandeur. Visiting these tiny churches however, by accident, was like finding hidden treasure.
The days I set out on a hike in the park and bumped into one of these sweet little stone buildings, was a complete surprise. While I was unable to go inside, just sitting on the doorstep and catching my breath was peace in itself.
