Church of St. Nicholas Marjan
A historic church atop Marjan Hill, offering serene views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. A peaceful stop on a scenic hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Church of St. Nicholas Marjan
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church atop Marjan Hill, offering serene views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. A peaceful stop on a scenic hike.
"A quaint church and a great stopping point while ascending Marjan Hill for stunning views."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the church involves a hike, so sturdy footwear is a must for an enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water Bottle
Refill at the cold water fountain near the church – a lifesaver on warmer days! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Nicholas Church
Marjan Hill
A historic, quaint church offering a glimpse into the past amidst nature. Admire its exterior and serene surroundings.

Marjan Hill Views
Near the church
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of Split's old town, islands, and the azure Adriatic Sea. Perfect for photos.

Refreshing Water Fountain
Next to the church
A welcome amenity for hikers, this fountain provides ice-cold water to refill your bottles on a warm day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Marjan Hill Hike Essentials
Combine with Viewpoint
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the church involves a hike, so sturdy footwear is a must for an enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water Bottle
Refill at the cold water fountain near the church – a lifesaver on warmer days! :droplet:
Combine with Viewpoint
The church is close to a famous viewpoint; visit both for the best experience. :camerawithflash:
Enjoy the Peace
Marjan Hill offers a quiet retreat from Split's busy old town. :park:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the church involves a hike, so sturdy footwear is a must for an enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water Bottle
Refill at the cold water fountain near the church – a lifesaver on warmer days! :droplet:
Combine with Viewpoint
The church is close to a famous viewpoint; visit both for the best experience. :camerawithflash:
Enjoy the Peace
Marjan Hill offers a quiet retreat from Split's busy old town. :park:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Church of St. Nicholas a charming historical stop during their hike up Marjan Hill, appreciating its quaintness and proximity to stunning viewpoints. While the church itself is often closed, the surrounding natural beauty and panoramic vistas of Split and the Adriatic Sea are consistently praised as the main attractions. The availability of a refreshing water fountain is also a welcome amenity for hikers.
"This is an old church on top of Majan hill in Split. Located very closer to the famous Split View point. There's nothing much to see but if you are visiting the view point, this is few more steps up towards the hill. This is the highest reachable point in the hill and the road ends from there. The church seems not be functioning as it looked like as very old one at the time we arrived there."
Isuru Dissanayake
"The Church of St. Nicholas on Marjan Hill is located on the first peak; it was commissioned in 1219. The church is closed, but you can slightly see inside. Great stopping point while ascending."
Mat Bienczyk
"Small and cute little church, you pass it while hiking up the mountain. I couldn't go inside but really enjoyed having a look from the outside. Next to it there's a water fountain with ice cold water, perfect for filling your bottle during a hike!"
Even D.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located on Marjan Hill in Split. The best way to reach it is by hiking up the well-marked paths from the city. You can start your ascent from various points near the old town. The walk is considered moderate and offers scenic views along the way.
Limited parking is available at the base of Marjan Hill, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Many visitors choose to walk from Split's old town or use public transport to reach the hill's starting points.
No, you cannot drive directly to the church. The roads on Marjan Hill are primarily for pedestrians and cyclists. The final approach to the church is on foot via hiking trails.
While there isn't direct public transport to the church itself, you can take local buses to get closer to the base of Marjan Hill. From there, it's a pleasant walk or hike to reach the church and viewpoints.
Many visitors start their hike from the western edge of Split's old town, near the Poljud Stadium or the Sustipan park. These points offer direct access to the main trails leading up Marjan Hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Church of St. Nicholas Marjan. Access to Marjan Hill and the church is free for all visitors.
The church itself is typically closed, and you can only view it from the outside. Marjan Hill is accessible during daylight hours, making it suitable for morning or afternoon visits.
Marjan Hill is a public park and nature reserve, so there is no entrance fee. You can explore its trails, viewpoints, and the church freely.
Unfortunately, the church is generally closed to the public, and visitors can only admire its exterior. However, you might be able to catch a glimpse inside through the doors or windows.
While official guided tours specifically for the church might be rare, many local tour operators offer walking tours of Split that include Marjan Hill and its attractions. Self-guided exploration is also very popular.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the historic church itself, a quaint structure on the hill. Adjacent to it, you'll find a refreshing water fountain and, most importantly, access to stunning panoramic views of Split and the surrounding islands.
The hike to the Church of St. Nicholas from the base of Marjan Hill typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace and starting point. It's a moderate climb with rewarding scenery.
Restroom facilities are limited on Marjan Hill. It's advisable to use facilities in Split's old town before you begin your hike. There is a water fountain near the church for refilling bottles.
The paths on Marjan Hill are generally well-maintained and not overly difficult, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with children. Some steeper sections exist, but overall it's a pleasant walk.
The area around the church offers excellent vantage points for photos of Split's coastline and islands. The nearby Belvedere vista point is particularly famous for its sweeping panoramas.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Mornings can also be lovely with softer light and fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city and sea views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots. Consider a lightweight setup as you'll be hiking.
The church itself, with its historic architecture against the natural backdrop, makes for a charming photo. The real stars are the panoramic views from the nearby viewpoints, perfect for landscape shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary and may be restricted in protected natural areas like Marjan Hill. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
The main viewpoint near the church, the Belvedere vista point, and any clearings offering unobstructed views of Split's old town and the Adriatic Sea are the most iconic spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options are limited on the hill. The water fountain near the church is a great spot for a refill. Encourage kids to look for interesting plants and enjoy the open space away from the city crowds. The views from the top are also a great reward for their efforts.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Save money by: Packing your own picnic lunch and water to enjoy with the stunning views. Instead of paid attractions, focus on the natural beauty and historical sites like the church, which offer immense value without any cost.
🏃♀️ Active Explorers
Maximize your active experience: Explore beyond the main viewpoint to discover more secluded paths and hidden spots. Consider an early morning hike to beat the heat and enjoy the tranquility before the day gets busy. The varied terrain ensures a dynamic and engaging outdoor adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Marjan Hill: More Than Just a Church
The trails on Marjan Hill are generally well-maintained and range in difficulty, catering to casual walkers and more avid hikers. Many paths lead to various viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of Split, its islands, and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. The air is fresh, scented with pine, and the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the rustling of leaves and birdsong. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come to exercise, relax, and connect with nature.
Beyond the St. Nicholas Church, keep an eye out for other historical remnants scattered across the hill, such as the Church of St. Jerome and the Benedictine Monastery. These sites add layers of history to the natural beauty, making a hike on Marjan Hill a multi-faceted experience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as amenities are sparse once you venture deeper into the park.
The History and Significance of St. Nicholas Church
While the interior is rarely accessible, the exterior of the church provides a glimpse into its Romanesque-Gothic architectural style. It's a simple yet enduring monument, often passed by hikers on their ascent to the hill's higher viewpoints. The church serves as a historical marker, reminding visitors of the layers of human activity that have shaped this prominent natural landmark over the centuries.
Its location near the highest reachable point on the hill also makes it a significant landmark for navigation and orientation during a hike. For those interested in the historical tapestry of Split, the Church of St. Nicholas offers a tangible connection to the past, nestled within the serene natural beauty of Marjan Park.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit