Church of St. Nicholas (Marjan) - Image 1
1 / 10

Church of St. Nicholas Marjan

4.6
·170 reviews·Split, Croatia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning hikes

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Church of St. Nicholas (Marjan) - Image 1

Church of St. Nicholas Marjan

Best Time

Morning hikes

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(170 reviews)

"A quaint church and a great stopping point while ascending Marjan Hill for stunning views."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Nicholas Church

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

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

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Marjan Hill Hike Essentials

Combine your visit to St. Nicholas Church with a hike up Marjan Hill. It's a peaceful escape from Split's bustle, with well-maintained paths suitable for most fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the church itself is more of a scenic stop than a destination.

Combine with Viewpoint

The Church of St. Nicholas is a short walk from the popular Split viewpoint. Plan your visit to include both for stunning panoramic views of the city and Adriatic Sea, making the climb even more rewarding.

Best Times

When
Morning hikes
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

st.nicholas church #christiantiktok #god #jesuslovesyou #fyp
@lachra_
365.4K likes • 2.7M 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:

✨ Magical place in Greece 🇬🇷 . 📌 Kourtaliotiko gorge, Crete . Directions 👇🏻 . 🗺 Drive to the Kourtaliotiko gorge 🚗, stop & park at the ‘Church of Saint Nicholas the Kourtaliotiko’. There you will find stairs 🪜. Walk down, when paths split walk to the left ⬅️ to see this place from above and to the right ➡️ to go to the river and swim 🏊🏻‍♀️. In my highlights 💡 of Crete on my Instagram you can find...
@tzatchickie
92.1K likes • 1.2M views
St. Nicholas Church in Prague #fyp #church #christ #orthodox #fy
@zeytounovic99
66.5K likes • 333.4K views

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:

On September 11, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in lower Manhattan was reduced to rubble. The church has since been rebuilt at Ground Zero and stands as a shrine and symbol of resilience, with icons depicting the people and history of the 9/11 attacks. #news #nyc
@cbsnews
42.1K likes • 468.5K views

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

4.6
(170 reviews)

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

Panoramic sea views
Peaceful nature escape
Historic church exterior

What People Dislike

Church is usually closed

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Marjan Hill is a fantastic destination for families. The paths are generally manageable for children, offering a safe and engaging environment for a walk or light hike. The novelty of exploring a hill with beautiful views and a historic church can be exciting for younger visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Church of St. Nicholas and Marjan Hill are perfect for budget-conscious travelers as they are completely free to access. The hike itself is a rewarding activity that costs nothing but your time and energy. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Active Explorers

For those who love to stay active, Marjan Hill offers a network of trails perfect for hiking and jogging. The ascent to the Church of St. Nicholas and beyond provides a good workout with the added bonus of incredible scenery. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Marjan Hill: More Than Just a Church

Marjan Hill is a beloved green lung for Split, offering a tranquil escape from the city's vibrant energy. While the Church of St. Nicholas is a historical point of interest, the hill itself is a sprawling park with numerous walking trails, pine forests, and hidden chapels. Visitors can spend hours exploring its diverse landscapes, from rocky outcrops to shaded paths, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The History and Significance of St. Nicholas Church

The Church of St. Nicholas on Marjan Hill is a testament to Split's long and rich history, dating back to its commission in 1219. This ancient structure, though small and often closed to visitors, stands as a quiet sentinel on the hill, representing centuries of devotion and architectural evolution. Its presence signifies the historical importance of Marjan Hill as a place of spiritual significance and refuge. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2