Gregory of Nin
A colossal bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, famous for its shiny big toe rubbed for good luck, located at Split's Golden Gate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Gregory of Nin
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, famous for its shiny big toe rubbed for good luck, located at Split's Golden Gate.
"Everyone rubs the big toe for good luck—kind of a fun tradition, and the toe is super shiny from all the wishes!"
✨ Rub for Good Luck
Don't miss rubbing the statue's big toe for good luck! It's a fun tradition many visitors enjoy. :sparkles:
📸 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for the best photo opportunities without the midday rush. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gregory of Nin Statue
Golden Gate, Split
A colossal statue of a medieval bishop, famous for its shiny big toe rubbed for good luck.
The Shiny Big Toe
Base of the statue
Rub this iconic, polished toe for good fortune – a beloved tradition for visitors and locals alike.
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Planning Your Visit
The Lucky Toe Tradition
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Rub for Good Luck
Don't miss rubbing the statue's big toe for good luck! It's a fun tradition many visitors enjoy. :sparkles:
📸 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for the best photo opportunities without the midday rush. :camerawithflash:
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located by the Golden Gate, it's a perfect starting point for exploring Diocletian's Palace. :world_map:
🆓 Free to Visit
This impressive statue is accessible to everyone, with no admission fee required. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Rub for Good Luck
Don't miss rubbing the statue's big toe for good luck! It's a fun tradition many visitors enjoy. :sparkles:
📸 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late evening for the best photo opportunities without the midday rush. :camerawithflash:
📍 Prime Location
Conveniently located by the Golden Gate, it's a perfect starting point for exploring Diocletian's Palace. :world_map:
🆓 Free to Visit
This impressive statue is accessible to everyone, with no admission fee required. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gregory of Nin statue to be an impressive and unmissable landmark in Split, particularly for its size and the unique tradition of rubbing the shiny big toe for good luck. Its convenient location by the Golden Gate makes it an easy and enjoyable stop for photos and a touch of local culture.
"Such a cool statue to check out while you're exploring Split. It’s huge, right by the Golden Gate near Diocletian’s Palace, so you really can’t miss it. Everyone rubs the big toe for good luck—kind of a fun tradition, and the toe is super shiny from all the wishes!
Great spot for a quick photo and a little history. No ticket needed, open all the time, and it’s surrounded by beautiful old architecture. Definitely worth a stop if you're walking around the city."
Laurence Ho
"Beautiful statue, giant and must to see by night and day. Tradition to follow, easy to do it, all information on internet. Nice spot for take pictures and good starting point
for visiting the old city of Split."
Rania S
"Iconic statue of Gregory of Nin. Get here early or late for a good photo as it's busier during the day with cruise ship folk. Don't forget to rub his big toe and make a wish!"
Tom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The statue is centrally located right by the Golden Gate, one of the main entrances to Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the old town.
Yes, the statue is within walking distance of many bus stops in Split's city center, making it convenient to reach via public transport.
While you can't drive directly to the statue due to pedestrian zones, there are several parking garages near Diocletian's Palace. From there, it's a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to view or take photos with the Gregory of Nin statue. It's a public monument.
The statue is an outdoor monument and is accessible 24/7, so you can visit at any time.
Absolutely not! The statue is free to admire and interact with, making it a great budget-friendly stop.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best photos, aim for early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the statue with softer light.
The area around the Golden Gate offers great perspectives. You can frame the statue with the ancient gate in the background.
Yes, absolutely! Many visitors take photos with the statue, especially while rubbing the famous big toe.
🎫 🌟 Local Traditions
The most popular tradition is to rub the statue's big toe for good luck. The toe is noticeably shinier than the rest of the statue due to this practice.
Rubbing the big toe is believed to bring good luck and fulfill wishes, a custom that has become a signature experience for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Located right by the Golden Gate, it's easily accessible and doesn't require a long commitment, perfect for keeping younger attention spans engaged. The shiny toe is a visual cue that makes the tradition easy for kids to understand and remember. It's a memorable photo opportunity for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding historic streets and the palace complex, all of which are largely accessible without entry fees. The 'lucky toe' tradition is a fun, free activity that adds to the value of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Gregory of Nin
Its placement near the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea), a main entrance to Diocletian's Palace, makes it a natural focal point for visitors exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site. The sheer scale of the statue, towering over passersby, is impressive and draws immediate attention. It serves not only as a historical monument but also as a symbol of Croatian heritage and resilience.
The Lucky Toe Tradition
Many visitors, including those arriving on cruise ships, participate in this tradition. It's often mentioned in travel guides and online forums as a must-do when in Split. The act of rubbing the toe is seen as a way to bring fortune and a memorable souvenir of their visit to Croatia.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit