Church of St. Nicholas in Varoš, Pre-Romanesque church in Varoš district, Split, Croatia
The Church of St. Nicholas in Varoš is located on the southeast slope of Marjan Hill and features solid stone walls with rounded arches typical of early medieval architecture. The structure demonstrates the simple yet effective building techniques common to pre-Romanesque constructions from this period.
The church was founded in 1219 when a local couple, Rako and his wife Elisabeth, commissioned its construction and donated it to the Abbey of St. Stephen on Sustipan. This founding moment established its connection to Split's medieval religious institutions and aristocratic families of that era.
The church remains a focal point for the residents of Varoš, where people gather for religious services and community occasions throughout the year. Its location within the neighborhood makes it a natural gathering place that has served generations of locals.
The church is reached by walking up through Varoš district via established pathways that lead roughly two hundred meters above the Prva Vidilica viewpoint. The route involves some climbing, but clear paths and neighborhood streets guide visitors to the location.
From the church, one can see directly out to the sea, a connection to its dedication to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. This direct view of the water links the building to maritime traditions and the saint's historical role protecting those at sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
