Monastery of San Francesco

The complex of the Church and Monastery of San Francesco in Split, located on the western side of the Riva, is one of the most significant and historically rich sites in the city. Its foundation dates back to the 13th century, when the Franciscan friars arrived in the region and built the monastery above a 5th-century early Christian church dedicated to Saint Felix, a martyr from the time of Diocletian’s persecutions. The Church of San Francesco is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and magnificent rose windows. The interior of the church is adorned with valuable works of art, including a Gothic crucifix painted by Blaž Jurjev of Trogir in the early 15th century. Additionally, the church houses numerous ancient sarcophagi and tombs of illustrious citizens of Split, such as the famous humanist Marko Marulić, considered the father of Croatian literature, and the composer Ivan Lukačić. The monastery’s cloister, added in the 14th century, is a place of peace and reflection, with a beautiful courtyard surrounded by Romanesque arches. For centuries, this space has been a haven of serenity for the Franciscan monks, who have lived, prayed, and worked here. The cloister also houses a small museum displaying objects related to the monastery’s history and the Franciscan order. Another element of great interest is the monastery’s library, which contains a precious collection of manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents. Among these stands out the “Lectionary,” the first book printed in Croatian using the Latin alphabet in the 15th century. The library is considered one of the oldest and most important in Croatia and is open to researchers and scholars interested in its rich collection. The site on which the complex stands has a long history dating back to the times of ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The early Christian church dedicated to Saint Felix, on which the monastery was built, was an important place of worship for the region’s early Christians. This connection to the ancient past gives the complex a historical depth that enriches the visitors’ experience. Over the centuries, the Church and Monastery of San Francesco have undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations, which have altered their original appearance but have also preserved their historical and artistic value. During World War II, the complex was severely damaged, but subsequent restoration work has restored the ancient splendor to both the church and the monastery. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of an ancient Latin inscription during one of the restoration works. The inscription, dating back to Roman times, mentions the martyr Saint Felix and provides valuable information about the early Christian history of the region. This discovery has sparked great interest in the archaeological community and has further enriched the historical value of the complex.