Church and Monastery of St. Euphemia, Split

The Church and Monastery of St. Euphemia is a medieval Benedictine complex in Split, of which mostly foundations and wall fragments survive today. It appeals to anyone interested in Dalmatian sacred architecture and the monastic past of the city.

What was this place?

The complex began as part of a Benedictine monastery. The church was built shortly before 1069, and its foundation is linked to Archbishop Lovro of Split, who held office from 1060 to 1099. Some studies say the church was originally dedicated to St. Benedict, with the name of St. Euphemia attached later. The community living here was a convent of Benedictine nuns, and building work on the complex continued in stages from the 11th century into the 18th.

What did the church look like?

It was a three-aisled building covered by a dome, with three semicircular apses on the eastern side. This layout makes it an important case study of the domed church in medieval Dalmatia, and scholars have devoted separate articles to it. In 1444 a late Gothic chapel was added on the south side, connected with the cult of a blessed archbishop venerated in Split.

What happened to the monastery?

The French authorities closed the monastery in 1806. The buildings were afterwards put to military use, including as a hospital. In 1877 a fire destroyed the entire complex, and further damage followed during the Second World War. Today the church's original appearance is known mainly from earlier drawings and archaeological research.

Is the site protected?

Yes. The ensemble is registered as immovable cultural property of Croatia under number Z-3424.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside? The church no longer exists as a working building. Foundations and traces of walls remain, so think of it as a short stop to see the traces of history rather than a traditional interior visit.

Was it a monastery of monks or nuns? Studies describe it as a Benedictine convent, although some texts use the more general phrase "Benedictine monastery".

Why is so little left? The main cause was the 1877 fire, after which the complex was not rebuilt, followed by later wartime damage.

Who is it for? Lovers of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, fans of Split's history, and travellers who want lesser-known monuments away from the main route around Diocletian's Palace.