Church of Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity (Crkva sv. Trojice) is a small pre-Romanesque Roman Catholic church in Split, in the Sutrojice district near the Poljud stadium and the city shipyard. It is easy to overlook on the way to Diocletian's Palace, yet for anyone interested in early medieval architecture in Croatia it is a rewarding stop.

What makes this church significant?

The building is listed among the most valuable Croatian cultural monuments, in the highest protection category. It is modest in size, but few churches of this kind survive in the area, so researchers of early medieval art value it highly.

What does it look like?

Its defining feature is a six-leaf ground plan topped by a dome. This clover-like arrangement of joined apses sets it apart from ordinary rectangular churches and gives the interior a compact, centralised feel. The exterior is plain and free of rich decoration, as is typical for pre-Romanesque building.

When was it built?

Scholars disagree. Iveković argued for the 6th century, Ljubo Karaman for the 11th, while most historians favour the 9th. The earliest written mention appears in a list of lands with Benedictine monasteries dating to 1060. The debate shows how hard it is to date monuments from a period with few written records.

What did excavations reveal?

In 1948, excavations uncovered the remains of an even earlier structure extending eastward, along with fragments of an altar screen. These pieces are now displayed in the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, so a visit to the church pairs well with a trip to the museum. An inscription found in the older parts of the building leads some to believe the church was first dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

Is it still in use?

Yes. Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 8:30 am, except in summer, from 13 June to 1 September. Keep this in mind when planning a visit, and be quiet and respectful if a service is under way.

Who is it for?

Anyone interested in sacred architecture, early medieval history or archaeology, as well as football fans visiting the nearby Poljud stadium who want to see something older than modern sports venues. The visit is short, but it shows that Split offers far more than its ancient palace and seafront promenade.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the church? In Split's Sutrojice district, next to the Poljud stadium and the shipyard.

What period is it from? Most historians say the 9th century, though the 6th and 11th centuries have also been proposed.

What is its shape? A six-leaf plan with a dome.

Can I attend Mass? Yes, on Sundays at 8:30 am, except from 13 June to 1 September.

Where can I see the excavation finds? In the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split.