Church of Our Lady of Pojišan

The Church of Our Lady of Pojišan (Crkva Gospe od Pojišana) is one of the oldest Marian shrines in Split, standing on a hill above the Pojišan district in the eastern part of the city. Locals have long regarded it as a spiritual guardian of Split and of its seafarers.

What is the history of the church?

Tradition places the beginnings of the sanctuary in the early Middle Ages. Stone architectural and altar fragments found in the area are linked to a 9th-century chapel, and some of them are kept in Split's Archaeological Museum. Later written references to the church date from the 13th century, and in 1607 the building was restored with funds from Martin Bondumerio, a captain of Split.

The present building took shape in the second half of the 18th century, roughly between 1761 and 1772, and the main altar was installed in 1794. In 1909 diocesan authorities entrusted the shrine to the Capuchin friars, who built a monastery next to it in 1911. The parish was founded in 1944 and is still run by the Capuchins.

What is the legend of the icon?

The best-known story tells of a worker from Poljica who found a painted wooden icon of the Madonna on the hill. The icon is said to have kept returning to the same spot, so a chapel was eventually built there. The people of Poljica came to regard Our Lady of Pojišan as their protector. For many believers the image is miraculous, and devotion to it has continued for centuries.

What should you know before visiting?

• It is a working parish and monastery church, so dress and behave as you would in any place of prayer.
• The main celebration falls on 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, when the icon is solemnly carried to the shrine from the cathedral and returned to its place.
• The church is a votive sanctuary for Split's sailors, so it is often a place of thanksgiving for safe returns from the sea.
• It is a short walk from the centre, and the surroundings are calmer than the area around Diocletian's Palace.

Why visit?

If you want to see Split beyond the main tourist route, this is a good place to watch how the city lives its faith and traditions every day. The Baroque building, the quiet monastery setting and the long history of devotion create an atmosphere very different from the crowded old town. It pairs well with a walk through the eastern districts.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the church? In the eastern part of Split, in the Pojišan district, a walk of around fifteen minutes from the old town.

Who looks after the shrine? The Capuchin order, since 1909. Their monastery stands beside the church.

When is the main feast? On 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, when the icon is carried in procession from the cathedral to the shrine.

Can I go inside? Yes, it is an active church. Avoid service times if you want to see the interior in peace.

Does the place matter to sailors? Yes, it is regarded as a votive church of Split's seafarers and fishermen.