Pomorac Memorial Lighthouse

Pomorac Memorial Lighthouse stands on a rocky outcrop known as Katalinić brig, right above the waters of the Adriatic in Split. Its Croatian name, "Svjetionik Pomorac," translates to "the Seafarer's Lighthouse" — a name that hints at its real purpose. This isn't a working navigational lighthouse but a war memorial built to honor Partisan sailors and civilian victims from the Split area who died during World War II.

What exactly is this place?

The monument was designed by architect Ivan Carić, working with Budimir Prvan, Branko Franičević, and Paško Kuzmanić, while the sculptural elements were created by local Split artist Andrija Krstulović. Completed in 1958, it takes the form of a tall, narrow reinforced-concrete tower. Its two thin edges are faced with stone blocks, while the two broad sides are covered in perforated copper sheeting studded with thousands of round glass inserts arranged in a tight grid. After dark, when the tower is lit from within, these glass points glow like scattered stars across the surface — an effect that impresses visitors regardless of whether they know the wartime backstory.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse sits on a small headland on the western side of Split, facing open sea. It's a favorite walking destination for locals, since the surrounding area doubles as a park and viewpoint. The easiest way to reach it is on foot or by bike along the coastal promenade. Driving is possible, but the nearby streets can get congested in summer, so an early morning or late afternoon visit tends to be more comfortable.

When is the best time to visit?

The monument looks strikingly different depending on the time of day. During daylight hours it functions mainly as a scenic overlook toward the Adriatic and a chance to photograph an unusual piece of architecture — its sharp, slender silhouette stands out clearly from the surrounding coastal buildings. Once the sun sets and the interior lighting switches on, the memorial transforms completely, becoming a glowing landmark visible from a considerable distance. Anyone hoping to see both sides of the site should time their visit to stay through sunset.

What's the history behind it?

The monument was unveiled on September 10, 1958, in a large public ceremony attended by more than 10,000 residents of Split. The day before, on September 9, the remains of an "Unknown Seaman" along with those of navy lieutenant Pere Turčić were laid to rest in a symbolic tomb at the site. The unveiling ceremony was followed by the first lighting of the tower and a fireworks display — an event that left a lasting impression on the city. During the Yugoslav era, it was one of the most visited monuments in all of Split, serving not only as a place of remembrance but also as a popular recreational spot, where locals came to walk, relax, and watch the sun go down over the sea.

Today, Pomorac Memorial Lighthouse works on three levels at once: a piece of mid-century modernist architecture, a historical war memorial, and simply a scenic overlook above the Adriatic. For travelers exploring Split — a city best known for Diocletian's Palace and its UNESCO-listed old town — it's a worthwhile detour that reveals a different, lesser-known side of the city's story.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pomorac Memorial Lighthouse an active navigational lighthouse? Not in the traditional sense — it's primarily a war memorial shaped like a lighthouse, though it does have a lighting installation that illuminates the tower after dark.

How much does it cost to visit? The site is open to the public and free to visit, like most monuments and viewpoints around Split.

Is it worth visiting in the evening? Yes — the illuminated tower with its glass inlays looks completely different after dark and is one of Split's more distinctive after-sunset sights.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the monument itself takes about 15–20 minutes, but it's worth allowing extra time to walk the surrounding headland and take in the sea views.