Tucked into a sentry’s walkway above the ‘Golden’ Gate to Diocletian’s palace, is an ancient church dedicated to Saint Martin, the patron saint of soldiers. It is a replica of the 6th century original, with a beautifully carved pre Romanesque altar partition that has been in situ since the 11th century.
Narrow is the norm in the confined spaces of the ‘old’ towns of Dalmatia. But at 1.64m wide, this little church, considered “one of the best preserved sacral monuments of the ancient world”, is the narrowest in Split. And quite possibly in the entire region, if not the world.
Entrance is free and via a little stairway at the end of the street to your right as you enter the gate. The Benedictine nuns in charge, appreciate a token donation.
Happy travels……..no matter where life takes you!
Awesome post and photos.
good click
This looks lovely. My husband wants to visit Croatia and this is something that’s right up our alley to see. Thanks for the tip!
I suppose this is the definition of “intimate” – and I doubt that any weddings will be held here any time soon! It is so strange to think of a replica that dates back to the 11th century; that just boggles the mind. Like Lex, I too love the warm glow of the natural light on the stone.
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How great, eh? Do you know if it was a secret place of worship at one point, or why was it built, in such a small place? No matter…still very cool. It reminds me of the narrowest house in Amsterdam, barely wider than the width of a door.
Very pretty and peaceful.
This is a gem. Good for you for finding it 🙂
beautifully photographed
Oh, isn’t this delightful? It’s like a private space 🙂 I’ve heard mixed stuff about Split, Madhu, but I’d like to see for myself. Hugs darlin! Take good care. 🙂
It’s basically a corridor. Beautiful, though.
Beautiful entry, Madhu. So perfect for the challenge.
Thank you Sylvia. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
That’s beautiful.
It was indeed, even lacking space or ornamentation! Thank you so much for your visit and comment 🙂
Oh, my, Madhu! How sweet is this?!!!?! 😉
It was a delightful find Riba. Strange that we hadn’t of it before!
What it lacks in width, it makes up for in light-filled height. Such a pretty, serene little place; I might even go to church there!
It truly is a hidden gem Lex. We wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for our walking tour guide.
Lovely header pic! This church is even tinier than one I visited near the Crucifixion site of Lord Jesus in Jerusalem (not the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) Would love to pray here – it would seem like a very personal ‘my own’ church. Thank you, Madhu.
I loved its simplicity too. Making a note of the tiny church in Jerusalem for a future visit. Thank YOU for reading Ashu!
Wow, amazing Madhu!!! Great shots!!!
Thank you Rxlin! Pleasure to see your Gravatar pop up here 🙂 Hope all’s well with you?
Yeah, gud Madhu 🙂 Thank you so much, Madhu..
Such an inviting little church. I imagine it would make you feel like you alone had God’s attention while you’re there.
Absolutely Juliann. I much prefer this simplicity in religious spaces. Grand, glitzy interiors tend to distract 🙂
My only memory of Split is of a cancelled train. What a pity I missed the severe simplicity of this, and thank you for giving me food for regret!
Uh oh, I have more Split stories coming up….sorry Meg 🙂
That’s good news! Your Split will be worth seeing – better than mine would’ve been, I wouldn’t mind betting.
WoW! That’s amazing and sheer beauty that blows the mind:)
It is certainly unique. Appreciate your dropping by Vishal 🙂
How beautiful, and It’s a couple of inches narrower than I am tall!
Haha, my grandson wouldn’t fit if he lay down horizontal 🙂
I’m sure that would have been standing room only when in use.
You are right. Didn’t seem look like it could take more than half a dozen people at a time, ten at a stretch 🙂
Awesome, Great captured
Thank you very much for reading Xobodo. Have a great day!
I really find this fascinating, a bit unbelievable but that is also what makes it so special. Wonderful portrayal of this with your words and capturing it so perfectly with your photos. Safe travels Madhu ~ wish you a great Sunday.
Glad you enjoyed this. Thank you very much Randall.
It was very cool ~ I’ve heard so much of Split 🙂
great take on narrow – “tiny, but beautiful” 🙂
Haven’t been regular around here, but couldn’t miss this one 🙂 Thanks Yvette…have a lovely weekend!
yiu too M – and nice to “see” ya ❤️💕
I agree with Sally, Madhu…beautifully photographed
Thank you very much Sue! Means a lot coming from you, talented photographers 🙂
😀😀
This is adorable! Visiting Split in a week’s time will have to come and explore this 🙂
It’s worth checking out if you have the time Natasha. Have fun in Split 🙂 Let me know if you need any suggestions.
What a sweet sweet space. I can feel the quiet peaceful energy.
Alison
It’s a little gem Alison, disconnected from the bustle of the palace. We wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for our walking tour guide from the day before.
Your first image draws me into it, as though I am there. Well done.
Thank you very much Sally. It was tiny, but beautiful.