The Cathedral of St. Domnius, located in the Dalmatian city of Split, Croatia, is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant monument. Once part of the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, the single-nave Romanesque-Gothic structure is the best-preserved monument of Split’s rich history. Famous for dominating Split’s cityscape, the clifftop location of the cathedral offers breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic sea. Rich in religious and secular history, the Cathedral of St. Domnius serves as a reminder of all that has passed since the mid-4th century when it was built. From its turbulent history to its remarkable architecture, this fascinating structure offers a wealth of interesting facts, information and travel guides.
Table of Contents
, Croatia
1. St. Domnius Cathedral is the oldestCathedral in Croatia and the second oldest in the entirety of the region. It dates back to the 4th century AD.
2. The Cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace.
3. The central part of the Cathedral is dedicated to St.Domnius who was an early Roman Christian martyr.
4. The original bell tower – the former chapel of St. Barbara – was added in the 15th century.
5. Inside the Cathedral is a 9th century ciborium – a functional canopy – made of white marble.
6. The Cathedral is home to the sarcophagus of Saint Domnius, the patron saint of Split, as well as several other relics.
7. Many of the mosaics that decorate the Cathedral’s vault were created in the 13th century and remain intact to this day.
8. In 2007, a major restoration project was undertaken to restore the Cathedral’s many frescoes and mosaics.
9. The Cathedral of St. Domnius was entered in the UNESCO Heritage List in 1979.
10. In 2000 the City of Split received UNESCO’s award as a phenomenal example of a Mediterranean cities living together in harmony for centuries.
The Cathedral of St. Domnius (Croatian: Katedrala sv. Duje) is the Catholic cathedral located in the city of Split, Croatia. Built in the 7th century, the church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Domnius. The cathedral was originally a basilica known as the Basilica of Saint Domnius, and was later turned into a cathedral in the 11th century, as the seat of the Diocese of Split.
The cathedral is famous for its bell tower, the tallest building in the city, reaching a height of nearly 70 meters (230 feet). The bell tower is older than the cathedral itself, and was built around the 12th century.
The Cathedral of St. Domnius holds the relics of St. Domnius, and has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. It is also a popular tourist attraction for its unique architecture and its historical importance as the oldest Roman structure in the city of Split. The cathedral is a part of the Historic Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, listed in 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. Getting There:
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is located in the center of Split, Croatia. It is located at the end of the historic Diocletian’s Palace. The easiest way to get to the Cathedral is by walking or taking a taxi, bus, or tram within Split.
2. What to See:
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is the second-oldest cathedral in the world and is one of the most impressive and historic structures in the city of Split. Visitors can admire the Romanesque façade, tour the inside of the church, and explore its historical artifacts. The cathedral also has a museum featuring religious artifacts, including a collection of ancient mosaics.
3. Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius is spring and summer, when the weather is warm. The cathedral is open year-round, though, and has varying hours of operation depending on the time of year.
4. Dress Code:
The Cathedral of St. Domnius does not have a dress code. However, visitors are expected to dress appropriately and refrain from wearing clothing that is overly revealing or provocative.
Q: Where is the Cathedral of St. Domnius located?
A: The Cathedral of St. Domnius is located in the heart of the city of Split, Croatia. It is within the Diocletian’s Palace World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest churches in the world.
Q: Who built the Cathedral of St. Domnius?
A: The Cathedral of St. Domnius was built in 305 by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. With early construction starting to make the structure what it is today.
Q: What is the significance of the Cathedral?
A: The Cathedral of St. Domnius is one of the oldest churches in the world as well as a major symbol of both the Roman Empire and of Split history. The building exemplifies the fusion of Christian and Roman architecture, making it a significant landmark.
Q: What can I see at the Cathedral of St. Domnius?
A: The Cathedral of St. Domnius contains a wealth of art, artifacts, and features including Roman mosaics, 4th century marble reliefs, and a bell tower dating back to the 12th century. There is also an ancient baptistery, crypt, museum, and sacristy.
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024