Gregory of Nin, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path
Standing watch in front of the Golden Gates of Split, Gregory of Nin serves as the protector of the city, and protector of the Croatian language. Be sure to stop at Gregory’s statue for a bit of good luck; locals have rubbed his big toe for years hoping for good fortune in their endeavors.
In 926, Pope Ivan X outlawed Slavic languages in the Church; Latin was the single permitted language to be used for Mass and Church business. As very few Croatians spoke Latin, Grgur Ninski (a medieval bishop of Nin) made his opinion known loud and clear, to the detriment of his position. With passionate speeches and declaratory accusations, Gregory championed the Croatian language, and fought to keep it within the Church for the sake of the Croatian people.
Towering at 28 feet tall, the statue of Gregory of Nin is a well loved monument with locals and globe-trotters alike. Although his body is deep bronze in color, a single toe is now a smooth, golden surface due to years of being rubbed for good luck. Originally erected in the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, the statue was relocated multiple times; Gregory of Nin now stands guard at the entrance to the city, symbolizing hope and national pride for all who enter.