Gregory of Nin

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Statue of Gregory of Nin in Split, made by Ivan Meštrović, 1929.

Gregory of Nin (Croatian: Grgur Ninski) was a 10th-century bishop that strongly opposed the Pope and official circles of the Church and introduced the Croatian language in the religious services after the Great Assembly in 926. Until that time, services were held only in Latin, not being understandable to the majority of the population. Not only that this was important for Croatian language and culture but it also made the religion stronger within the Kingdom of Croatia.

The statue of Gregory of Nin by Ivan Meštrović in Split is a heavily trafficked tourist site in the town, which the toe of the statue shows. Rubbing the statue's toe is said to bring good luck. The toe has been worn smooth and shiny as a result. The statue was originally located in the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace and can be seen in postcards of the pre-WWII period. During WWII, the statue was moved outside the city by Italian occupying forces. Currently, the statue sits to the east of the Palace and Old Town of Split, just outside the Golden Gate.