"Discovering Meštrović" – Free Guided Tour on January 12 in Split

The guided tour for citizens is part of the “Discover Your Country” project organized by the Croatian Tourist Guides Association.

Croatian Tourist Guides Association, with its partners, launched the "Discover Your Country" project in 2018 to mark the Day of International Recognition of the Republic of Croatia. This year’s program takes place on January 12, 2025, in over 50 cities nationwide. The project aims to bring the rich heritage, culture, and diverse offerings of Croatia closer to locals and visitors alike.

Although tourist guides are often associated primarily with foreign visitors, their role is equally significant for the local population. Through various programs and activities, guides contribute to preserving the national identity, promoting the richness and culture of a region, uncovering remnants of heritage, and reinterpreting them to create unforgettable stories.

As tourist guides are also ambassadors of Ivan Meštrović, one of Croatia's most renowned sculptors and intellectuals of the 20th century, this year’s program will feature a guided tour titled “Discover and Follow Meštrović’s Legacy in Split.” Ivan Meštrović began his education in Split, often returned to the city, and left an indelible mark with his summer villa (now the Meštrović Gallery), the Crikvine-Kaštilac complex with the Church of the Holy Cross, and five public monuments: Gregory of Nin, Marko Marulić, St. John the Baptist, Luka Botić, and the Mother and Child sculpture currently placed in front of Split's maternity hospital.

Meštrović's artistic achievements and social significance in Split will be brought closer to participants on January 12 through a guided tour led by Meštrović Gallery associate Dijana Žaja, in collaboration with licensed tourist guides from Split.

Program Highlights:

• Meeting Point: At 11:00 AM on the plateau between the Gregory of Nin statue and Đardin Park.
• The tour begins with an introduction to the artist’s early years in Split, his apprenticeship with Pavao Bilinić, and an overview of Gregory of Nin, before continuing through the Golden Gate to the Peristyle.
• Upon arrival at the Peristyle, participants will learn about the statue’s original location, its later removal, and its eventual fate.
• Access to the Baptistery, where the sculpture of St. John the Baptist is located, has been arranged in collaboration with the Treasury of Split Cathedral.
• At Fruit Square (Trg braće Radić), the history of the Marko Marulić statue—donated by Meštrović to the City of Split and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year—will be presented.
• The tour concludes around 12:30 PM at the Split Riva.

Participation in the program is free of charge. Registration is required via e-mail at marketing@mestrovic.hr (please provide your full name and contact information).