Gregory of Nin (Croatian: Grgur Ninski) was a bishop of Nin from 900 AD to 929 AD. He introduced the Croatian language in the religious services at the Great Assembly in 926 so that worshippers could better understand the word of God.
Just outside the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s palace and next to the Bell Tower of St. Arnir, you can find the 8.5-meter (28-foot) tall statue of Gregory of Nin made by Ivan Meštrović.
The statue is bronze in color, apart from one of his toes, which has turned golden as a result of constant rubbing. It is believed that if you rub the statue’s toe, Gregory will bring you good luck, so the toe has become shiny and golden as a result. From 1929 to 1954, the statue sat at the Peristyle.
Many more amazing sculptures and works of art made by Ivan Meštrović can be found in the Meštrović Gallery.
