On the western edge of Split’s waterfront, the Church and Monastery of St. Francis stands as a quiet witness to centuries of Croatian history. Built in the 13th century over the remains of an early Christian chapel, it’s more than a religious site—it’s a resting place for national figures like Marko Marulić and Ante Trumbić, whose tombs were sculpted by Ivan Meštrović. Inside, you’ll find a rare Gothic crucifix by Blaž Juraj of Trogir and a cloister with unique columns, each carved differently. The monastery’s library holds thousands of volumes, including 16th-century manuscripts and music archives found nowhere else. It’s a space that invites reflection, not just of faith, but of cultural identity and legacy.