Hollow Church 🇭🇷

Step into medieval Croatian history at Hollow Church (Šuplja crkva), the captivating archaeological excavation of an 11th-century Romanesque Roman Catholic church located near Split in Salona. Originally built as the Basilica of Saint Peter and Moses, this historical treasure sits upon the foundations of an even older Christian church next to a 6th-century Byzantine chapel. You should visit to walk among the surviving remains of rare 11th-century Croatian architecture, most famous as the legendary crowning place of King Zvonimir.

As you explore the excavated site, you can trace the footprint of this once-grand structure, which originally spanned 26 meters in length and 13 meters in width. Look closely at the ground plan to spot the layout of its three distinct apses, which were historically separated by columns. You can also view the western entrance where the narthex once stood—believed to have potentially held a royal Croatian sarcophagus—and inspect the southern side where a few original steps of the former steeple still remain intact today.

Although modern excavations began in the 1920s and continued through the 1990s, the site remains vulnerable to the nearby Jadro river waters, offering you a truly authentic glimpse into early Croatian royal heritage.

What to see at Hollow Church

• Crowning site of 11th-century Croatian King Zvonimir
• Layout of three apses measuring 26 by 13 meters
• Western narthex area that allegedly held a royal sarcophagus
• Remaining steps of the original southern steeple

Visiting tips

Keep in mind when visiting that the excavation site is located near a road and actively threatened by the waters of the Jadro river.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daylight hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

Hollow Church is easy to reach on Split’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Salona and Croatian National Theatre in Split. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Split travel guide.