Resort town of Croatia – Split, is located right in the center of the Adriatic coast of this country, thus dividing the Dalmatia region into two zones. The city stands on a beautiful peninsula covered with coniferous forests, next to the Marjan Park-Reserve. From the sea, the neighbors of the Split resort are lovely and very picturesque islands, the most famous and popular of which is deservedly considered the island of Brac, where the summer residences of the most famous movie stars in the world are located.
The resort city of Split is chosen as a traditional place for a beach holiday on the Adriatic by numerous European tourists, but every year, more and more Russians also began to buy tours to this Croatian paradise. There are magnificent landscapes here, worthy of a landscape painter’s pen: lush Mediterranean vegetation, mighty pine forests that approach the beaches and provide natural shade to vacationers during the hottest hours. Tourists are especially delighted, according to reviews, by the color of the water of the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Split: it is bright turquoise, and so transparent and clean that you can see in the depths, about forty meters, multi-colored corals growing on the bottom. By the way, as everyone knows, corals are an indicator of the purity of water. Environmental scientists who conducted research and took water samples off the coast of the resort of Split said that the Adriatic Sea here is the cleanest in the entire European part. They also explained the reason for such stunning water colors in Split: the seabed of this part of the coast is lined with marble-like quartzite of a snow-white color, against which the sea waves acquire a similar hue. Tourists, coming home from vacation from the city of Split, post numerous photos online of simply stunning corners of the coast of this resort, after looking at which one cannot help but fall in love with the blessed corner of the Balkans - Croatia.
The large resort city of Croatia, Split, guarantees tourists an unforgettable holiday on excellent beaches, with all the infrastructure necessary for tourists, opportunities for traveling around the country and excellent shopping. In the summer, the beaches of Split, its beautiful promenade, are even superior in beauty to some Mediterranean resorts. This part of the coast has an excellent climate, it is created as a result of the proximity to Split of the Mosor mountains, covered with coniferous forests and the sea evaporation of the Adriatic. In Split and the Croatian resorts closest to it, it is recommended that people suffering from chronic diseases of the respiratory system take an annual holiday.
The swimming season in Split, starting in June, ends at the end of September. The water in the Adriatic Sea in June is warmed up to twenty-two degrees Celsius, in July - up to twenty-five degrees, in August - up to twenty-six degrees, in September - up to twenty-three degrees, in October - twenty-one degrees.
The beaches at this resort are predominantly small-pebble, but there are also sandy ones, many of them have pine trees, and in some places they come almost to the water. There are four beaches within the city:
- Beach "Bacvice"- sandy beach of Split, a short walk from the old historical center. There is the necessary infrastructure: rental of water equipment, umbrellas and sun loungers, cafes, playgrounds, water platforms with slides and other entertainment, concrete platforms for easy descent into the sea.
- Beach "Trstenik"- with a small pebble structure, it is connected by a pedestrian path to the main city beach. Despite the small size of the beach, there is the infrastructure tourists need for a comfortable holiday on the seashore: opportunities for water sports and rental equipment for this, many cafes, restaurants, showers, sun loungers with umbrellas.
- Znjan Beach- the largest in width and length in the city of Split, with everything necessary for a carefree holiday and entertainment for tourists. There are children's playgrounds on the beach with attractions, slides, sandboxes, and trampolines. For adults, there are cafes and bars on the beach.
- Radisson Beach- it is located next to the four-star Radisson Blu Resort hotel. The beach is surrounded by landscaped, well-groomed areas, there are many restaurants and bars nearby, there are rentals of umbrellas and sun loungers, and various water activities are possible.
The advantage of a beach holiday in the Split resort is the transport accessibility of all beaches, including those located in the coastal bays in the surrounding area. In a few minutes you can take a bus to the beach of Podstrana, located ten kilometers from the center of Split, and by ferry you can reach in a few minutes the excellent beaches on the neighboring islets of Ciovo or Brac.
The city of Split has a unique history, because it is a very ancient settlement in Croatia, and accordingly, there are many monuments related to history and architecture. Particularly beautiful in Split is its historical center with numerous monuments of Croatian culture; it is under the protection of UNESCO. Split has existed for seventeen centuries; over the centuries it has absorbed and mixed in its belly different architectural styles inherited from many nationalities that once lived here: the ancient Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Austrians. Historical buildings harmoniously coexist with modern buildings, through their interpenetration and mixing, giving the Croatian city of Split a special ambiance and flavor that enchants everyone. The sights of Split have absorbed the spirit of the times, all the events that took place on these lands, the rich cultural heritage of a number of civilizations. The history of the city of Split, collected bit by bit, is presented not only on the city streets, in the form of ruins and medieval mansions, but also in the form of numerous exhibits stored in local museums. We will briefly describe below some of the attractions of Split that tourists must visit when vacationing in the Dalmatia region.
Sights of the city of Split
Or “Dioklecijanova palaca” - this huge defensive fortress was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the third century to protect this part of the Adriatic coast. The fortress occupied an area of more than four and a half thousand square meters. Diocletian fell in love with this building and chose to live the rest of his life in it. Here he was buried in the mausoleum. Three centuries passed after his death, and the fortress helped the local residents resist the attacks of the Avars. The palace was partially destroyed by merciless time, only a part of the buildings remained from it: the main entrance, the “Golden Gate”, “Bronze Gate”, “Iron Gate”, the Church of St. Martin, the palace colonnade - “Peristyle”, where festivities were held during the reign of Diocletian and magnificent ceremonies of celebrations, and today theatrical performances are held here during festivals. On the territory of the imperial palace there is another palace, built in the fifteenth century by Juraj Dalmatinac, this is the “Palace of the Papalices”, who in the Middle Ages began to collect antiquities that were discovered in the city of Split. Then the City Museum appeared, which began with that collection. Diocletian's Palace is so huge that it occupies half the territory of the old city and is under UNESCO protection. We mentioned that Diocletian was buried in the mausoleum of this palace, but his body is not there now. The fact is that this emperor was a great persecutor of Christians, and they opened his burial one hundred and seventy years after his death in order to scatter the ashes of the hated tyrant in the wind, and the mausoleum has since been converted into a Christian cathedral. The palace is well preserved, and its sewerage and water supply systems still work, despite the fact that they are many centuries old.
Or “Dioklecijanov akvadukt” - located on the outskirts of the city of Split. It was built in the third century to transport water from the Yadro River to Diocletian's palace and nearby towns. The aqueduct reaches seventeen meters in height and nine kilometers in length, but it has been partially preserved to this day; its best-preserved fragments are located in the area of the town of Solin. The aqueduct was damaged in the sixth century, during the invasion of Dalmatia by the Gothic tribe. Since then, it has stood destroyed for thirteen centuries, reminding everyone of the former greatness of the Roman builders. Its restoration began in 1877, at the instigation of the mayor of the city of Split. The restored aqueduct was used until 1932, when a water supply station was built here. Now the aqueduct is being restored again in order to preserve this monument of Roman architecture for posterity.
Or “Jupiterov temple” - a Roman temple on the territory of Diocletian’s Palace, built in honor of the main Roman god - Jupiter. At the entrance to the temple, visitors are greeted by the Egyptian sphinx, which Emperor Diocletian brought from a distant African country. But the temple remained partially unfinished because the emperor decided to leave the throne. During the Middle Ages, the temple was rebuilt into the Christian Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, and a bell tower was added to it. Inside the temple there is now a pair of sarcophagi - these are the graves of the archbishops of the city of Split.
Or “Peristil” is a characteristic architectural feature and an important part of residential and public buildings of antiquity, implying an open space surrounded by a colonnade, inside which there was a small garden, a courtyard with a square. But in the case of the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, the square is of an impressive size, surrounded by columns of expensive red granite. The peristyle is the true heart of the imperial palace.
Or “Katedrala sv. Duje" is the main Catholic church of Split, built on the site of the imperial mausoleum. This is the oldest Christian cathedral in the city, which is often called the Cathedral of Saint Duje, in honor of the martyr who was once the bishop of the city, and who suffered for the Christian faith under the Emperor Diocletian. He became the patron saint of the Croatian city of Split. The first floor of the cathedral's sacristy is occupied by a treasury, where the incorruptible relics of this saint are located, as well as a mass of works of religious art and religious objects.
Or “Hrvatski pomorski muzej” - located on Grip Hill, near the fortress of the same name, built in the seventeenth century, or rather the remains of its fortifications. The museum is divided into two parts: military and civilian. It contains models of sea vessels, tools used by sailors, equipment, and exhibits from different historical eras of Croatia. The museum often organizes educational thematic exhibitions. The military part of the museum has a large collection of torpedoes and a collection of models of ships of the Croatian partisans of the Second World War.
Or “Etnografski muzej” - located in a beautiful building of a Gothic mansion, which was once the town hall of Split; the museum has been located here since 1924. The museum's exposition is dedicated to the crafts and crafts of Dalmatia. The museum houses a rich collection of folk costumes and jewelry traditional for this Croatian region. There are Croatian handicrafts here: dishes, knitted clothes, wood carvings, patterns of weaving. Part of the exhibition is occupied by the interiors of houses in the city of Split from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Shopping lovers will not get bored on holiday in Split, because the city has three large shopping centers: - “Mercator”; - “Joker center” - a shopping and entertainment center with a cinema, a large swimming pool, its own restaurant, excellent bars; - “Emmezeta” - you can get to it by bus, since it is located outside the outskirts of Split. Traditionally, lace woven by the craftswomen of the island of Pag is brought from Split as a souvenir, magnificent men's ties made of natural silk are sold here, buy the amazing local cheese “paški”, which is stored in olive oil for six months before sale to give it a piquant taste, and don’t forget to buy simply divine local olive oil.
How and what to get to Split?
- Airplane:
Today, getting to the Croatian city of Split is very easy. Because just twenty-five kilometers from the city there is a huge international airport, which also works with Russia, and receives direct and charter flights from there. There are buses from the airport to the city.
- Train:
Great news for those – you can now get to Split from Russia by train. The resort of Split is included in the Croatian railway network, and in the summer, from June seventeenth to August twenty-sixth, you can travel to Split by train from Moscow by purchasing a ticket for the Moscow-Budapest route. You will be offered seats in a direct carriage, which is attached in Budapest to a train heading to the Croatian resort town of Split. The journey by rail to the final destination will take sixty-three hours. By the way, the train station is located right in the city center.
Transport in Split
As for the bus service, the beauty of Croatia is that you can travel far and wide by bus and even visit neighboring countries. The Split bus station is located in the city center. All Croatian buses are comfortable. True, in some of them tourists are charged a fee for luggage, but a small one: from fifty cents to a euro per piece. By bus from Split you can easily get to major cities in Croatia, get to neighboring countries - Bosnia, Herzegovina, and also visit a number of European capitals, if you have a Schengen visa.
The ferry service also works well in Split; with its help, tourists can get to Dubrovnik, Rijeka, visit several: Brac, Vis, Korcula, Solta, Hvar, and also go to Italy, to the cities of Ancona, Trieste, Pescara.
There are many hotels in Split - for different tastes and budgets, and no wonder, because it is the second largest city in the country. There are dozens of hotels of different star ratings, but they all have high service and quality of service.
The Croatian resort town of Split on the Adriatic Sea in the Dalmatia region is a place where you can join the leisurely and measured southern rhythm of life, at least temporarily, taking a break from the crowds of large cities, work and problems.
Split CathedralThe region of Dalmatia, of which Split is considered the center, has been known since antiquity. It completely occupies a peninsula jutting out into the sea. From the east of the interior of Croatia, the city closes the Mosor ridge, which is about 25 km long. Low mountains with complex terrain and karst caves are appreciated by mountain climbers and speleologists. The main routes along the ridge were laid by enthusiasts from the Mosor club based in Split. Split is protected from the western and southwestern winds by the islands Vis, from which the first Greek colonists once came, Brac, Solta, Hvar. All of them are connected to Split by regular ferry services.
Many localities on the islands and coast have marinas for private yachts. You can anchor in any of the picturesque bays - hurricane winds do not wander here, and from May to October there are no sudden weather changes in the vicinity of Split. The largest year-round yacht marina, designed for 364 vessels, is open in Split. The city hosts the country's main yacht clubs and hosts continental and world yachting championships.
The most popular island, located just 5 nautical miles from Split, is Brac, famous for its Golden Cape beach. The narrow strip of sand often changes its shape due to the direction of the wind and current. To the side of the public beach, naturists sunbathe, freed from clothing and the taint of civilization. Windsurfers also appreciated the conditions of the Golden Cape: during the high season, a steady westerly wind blows here every day.
Climate
Split's climate is close to subtropical, but precipitation here is less than normal. In summer, the city and its surroundings are dry and hot; the swimming season lasts from June to October. In winter it is humid and warm, however, with a north wind, you can safely subtract 10-15 degrees from the thermometer readings in winter and dress accordingly. Snow falls in Split 1-2 times in January-February. It is extremely rare for heavy snowfalls to occur, causing collapse on the roads, since public utilities are not prepared for such surprises.
History of Split
The first settlements appeared on the Adriatic coast in the vicinity of modern Split 2,400 years ago, when the Greeks founded the colony of Aspalathos here. This is the ancient Greek name for a 3-meter-tall relative of the acacia, covered in bright yellow flowers in spring and early summer. All the branches of the bush were covered with sharp thorns, which is why people called it the “thorny broom.” The Greeks soon settled in and developed trade with the locals, but the Romans conquered the colony. Under them, the growth of Split stopped, and neighboring Salona took the lead, becoming the center of the province. In the 4th century, the palace of Emperor Diocletian was built next to it; its powerful walls created a deceptive illusion of security among the population. In the 7th century, Salona was destroyed by the Avars. While the townspeople were hiding from the invaders and rebuilding what was destroyed, Split took the opportunity and became the center of Dalmatia.
For a long time the city was under the influence of the Byzantines, in the Middle Ages it was inclined towards an alliance with Venice and looked favorably towards the Croatian kingdom. At the same time, Split formally retained autonomy, it had its own court, and it influenced the affairs of the church. In the late Middle Ages, Hungary joined the list of contenders for Dalmatia. Venice won the historical confrontation, and Split greeted the 17th century as an outpost of the republic, designed to hold back the onslaught of the Turks. As a result of the Morean War with the Ottomans in 1699, a significant part of the Balkan territories was lost by Venice, but Split remained under the treaty. In 1796, the city became part of Napoleonic France, and after the fall of the emperor it became part of Austria-Hungary as part of the Kingdom of Dalmatia.
After 1918, a union of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was formed, which later became known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War II, the city was under the rule of the Italians and Germans, and in 1944 it was liberated by partisans. After the end of the war, Split became part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within Yugoslavia. In the second half of the 20th century, the appearance of Split changed: the population grew 3 times due to the ruined peasants from the central regions, the city occupied the entire peninsula, including the ancient Salona, and industry appeared. Split became the largest military and civilian port in the country, and the shipbuilding industry competed with world leaders.
In 1991, as a result of the war of secession, Croatia gained independence. During the hostilities, Split suffered little damage, but there were casualties among the civilian population. The economy fell into complete decline in the 90s. In the 2000s, a new vector of development was chosen: funds were invested in hotels and tourist facilities. As a result, in less than 20 years, Split has become the most important resort in the eastern Adriatic, maintaining an attractive price level for tourists.
The city's attractions
Back in 1979, the UNESCO World Heritage List included the palace complex of Diocletian, a unique emperor who voluntarily renounced power and lived the rest of his days in solitude in the town of Salona - a remote province by the standards of the 3rd century. Now Solin has become a suburb of Split, and archaeologists and tourists play a major role in it.
Experts discovered and studied the ruins of city gates and walls, founded in the 2nd century BC. e., an amphitheater for 15 thousand inhabitants, ancient temples in the traditional Roman style, as in all provinces. In the eastern part of the city there are well-preserved thermal baths - public baths. The complex included a swimming pool, changing rooms, a massage department, and a sauna. The amphitheater survived the Middle Ages completely intact, but in the 17th century it was demolished by the Venetians in preparation for the battle with the Turks. A significant part of the palace was destroyed by the Avars. In 639, the Salonians surrendered the city and fled to nearby islands. The Avars did not stay in one place, and a more peaceful Slavic tribe of Croats came to the coast and occupied the abandoned territories. Only 10 years later, the Greeks, suffering on the islands from a lack of fresh water, dared to return to the palace. Thanks to the mediation of the Byzantines, they made peace with the Croats for defense against the barbarians. After this, examples of early Christian architecture appeared in Salona and Split.
Diocletian's Palace
If medieval cities were formed around fortresses, then ancient Split grew up around the palace of Emperor Diocletian, built by 305. However, the territory of the complex was protected no worse than a fortress: 3 hectares of land were surrounded by 20-meter walls, the southern wall came close to the sea so that it could be evacuated in case of an attack. This did not save the ensemble from destruction, but it helped preserve many interesting architectural details that influenced the development of classicism.
Today the palace lives an active life: on its territory there are shops, restaurants and even residential buildings where you can stay. What has survived from the complex is the imperial tomb, which was turned into the Split Cathedral, and the Temple of Jupiter, which became the baptistery - a church building in which baptisms are performed.
Diocletian's PalaceSplit Cathedral
The oldest existing cathedral in the world, the Church of St. Domnos, or Split Cathedral, is built over the imperial mausoleum. It was named after the Bishop of Salona, who died during the persecution of Christians under Diocletian. Ironically, the relics of the martyr in the 7th century were transferred to the cathedral, where his persecutor had previously been laid to rest. The remains of Diocletian and his wife were destroyed, but images of the imperial couple remained on the friezes. Formally, the bell tower is dedicated to the saint, the entire temple bears the name of the Virgin Mary, but the name Domna appears in all guidebooks and maps.
The cathedral in Split was built in several stages. The strict octagon in the center of the complex is an ancient mausoleum. The bell tower was erected in 1100, but was seriously rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. Choirs were added only in the 17th century. The most notable details of the interior are: engraved wooden doors, the Gothic altar of the side chapel of St. Due by the 15th century Italian master Bonino da Campione. The carved altar of another chapel dedicated to St. Stanislaus was made by the Dalmatian sculptor Giorgio Orsini at the same time.
Temple of Jupiter
Sandwiched between identical houses with red-tiled roofs, the baptistery is difficult to find on your own. From the Split Cathedral you need to walk in a northwest direction about 50 m, carefully looking around. This architectural monument also combines elements of various styles. Columns and decorative details of the frieze have been preserved from antiquity; carved sarcophagi of archbishops were made in the Middle Ages. Inside is a bronze statue of John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović, a 20th-century Croatian sculptor.
Parks and beaches of Split
The largest city park, Marjan, is located in the western part of the peninsula. It was approved by Diocletian as a place of rest for the townspeople. Back in the 19th century, it was a windswept hill devoid of vegetation. Residents of Split decided to restore it to its former popularity and planted it with Mediterranean pine trees. Today, the park has hiking trails, mountain biking and cross-country trails, and tennis courts. A city zoo has been opened in Maryana with animals in enclosures and peacocks roaming freely along the paths. The Telegrin peak, 178 m above sea level, offers panoramic views of the city.
On the southern shore of the park there is a narrow Kashuni beach, in the north there is Bene with trees approaching almost the sea with dozens of yachts. Lovers of antiquities are attracted to Marjan by the medieval churches of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen, carved directly into the rocks, and St. Jerome with a carved altar. On the eastern slopes there is an old Jewish cemetery, a historical monument.
In other parts of Split there is also the opportunity to swim, although in peculiar conditions. For example, Bacvice beach in a shallow bay near the Seaside Park consists of a small sandy area and a concrete shore with steps, like in a swimming pool, or rather, like in a paddling pool, because the water there is ankle-deep even at a distance of ten meters from the shore.
Museums in Split
In the south-eastern part of Marjan Park there is a gallery of Ivan Meštrović, a famous sculptor and architect. Monuments of his work decorate the streets of the cities of the republics of the former Yugoslavia, and works of religious art are recognized as the best in the country since the Renaissance. The facility is closed on Mondays, in the season it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., in winter it closes at 4 p.m., the ticket costs 40 Croatian kuna.
The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, 200 m east of the gallery, is dedicated to artifacts made in Croatia during the Middle Ages. Entrance for tourists is free, you just need to choose the time of your visit: the museum has a day off on Sunday, in the summer it is open from 9 to 20 o'clock with a break from 13 to 17 o'clock.
The Ethnographic Museum of Split is adjacent to the Diocletian complex on the south side. During the season it is open from 9:30 to 20 o’clock, on Sunday – until 13 o’clock, a ticket costs 15 kuna. Household items from different eras are exhibited in the halls, and ancient interiors are recreated.
The city museum with the gallery of Emanuel Vidović, Split's greatest twentieth-century artist, is open on the eastern side of the complex. A ticket for an adult costs 20 kuna; during the season the establishment is open until 21-22 hours. 400 m east of it, in a 17th-century fortress, is the Croatian Maritime Museum. For 20 kunas in the summer from 9 to 20 hours, in winter - until 15 hours, you can see archaeological finds raised from the bottom of the sea, study the history of sailing and steam ships, fishing, and naval battles on the Adriatic.
The oldest Archaeological Museum in the country, located north of Diocletian's Palace, is more than 120 years old. It displays a valuable collection of coins, Greek ceramics, Roman glass, and jewelry. A ticket for adults costs 20 kuna.
An oceanarium with 22 aquariums, in which sharks, rays and other sea inhabitants live, awaits guests from 10 to 22 o'clock, on the very shore of the sea. A half-hour drive southeast of Split, there is a Dinosaur Park; tickets cost 80 kuna during high season.
Shopping in Split
City center ONE on Vukovar Street is the largest shopping and entertainment facility in the city. In his garage there is a karting center for children from 5 years old and adults. A 10-minute ride for an adult rider costs 75 kn.
From Split, tourists bring with them good chocolate, olive oil purchased from farmers at the city market or on the islands, lavender essential oil or dried flowers. Locally produced alcohol also deserves attention: good dry wine from the islands and rakia, which is made from any fruit that ripens on the Adriatic, with the addition of honey and herbs.
In addition to general Christian and public holidays, regional celebrations are held annually in Split. Every year on May 7, a religious procession is organized around the city in memory of the patron saint of Split, Saint Domna. During the time of Cyril and Methodius, attempts to introduce worship in the Slavic language in Croatia were unsuccessful, but now the May service is conducted in Church Slavonic, with priests reading out the texts of the oldest Glagolitic monuments.
In the summer, at the beginning of July, the city has hosted the Split Music Festival since 1960, dedicated to the popular music of Croatia. Almost immediately after it, the Split Summer theater festival begins, presenting drama, opera and ballet to the citizens and guests of Croatia.
Where to stay
Split lives on tourism; local residents rent out a huge number of apartments, many of which are located right on the territory of Diocletian's Palace. In recent years, several 3-5 star hotels have been built. The popular 4-star camping site Stobreč Split is 7 km from archaeological sites and the historical city center. It is ideal to relax in the middle of summer: the dense forest, the proximity of the river and the sea protect you from the heat.
How to get there
Split Airport, located 20 km west of the city, receives flights from Zagreb and Western Europe. Direct flights during the season connect Moscow (Domodedovo) and Split. The highway to Dubrovnik and Zagreb passes through the city.
The second largest city in Croatia is considered a very convenient starting point from which to explore this beautiful country. In addition, Split's many excellent attractions make the city one of Europe's most attractive tourist destinations. The city was continuously inhabited for many thousands of years, starting with the Romans, then the Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and finally the Austrians, who left it only in 1918. The beautiful Old Town of Split is very well preserved, including the famous Diocletian's Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Croatia, Ivan's Gallery Mestrovich and other attractions. Split's main tourist center is located east of the beautiful coastline, where visitors can enjoy the city's best restaurants, entertainment and hotels. In the vicinity of Split you will find many other interesting places, including the ancient city of Salona, the beautiful beaches of Zlatni Rat, Brelu, Pakleni Islands, Solta and Milna - all within easy reach of the city. So, let's move on to the list of the most popular attractions in Split.
Diocletian's Palace
The majestic Diocletian's Palace was named after the emperor who built it. The well-preserved structure was built in Roman military style. Even though Emperor Diocletian lived here for only eight years until he died in 313, the palace continued to play an important role as an administrative center and stronghold of the governor. Three centuries later, in 615, the palace was used as a refuge for local residents when their city was attacked by the Avars. Initially, the palace was 215 meters long and 180 meters wide, and its massive walls rose 28 meters. The palace was protected by towers at each corner and had four entrances - the famous Golden Gate, Silver Gate and Iron Gate. Several famous Split landmarks at this UNESCO World Heritage Site include the Temple of Jupiter, the Cathedral of St. Domnius and the medieval Radić Square with a 15th-century tower, the 17th-century Milesi Palace and a statue of Marko Marulić. He is considered the founder of Croatian literature. 
Cathedral of St. Domnius
The Cathedral of St. Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje) is located in the ancient area next to Diocletian's Palace. Serving as Diocletian's mausoleum, the cathedral was designed and built by Philotas in the 7th century. The cathedral has remained virtually unchanged since then, except for the addition of a 60-meter-high bell tower. The bell tower was created step by step from the 12th to the 16th centuries. You can climb to its top and get a better look at the palace. This magnificent octagonal cathedral was designed by the Corinthians and contains many original elements, notably the Altar of St. Domnius and the 13th-century hexagonal Romanesque stone pulpit.
Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
While numerous fine examples of Mestrovic's work can be found throughout the city, the best place to meet the revered sculptor is at the gallery in his honor. A good friend of Rodin, Ivan Mestrovic is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. He personally oversaw the gallery project as it developed during the 1930s. The Mestrovic Gallery was opened in 1952 after a substantial donation from the artist himself. Among the main exhibits are a set of 86 statues in marble, stone, bronze, wood and plaster, as well as numerous drawings and eight large bronze statues in the gallery gardens. This is one of the most visited attractions in Split. 
Forest park and Marjan staircase
The residents of Split are rightfully proud of the Marjan Forest Park. Dating back to the fourth century, the beautiful park occupies an entire peninsula overlooking the city. This is a wonderful place for tired tourists, where you can just sit in the shade and relax. In addition to its many recreational areas, the park is known for its tall pine trees and hiking trails. Also interesting is the Marjan Staircase, leading to the observation deck at the top. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Kastela, Salona and Klis, Trogir and Ciovo, as well as the islands of Solta, Brac, Hvar and Vis. Marjan Forest Park can be easily reached in 15 minutes from the center of Split, passing through the old quarter of the city. 
People's Square
Dating from the 15th century, the People's Square (Narodni Trg Pjaca) of Split combines many styles, including Renaissance, Venetian and Gothic buildings from different centuries. Particularly noteworthy is the Venetian-Gothic Cambi Palace, along with the Renaissance-style Town Hall building and the Ethnographic Museum of Split. This fascinating museum is definitely worth a visit. People's Square is located in the area of Diocletian's Palace west of the Peristyle. Also interesting is the neighboring statue of Gregor of Nin, created by the same Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. 
Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
Focusing on artifacts from the 7th to the 15th centuries, the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments should definitely be on your list of must-see attractions in Split. One of the oldest museums in Croatia (founded in 1893), it continues to be active in research and collection of new elements, with a particular focus on the southern Croatian region between the Cetina and Zrmanja rivers. The museum is now located in a modern building, specially built for it in 1976. Its exhibition includes approximately 20,000 exhibits, covering different periods of history. The collection is composed primarily of jewelry, weapons and stone carvings from Croatian churches. The museum hosts both regular and temporary exhibitions. Address: Stjepana Gunjace bb, Split. 
Archaeological Museum of Split
The Archaeological Museum should also be on every Split must-see list, especially if you love history. Considered Croatia's oldest museum, it was founded in 1820 and has been in its current location since 1922. With more than 150,000 items, its exhibition includes the country's largest collection of precious stones, as well as Salon stone carvings, Greek ceramics, Roman glass, approximately 1,600 ancient clay lamps, numerous bones and metal objects. It is also worth visiting the beautiful garden of the Archaeological Museum. Address: Frankopanska 25, Split 
Church of St. Dominic
Restored in the 17th century and expanded in the 1930s, the Church of St. Dominic (Srebrna Vrata I Sv. Dominik) stands on the site of the former St. Catherine's Cathedral. The main attraction of the church are the magnificent medieval ecclesiastical illustrations of Il Giovane and his followers, including the famous Miracle at Surian. Also visit the nearby market with a large selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats from all over Croatia. 
National Theater Split
Opened in 1893 in one of the country's oldest buildings, the Croatian National Theater continues to play an important role in the city's art world and cultural community. As one of Split's main attractions, the theater presents a varied program of more than 300 performances a year, from ballet to theater productions, as well as classical music concerts from the city's symphony orchestra. The National Theater also hosts a number of important festivals, including the popular Split Summer Festival (Splitsko ljeto) - one of the country's oldest performing arts festivals. It also hosts Literature Days, a week-long celebration of Croatian literature. Address: Trg Gaje Bulata 1, 21000, division 
Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery of St. John the Baptist (Sv. Ivan Krstitelj) is located in the center of Diocletian's Palace. Consecrated in the sixth century, the Roman religious building was originally the Temple of Jupiter. Among its famous features are the font in honor of King Zvonimir and other dignitaries, and the carved statues of Ivan Mestrović added to the statue of St. John on the wall. Also interesting are the tombs of two bishops from the 8th and 11th centuries. Many interesting relics from the Baptistery and Diocletian's Palace can be admired in the nearby Museum of Split (Muzej Grada Splita) and the Gothic Papalic Palace. One of the finest museums on the Palace grounds, it is famous for its collection of books illustrating the history of the city, as well as its cache of weapons from the 15th to 18th centuries. Address: Papaliceva 1, Split.
City of Split located on the Marjan Peninsula between the Kastela Bay and the Split Canal at the foot of the Mosor Mountains (the highest peak is Mosor, 1330 meters). Modern Split is a dynamically developing city. The population is employed in tourism services, trade, food industry, fishing and fish processing, winemaking, fertilizer production, shipbuilding, limestone mining and processing. A significant number of city residents work in ports, passenger and cargo. A great contribution to the development of the city was made by the new modern highway (A1), which connected Split with the capital and European countries.
The Roman colony of Salona, the remains of which can still be seen in the northwestern suburb of Split, was the capital and economic center of the province of Dalmatia. According to legend, in the 3rd century the future Roman Emperor Diocletian was born here, who ruled Rome from 284 to 305 and went down in history as a reformer of the government of the Roman Empire and the organizer of one of the most brutal persecutions of Christians. After abdicating power in 305, he returned to Split city, where construction of a palace for him was already underway. Diocletian was buried in a mausoleum, later converted into a Christian cathedral.
In 639, Split was destroyed during an Avarian raid; the entire population of the city took refuge behind the walls of Diocletian's palace. By the end of the 7th century, the entire coastline of the area and the city itself were inhabited by Slavs. In the 12th century Split city formally recognized the power of the Hungarian-Croatian crown over itself, but retained actual independence until 1420, when it, along with most of the coastal and island cities of Dalmatia, became part of Venice. However, even within Venice, Split enjoyed a certain autonomy. The surroundings of Split, especially the shores of the Bay of Kaštela, became a favorite vacation spot for wealthy Venetians. Many villas and palaces built by them have survived to this day.
During the Middle Ages, Split became one of the main Croatian centers of trade, economy and culture. A native of Split was Marko Marulić, a humanist and writer considered the creator of Croatian national literature. In 1797 Split city, like all of Dalmatia, was annexed to Austria. After a short French rule in 1813, it again came under the rule of the Austrian crown.
During the First World War, Split was occupied by Italy, and after the war it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia).
In 1941 Split city was reoccupied by the Italians. In 1943, it was liberated by anti-fascist partisans, but was soon taken under control by the German army. On October 26, 1944, Split was finally liberated from the invaders by the partisans. After the war, Split became part of the SFRY as part of Croatia.
In 1991, after the declaration of Croatian independence, there were several armed incidents in Split between Croats and Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) units stationed in the city, the most notable being the bombing of the city by the Yugoslav warship Split. The bombing, however, did not cause significant damage to the city, and already in January 1992, JNA units finally left the city. Further battles of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia were bypassed Split city side.
Old city
Directly at the northwestern exit of the city, where today it meets the industrial suburb of Solin, are the remains of Salona. Previously, it was the administrative, religious and economic center of the province of Dalmatia in the ancient Roman Empire. Tradition says that in the 3rd century, here in Salon, Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletian, the future Roman emperor, reigning in the period 284-305, was born. He was probably the founder city of Split. Further, when Diocletian voluntarily abdicated power in 305, he decided to return to his homeland, where, on his orders, a huge palace-fortress was built, covering an area of 3 hectares. After 300 years, behind the huge walls, the inhabitants of Salona tried to find protection from the attacks of the Slavs and Avars.
Over the following centuries, the city's borders expanded beyond the palace grounds. In its vicinity, during the Renaissance, residences and villas of wealthy citizens appeared. Many famous masters took part in urban construction, including Andrija Alyosha, Juraj Dalmatinac, Nikola Fiorentinac.
Palace of Emperor Diocletian. Sea Gate. Peristyle and Vestibule
It’s best to start getting acquainted with the city from the city harbor. From here you can hear ship whistles, an amazing salty wind blows, and car ferries that return from wanderings around the islands moor. Behind the embankment are the ancient walls of Diocletian's palace.
The southern wall previously represented the sea façade of the palace. Here were the personal imperial chambers, under which there were huge basements - the Sea Gate leads to them. Nowadays, in basements you can find wall vaults made of brown bricks and stone blocks, supported by square columns. Now these premises are loved by sellers of local original souvenirs.
Among the interior palace buildings that have survived in our time, it is worth noting the Peristyle - a huge rectangular hall, the area of which is 24x13 meters. It is located right in the open air. Here, during the time of Diocletian, various solemn ceremonies and festivals were held, and nowadays - theatrical performances during festivals. Then tourists go to the Vestibule, which is a large round hall that once led to the personal imperial chambers (not preserved).
Cathedral of St. Duje
Visitors to the eastern part of the Peristyle can then follow the stairs to visit the octagonal Cathedral of St. Douillet. The construction of the building took place in the early Middle Ages, when there was a mausoleum (the tomb of Diocletian). The excellent wooden gates carved in the cathedral by master Andriy Buvin, depicting 28 scenes from the Bible, deserve special attention from tourists.
In the 13th century, a hexagonal pulpit was installed in the cathedral on high columns; at the beginning of the 15th century, the famous Juraj Dalmatinac was able to create the altar of St. Stash, the feature of which is excellent relief images (among them the scene of the Flagellation of Christ). The repository of valuables in the cathedral also contains many historical manuscripts, pectoral crosses, and relics. Near the former Mausoleum there is also a five-tiered bell tower, which is one of the most significant attractions on the Dalmatian coast.
From the Eastern Gate to the Iron Gate
Diocletian's Palace is divided into almost equivalent 4 parts, which intersect at right angles with the following streets: Cardo (now Diocletianova Street, which runs south from the north), also Decumanus (now Kreshimirova Street). The Golden Gate led to the palace from the northern part, the Silver Gate from the eastern part, and the Iron Gate from the western part. Outside the Silver Gate there is a large city market, where you can buy a variety of products (wool, leather, silver, wood). The north-eastern part of the palace also contains the Papalici Palace, which is striking in its beauty. The construction of the palace was carried out by Juraj Dalmatinac in the 15th century. It was the Papalichs who owned the first local antiquities. In particular, it is here that the City Museum was founded, and those interested can get acquainted with its interesting exhibition according to the following schedule - Tue.-Fri. 9.00-21.00, Sat.-Sun. 10.00-13.00.
Opposite the Zindro Palace is the small Roman Temple of Jupiter, which is a rectangular building with a gable roof and attractive carvings on the cornices and frieze. The end of Krešimirova Street is the Iron Gate, after which we leave Diocletian's Palace, going out onto People's Square.
In the Old Town of Split
The most beautiful building erected on People's Square is the old town hall. It contains three Gothic pointed arches from the 15th century. Today the Ethnographic Museum is located here, which operates on a schedule of 7.00-15.00. A variety of collections of costumes, ceramics, textiles, and household items are available to visitors.
Not far from the northern wall of Diocletian's palace there are green parks and squares. Near the high bell tower of the 16th century Benedictine monastery there is an amazing bronze statue dedicated to Bishop Gregory of Nin - the height of the structure was 8 meters. The bishop in the 10th century actively fought with a clear goal - the preservation of the Croatian language. Local beliefs confirm that a person who touches the big toe of this statue can always count on good luck in life.
New powerful fortifications were built around the expanding city in the 15th century. Their remains are located near the Radic brothers square. The baroque Milesi Palace is located on the square - the best in Split; in front of it there is a monument to Marulić - the famous humanist, who is called the founder of national literature. The authorship of the monument belongs to I. Mestrovic. West of city of Split, in Meštrović's former country house at the foot of the mountain, there is a delightful Gallery of the author's works, which is open daily in the summer, 10.00-19.00.
North of the city center is the Archaeological Museum, where you can see ancient finds, most of which were mined in Salona. Among them, mosaics, processed sarcophagi, jewelry, and ceramics should be noted. Museum opening hours: Tue.-Sat. 9.00-19.00, Sun. 10.00-18.00. We can also recommend for city guests a visit to Salona itself; its ruins are accessible literally 10-15 minutes drive from the center city of Split. You can get there by bus. Here, among other things, you can see the ruins of a huge amphitheater, designed for 18 thousand spectators. The remains of temples, villas, residential buildings, early Christian basilicas and necropolises are perfectly preserved here.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit every year. They are attracted by the developed tourist infrastructure, natural beauty and ancient architectural monuments. Anyone who not only loves a relaxing holiday on the beach, but also dreams of wandering through historical places, chooses the beautiful city of Split; it deserves the most detailed story.
It’s not for nothing that the second largest city in the state is called an open-air museum. Here ancient architectural monuments harmoniously combine with modern skyscrapers, and tourists arriving for the first time do not even understand where they are, because the main pearl of Croatia resembles the best Mediterranean resorts.
Homeland of the legendary Diocletian
The city, founded by the Roman emperor Diocletian in 239, was not chosen by chance. As ancient legends say, this was the birthplace of the great ruler, where he wanted to build the most beautiful palace. The summer residence has survived to this day and is a must-see on the tourist route.
A small town inhabited by Slavs was part of Venice, was annexed to Austria, belonged to France and became part of Yugoslavia. An interesting history has left its mark on the architectural monuments that ancient Split is so proud of. The sights of the city made its appearance unique in the eyes of vacationers.
Majestic Palace
So, what should a tourist pay attention to first? Of course, the majestic residence of Diocletian, built in military style, is one of the main historical monuments that is incredibly popular. Built during the reign of the emperor, the mausoleum occupied about 30 thousand meters, and its walls covered the entire city, which the ruler chose as his resting place.
A small part that has reached posterity
Very little remains of the luxurious residence, which is a true example of ancient culture. Unfortunately, only part of the majestic structure around which ancient Split grew has reached our descendants. Sights included in the UNESCO World Heritage List will delight guests of the city with a special atmosphere. Tourists can see Jupiter, converted into a Christian church, surrounded by marble columns, a huge open-air hall (Peristyle), watchtowers and the Cathedral of St. Domnius, built on the site of the residence.
The corridors of the mausoleum, which rather resembled a whole city, turned into colorful narrow streets, and if you walk between them, you can stumble upon the ruins of Diocletian’s own balcony. It is curious that the underground possessions of the ruler have also been preserved, the entrance to which is guarded by guards dressed in Roman clothes. Walking through the basements, you can see the stone walls of the mausoleum and buy gifts to remember your stay in the ancient city.
The palace, which is of historical value, attracts the close attention of all travelers who come to touch the ancient history that Split carefully preserves. The sights of the city attract the gaze of hundreds of thousands of tourists, delighted by the fact that they have stood in the same place since the 3rd century.
Cathedral of St. Domnius
The cathedral with a 60-meter bell tower is a religious building in which a wide variety of art styles are intertwined. The bright building will amaze not only with its external decoration, but also with its interiors with a huge number of paintings and sculptures. Many guests of the Cathedral of St. Domnius admit that they were amazed by the richly decorated with interesting ornaments telling about the life of Christ and the main biblical events.
Many tourists come to the resort town just to see the famous architectural sights with their own eyes. remembers its historical past and treats cultural heritage sites with care.
Temple of Jupiter
No less interesting will be the one originally erected to praise the Roman gods. In the Middle Ages it was converted into a baptistery, and parishioners worshiped not the lord of thunder, but St. John the Baptist.
The entrance to the cathedral is guarded by a statue of the Sphinx, which was brought from Egypt to Split in the 3rd century. The sights of the temple - the monument to John the Baptist and the sarcophagi with the bodies of the city bishops - will not leave even the most non-religious person indifferent.
People's Square
On the square, which appeared in the 15th century and served as the city center, there is a delightful palace of the Cambi family in the Venetian-Gothic style, an ethnographic city museum, and the city hall building.
Initially, the heart of the city had a triangular shape, but at the beginning of the 19th century a whole complex of buildings was demolished, which led to changes in the appearance of the historical center. People's Square is a favorite place for walking among tourists who fell in love with the inimitable Split at first sight. The attractions, photos of which are presented in the article, can be called the main reasons for exploring a city with a rich history.
Ruins of the Roman Salona
The heyday of the ancient settlement occurred during the reign of Diocletian. An important center of Christianity was destroyed in the 7th century after the Slavic invasion, and now the ruins of Salona, located about five kilometers from the city, occupy a huge area near Split.
Recently, archaeological expeditions discovered part of the walls with gates and towers, and the main find was the ruins of an ancient amphitheater, built in the 2nd century. The architectural monument, which stood for 15 centuries, was destroyed by the Venetians themselves in fear of the Turks, who could use local landmarks as fortifications. Split (Croatia) allocates funds for annual research of the territory, because it is unknown how many more secrets the mysterious Salona will present to future generations. In the meantime, hundreds of tourists wander through the living museum, imbued with the amazing atmosphere of this place, which takes you back several centuries.
The hospitable Split (Croatia) warmly welcomes all its guests. The sights, photos of which adorn all city guides, will reveal the secrets of ancient history and will appeal to even the most discerning travelers.
