Split 's origins date back to the reign of a unique Roman emperor! Caius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus Augustus, of Dalmatian parentage, was born around 245 AD in Soline (Salona), just north of present-day Split. A military functionary, he became cavalry commander and was proclaimed emperor in 284.
The sovereign initiated the tetrarchy, an unprecedented system of government in which not one, but four governors made the decisions. The enormous territory he conquered was divided between two emperors (Augustus) and two successor lieutenants (Caesars). It was a good idea to divide up the Empire in order to rule better. Diocletian then consolidated the Empire's borders, reformed at every turn and managed to maintain a lasting peace. But, weakened by illness, the old man made a brief abdication speech on May1 , 305, and went down in history as the only Roman emperor to have left power in this way. Diocletian then retired to his native lands. He had a fortress built by the sea, where he retreated from 305 to 311. This late antique palace is a rare example of a well-preserved walled city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it forms the historic core around which the town developed. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and the Baroque, architectural styles abound.
Old stones interact with 21st-century signs
The northern entrance to the palace is guarded by the statue of Grgur Ninski, 10th-century bishop of Nin, an imposing 8.50 m-high sculpture by Ivan Meštrović. Beyond the Golden Gate, the Papalić Palace is a must-see. Designed in the 15th century by George the Dalmatian, this sumptuous residence in flamboyant Gothic style houses the town's Museum. Follow Dioklecijanova street to one of Croatia's most beautiful squares. When it's not crowded, sit on the peristyle steps to admire the colonnade, its Corinthian capitals, the basement entrance to the imperial apartments and the portico of the Temple of Jupiter. Nearby, guarded at the entrance by an Egyptian sphinx, is the Cathedral of Saint-Dominus (former mausoleum of Diocletian) with its Gothic bell tower.
In the southern part, on Fruit Square, Meštrović immortalized, this time, the figure of Marko Marulić, the famous Splitois writer. The basements of the palace are partly occupied by souvenir stores, selling pretty replicas of icons, silk scarves, leather bags, small jewels and much more.
The city abounds in narrow streets with white marbled floors, where you can lose yourself. Within the city walls, you can visit a number of museums and art galleries, indulge yourself in the boutiques-ateliers and shop again in the boutiques. For food and drink, there are countless cafés and restaurants. For the best places to eat, ask at the tourist office (in the Veli Varoš district, for example), as Split is also full of tourist attractions. Around 5 p.m., it's already aperitivo time! The waterfront terraces are filling up. Most turn up the volume. A joyfully cacophonous clubbing atmosphere sets in.
Marjan Hill, Split's green lung
In midsummer, it can be hot inside the palace grounds. You can breathe easier on the hill overlooking the marina to the west. The easiest way to get to this forest park is to take the Marjan Stairs, located next to a monastery. At the first stop (Vidilica), a café-buvette offers a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside, a church steeple, the roofs of the palace and the sea in the background. At the top of Mount Telegrin, the monumental cross (13 m) is impressive. Following Šetalište Marina Tartagile, another entrance (Porte Spinut) leads to a pathway, with a cycle lane and a section for pedestrians and joggers. Third option, Šétalište Ivana Meštrovića Street, which is also served by bus routes.
Worth seeing on the southwest side are the Gothic St. Nicholas chapel - all in white ashlar - the 14th-centuryBethlehem church, the Renaissance St. Jerome church and a troglodytic hermitage.
Historically, the hill was a district reserved for the elite and clergy, with a monastic residence, a presidential palace, the villa and kastel of master sculptor Meštrović, an olive grove and a botanical garden. Since then, Marjan has been democratized! Now frequented by tourists and locals alike, it's a prime spot for outdoor sports and leisure activities. And when it comes to bathing, better than the urban beach (Bačvice), you can stay at its feet to enjoy the kilometers of rocky coastline: to the north-west a developed beach (Bene), to the south another pretty white pebble beach (Kasjuni).
USEFUL INFORMATION
When to visit?
For the country's second-largest city, flights are available all year round. Exhibitions, shopping, trade shows (terroir, gastronomy), sports events and festivals are all part of the calendar. In summer, more seaside resorts, yachting, water sports and outdoor activities.
Duration
How many days will it take to visit Diocletian's Palace? 1, 2 or 3? Allow more time to climb Marjan Hill, see the Riviera, the hinterland and the Split archipelago.
Public
With its contemporary art museum, art galleries, boutiques, countless cafés and restaurants, seaside resorts, water sports, beach bars, clubs and festivals, Split is a young and active resort. The marinas attract a more affluent public. No notorious insecurity for women traveling solo. Families love the sandy beach (Bacvice) and the leisure base on Marjan Hill.
Highlights
- Split is a good base for exploring the Dalmatian coast, several archipelagos and the Mosor mountains.
- Unlike some coastal towns that are deserted in winter, Split is an active, lively city all year round.
- An entirely pedestrian zone, the Diocletian Palace is very quiet in winter. Entrance to the city is free, while historic monuments and museums charge a fee.
The minuses
- All train stations are in the same neighborhood. Very convenient, but in summer, the crowds in this area quickly become too big.
- In summer, the noise level in the streets around the Palais is high. Day and night.
- In some clubs, entrance fees for tourists can double. Be sure to ask the young locals before entering!
Useful
- TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER - More information on the site
TIC Peristil - Peristil bb
Tel: +385 21 345 606
- TIC Riva
Obala HNP 9
Tel.: +385 21 360 066
