Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and can be easily accessed via plane, train, bus or ferry – making it a top tourist and local travel destination.
Split is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an Old Town nestled within Emperor Diocletian’s fourth-century retirement palace and bustling with Croatians enjoying life to the fullest.
The Old Town
Diocletian’s Palace remains at the heart of Old Town in Split and remains one of the main draws today for many visitors. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, this incredible structure stands 7ft (2m) thick at 72ft 22m high – providing hours of sightseeing!
Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 284 AD until 305 when he abdicated voluntarily. Under him, the city of Split would eventually come under Byzantine and Venetian influence, becoming part of Yugoslavia eventually.
Walking through the old town is truly magical. Lined with green shuttered windows and wafts of fresh baked goods from bakeries nestled into ancient stone buildings, time seems to slow down here and it is easy to become lost in its charming atmosphere.
People’s Square, also known as Pjaca Trg, is one of the highlights of Old Town Split. This beautiful open space overlooks the water and features restaurants and cafes for an unparalleled viewing experience. Take in everything this magical city has to offer by sitting here!
At nightfall, bars and restaurants fill up with both locals and visitors alike – providing a vibrant social hub where local delicacies can be sampled as well as experiencing Split’s fantastic music scene featuring bands like Giulio Bajamonti, Franz von Suppe, Zdenko Runjic and Tonci Huljic who all hail from Split.
The Palace of Diocletian
Palace of Diocletian is one of the main draws to Split’s Old Town and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Home to shops and restaurants since the ruins were discovered here from Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace are now used for shopping and eating opportunities – its impressive walls, massive columns, Corinthian capitals make an impactful statement about this historic city’s past.
Even though much of its original structure has changed over the millennia, its charm remains. A walk along the palace walls should be an absolute must during your visit; many original arches can still be seen amongst modern buildings surrounding them.
One way to enter the palace is via its famed Iron Gate, once used by Diocletian himself for daily routines at his palace and now one of the main entrances into Old Town Split. Within this gate stands an iconic city clock which has come to symbolize Split.
Ivan Mestrovic’s statue of Grgur Ninski stands as another iconic landmark of Split. Carved by Mestrovic himself, it depicts a 10th-century bishop who campaigned for Croatian rather than Latin language use during church services. One particularly intriguing aspect of his left toe – which can bring good luck if rubbed – is thought to bring good fortune and ensure your return visit.
Split is widely considered one of the cultural hubs in Croatia. Boasting an impressive literary tradition that includes well-known authors like Marko Marulic and Miljenko Smoje, as well as producing several famous actors like Boris Dvornik and Ivo Tijardovic – the city is also an epicenter of fashion design and photography.
The Church of St. Nicholas
Split’s Church of St. Nicholas is one of its crowning achievements – an elegant place of worship that showcases its rich religious legacy. Devoted to Saint Nicholas – patron saint of sailors and travelers – its significance makes it even more significant as it stands upon Marjan Hill – built during the 13th century.
This church stands as a prime example of early Romanesque architecture in Dalmatia, being unique. With its simplistic stone facade and small bell tower, its rustic appearance contrasts starkly to Diocletian’s Palace’s grandeur. John and Tiha married, dedicating the church in their memory. Additionally there is also an inscription honoring her sister Stana on its lintel.
Inside the church is decorated with frescoes that depict Saint Nicholas. Although much can be learned about them from their condition and meaning, paintings still show strong symmetricality and non-iconic representations; Michael stands in as Virgin on one wall in an apse scene surviving as well.
Church is open for worship on December 6, the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, as well as on special occasions throughout the year. Though not often visited by tourists, it’s well worth taking the time to visit this charming church, which provides a peaceful respite from Split’s bustling streets while teaching you more about its religion and history.
The Golden Gate
Split’s old town is truly delightful and sure to enchant any visitor, filling your camera or phone with photos as you wander the tiny, winding streets that form this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No matter if it’s just passing through on its way to another destination or you plan on spending longer exploring this Dalmatian city; every visit here will bring memories that last a lifetime!
One of the entrances to Old Town is the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea), dating back to 4th century and architectural marvel. Decorated with golden statues and doors and with locals believing rubbing the Bishop’s big toe brings good luck, don’t forget! Locals believe rubbing it brings good fortune – so make sure not to miss!
Old Town Croatia also contains the Ethnographic Museum, where you can gain insights into Croatian culture and clothing through time. Housed within a former hospital building, this unique exhibit gives a fascinating account of city’s past – perfect if you need a break from crowds!
Visit St Domnius Cathedral, originally intended as Diocletian’s mausoleum but later transformed into a church upon Christianization of Split. It’s dedicated to St Domnius – who was executed during persecutions against Christians during the High and Late Middle Ages – making this cathedral an essential stop in Split for any visit.
The Statue of Grgur Ninski
Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia’s foremost sculptor, created the 20-foot bronze statue of Grgur Ninski as one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks in Split. A popular tourist attraction, Grgur Ninski was an influential medieval bishop who changed mass from Latin to Croatian despite Rome’s opposition, raising awareness about local language use while encouraging prayer among his flock and advocating for old Slavonic as the national script – something many now refer to him as being at the core of Croatian culture. He is widely hailed as its creator!
Its most striking feature is undoubtedly its big toe, worn away over time by thousands of visitors rubbing it in order to bring good fortune and long life! According to legend, touching this statue may bring health, wealth, happiness and longevity for you and your loved ones – find it at Peristyle in Old Town!
Though Split is an all-year tourist destination, the ideal time to visit is during the second half of September when temperatures remain warm and sunny with few crowds and humidity is lower. This time is ideal for sightseeing and swimming as school holidays have concluded and most children have returned home, leaving the streets less bustling than normal and humidity levels low enough for swimming comfortably in the sea – this makes this period perfect for relaxing Split holidays! Enjoy!