Split’s Roman core, listed by UNESCO, is its main draw; here you can visit ancient relics and experience a vibrantly lived-in city that has welcomed travellers for 1,700 years – peak tourist season being summer.
Markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and olive oils while the town museum contains an incredible collection of classical mosaics and statues.
History
Split’s rise as a major city began with the Sack of Salona (an attack by Avars and Slavs in 639 CE). This brought an end to Salona’s longtime position as capital of ancient Roman Dalmatia province; its inhabitants fled into their fortified palace now known as Diocletian’s Palace en masse.
The palace was initially intended as the retirement residence for Emperor Hadrian; however, over time it became home to thousands of citizens as well. By the late 7th century it resembled something of a commune with its own laws and customs as well as its own leader known as Podesta. Over time however, its boundaries expanded beyond these confines with a new district being developed west of it.
At this point, the cathedral was constructed – clearing away what remained of the mausoleum and turning it into a place of worship. This new structure bore its namesake – one of Emperor Constantine’s more prominent victims being Christian martyr Saint Domnius (Sveti Duje in Croatian).
As Venice passed over the throne of Dalmatia to Hungary’s kings, Split gradually drifted under their control. When Coloman of Hungary broke with Venice and invaded coastal towns like Split in 1105, besieging them, Split agreed to surrender under condition that they kept all of their old privileges; these included no tribute, choosing their own count and archbishop as well as maintaining Latin legal system.
Over time, Split developed into an influential maritime power, welcoming ships from all across the Mediterranean to dock here and serve as an important trade hub in connecting slave routes to Balkan countries and vice versa.
As Split became wealthier, its citizens could afford to build grand buildings such as the 1876 Split National Theatre which serves as one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in Croatia and should not be missed when not hosting performances. Furthermore, its extensive promenade which connects old town and palace offers another great way to take in all that this vibrant city offers.
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, designated a UNESCO world heritage site by UNESCO, stands as an architectural treasure in Split and serves as its heart. Explore its winding streets while admiring how this stunning structure has evolved over 1,700 years to be part of everyday life in Split.
Diocletian’s Palace, or the Idovka (idovka in Croatian), was constructed between 295 and 305 AD under Diocletian of Rome’s leadership between 295-305. Diocletian was one of Rome’s most successful rulers; from humble origins he rose through the ranks to become an army general before eventually becoming Roman Emperor himself in 284 AD. Reforming his empire by creating Tetrarchy, or rule by four, after 21 years he abdicated and retired to his retirement residence on Adriatic shore idovka palace on Adriatic shore as retirement residence for life!
Split was built around this palace complex, as its walls provided the basis for growth in and around it. Residents adapted its buildings and structures to their needs while keeping its overall form. As such, its resultant urban structure boasts narrow streets with compact buildings.
One can spend days wandering the alleys of this historic city, exploring its churches and museums or dining at any one of its restaurants and cafes. Unlike many heritage sites, this one doesn’t feel like an abandoned museum but more like an ever-lived-in town with vibrant life that you want to know more about.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Diocletian’s Palace is that, for many centuries after it opened, it wasn’t even considered tourist attractions. Instead, its cellars were often used as storage facilities or simply used for waste dumping or disposal; only recently did its historic significance come into light.
As you pass through the main gate of the palace grounds – the Golden Gate – don’t miss the chance to admire Bishop Gregory of Nin. He was executed after defying Pope Sixtus IV and teaching his parishioners their native languages instead of Latin. Additionally, you’ll see Diocletian’s Iron Gate where his military entered; its facade now houses four sculptures depicting Roman Emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus – just a glimpse!
The Cathedral
At Split’s heart lies Diocletian’s Palace – but equally as important is the Cathedral (Croatian: Katedrala). As one of the tallest structures within its walls and most visible landmarks from all points around, it serves as one of the key structures within Roman Catholic Diocese of Split and Zagreb as well as housing its Treasury; all this makes for an incredible view from its bell tower – making this church one of the best spots for taking photos at night when everything is lit up!
The Cathedral is easily reached from Palace District by taking two short blocks past Golden Gate and through Temple of Jupiter (turned into a baptistery in 653AD by bishop Gregorius). Inside you’ll find frescoes, marble pulpit and Romanesque-type carvings that make this cathedral worth seeing despite being more understated than others structures in Old City.
Split was established by Greek settlers during the 3rd-4th centuries AD. But its most significant event occurred in 295 CE when Emperor Diocletian began construction of his grand retirement palace that would eventually house over 3,000 residents.
Once Diocletian retired, his successors slowly allowed Byzantium and Venice to govern it before eventually falling under Venetian suzerainty until 1420 when the Austrians replaced it until Croatia regained its independence again in 1918.
City is situated on a peninsula connected to the sea by the Gulf of Kastela and experiences hot summers with mild, pleasant winters thanks to a strong northern wind known as bura.
Split is known for its beautiful beaches, but the city’s true charm lies in its atmospheric old town which bustles with locals enjoying life to the fullest. If you’ve grown tired of cookie-cutter resorts along the Dalmatian Coast, Split will bring life and vibrancy back into your vacation plans!
The Town Museum
Split is known for its rich literary tradition and boasts numerous well-known Croatian authors who hail from this city. Additionally, Split boasts the oldest baseball team ever established – playing first time around back in 1918!
Split’s historical center was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, making the city an attractive cruise ship port with numerous cruise routes to central Dalmatian islands such as Brac, Hvar and Solta as well as more distant ones like Vis, Korcula Mljet Lastovo.
City life in Split includes an energetic nightlife, with numerous pubs and clubs to choose from, the Split Summer (Splitsko ljeto) theater festival as well as a significant hip hop scene that includes notable acts such as Oliver Dragojevic, Gibonni and Beat Fleet.
Split’s modern economy primarily relies on tourism; however, some of its traditional industries such as food processing, paper making and concrete manufacturing are making a comeback in this city. Thanks to A1 Motorway construction allowing Split to flourish even further.
Split is unlike many of its Dalmatian coastal towns in that it doesn’t seem designed specifically for tourists; landing here and walking into its Old Town feels more like returning to civilization after island-hopping in Croatia than just another tourist trap.
Although Emperor Diocletian’s Palace can be somewhat disorienting, its compact nature allows one to quickly get their bearings and return home again. I did get lost down some smaller streets at times but was never trapped for too long.
Split is an energetic city, boasting some of the “sportiest people in the world.” HNK Hajduk Split’s main football club is supported by an enthusiastic fan association called Torcida Split; other popular sports in Split include tennis, rowing and waterpolo – plus it boasts some top athletes such as 2001 Wimbledon Champion Goran Ivanisevic as well as Olympic gold medalists Mario Ancic and Zeljko Franulovic who hail from here!