Discover Split
There are some places that always surprise you with their story and deliver unforgettable experience! -S.Adventure
When Shif2016 ends, don't pack your bags yet, it's time to experience Split to its fullest and to fall in love with it, like Diocletian did 1700 years ago. Let this city feed your mind and soul with its museums, history, climate, gastronomic or tourist offers. Without further ado, here’s a “Top10″ places to visit in Split!
#1 Diocletian palace
Split is home to one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world – the Diocletian Palace!
Emperor Diocletian -who voluntarily gave up the throne of the Roman Empire, on the turn of the 4th century CE - built this palace and after his retirement, settled there, on the beach, in the roman province of Illyria.
Discover the ins and outs, secrets and secluded spots of Diocletian’s Place, a UNESCO World Heritage spot, as you traverse this 1,700-year-old palace that has become a part of the city, with some original remains, such as the peristyle and Jupiter's temple.
#2 Cathedral of Saint Domnius
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is a complex of a church (formed from an Imperial Roman mausoleum), and a bell tower; strictly the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the bell tower to Saint Domnius. Together they form the Cathedral of St. Domnius. It's locally known as the Saint Dujam.
#3 Grgur Ninski statue
A huge statue of archbishop Grgur Ninski stands outside the northern walls of the palace, right in front of the Bronze Gate.
Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin) was a medieval Croatian bishop who strongly opposed the Pope and introduced the Croatian language in the religious services in 926. Until that time services were held only in Latin and therefore not understandable to the majority of population.
Last and not of less importance, the statue is work of Ivan Mestrovic, the greatest and wide world famous Croatian sculptor. The sculpture was originally located in the Peristyle but during WW II the statue was moved outside the city by Italian occupying forces.
#4 Narrow streets
Split is an adorable town with a lot of narrow streets. You will notice it as soon as you wander around. The nicest thing to do is to follow those small alleys - you always find something interesting which not every tourist can see and it is often picturesque.
#5 Pjaca - People’s Square and Fruit square
Pjaca - This centrally located square is one of the most popular piazzas in the city and one of the main Split attractions.
Surrounded by stunning buildings: the Renaissance clock erected on the ruins of a Roman tower, the first town hall and Renaissance palace of aristocratic family Karepic with the exceptional coat of arm on its facade. This is also home of the legendary City Café (Gradska kafana).
Fruit square - On the west side of the square rises, the octagonal tower, built by the Venetians who feared the local revolts and the Turkish raids. On the opposite side of the tower there is a spectacular palace Milesi with a fascinating Baroque facade the witnesses of the traditional Dalmatian architecture.
In front of the palace stands the statue of Marko Marulic, father of the Croatian literature from the 15th century, carved in bronze by the hand of Ivan Mestrovic, the greatest Croatian sculptor.
#6 Meštović Gallery
Ivan Mestrović (the Croatian Michelangelo) is the greatest Croatian sculptor, whose works are visible in every corner of the city (Grgur Ninski, Marko Marulic and many others). His gallery is an art museum founded in 1952 dedicated to the work of this 20th century sculptor located in the south slopes of Marjan hill. It is one of the prominent Split attractions sights.
#7 Riva promenade
This Promenade presents the cities living room, the most popular and most important public place in Split. It has been widened and reconstructed several times, but it was always blessed with the most spectacular set, the south facade of the Diocletian Palace, with the entrance into the Substructures, and later on with the buildings that were built west of the Palace, also the Franciscan monastery with the church of St. Francis, and the Bajamonti Dešković Palace and last but not least the Port Authorities building on the east end.
Riva today is a pedestrian heaven, thrusting with Cafés and restaurants, an ideal place for having your morning or afternoon coffee, or for an evening out with friends over drinks. Riva is the stage of the city life of Split, a venue for numerous cultural and entertainment events, boisterous Split carnival, as well as the stage for meeting Split sportsmen after countless successes, such as Goran Ivanišević, Hajduk football club players and Jugoplastika basketball players, Olimpic medal winners... Riva is also a political forum, with decades of political opportunities being depicted through mass rallies. Naturally, Riva is always at its best in time of Sudamja, a celebration dedicated to St. Domnius, the patron saint of Split.
#8 Bačvice
The main visitor-magnet east of the city centre is Bačvice beach, a few minutes’ walk east of the ferry terminal. This simple crescent of sand and shingle can’t compare with the beaches farther south, but it's a popular destination for “Splićani” of all ages.
Bačvice is also the spiritual home of picigin, a game only played in and around Split, which works rather like a netless version of volleyball in the sea, involving a lot of acrobatic leaping around as players try to prevent a small ball from hitting the water.
Local players of Picigin, an unique game in a shallow water with a small tennis alike ball, would be keen to get you into a team.There are plenty more cafés along the way, and the whole stretch is a popular strolling area all year round.
#9 Marjan hill
Marjan is a hill on the peninsula of the city of Split. It is covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest and completely surrounded by the city and the sea, making it a unique sight. Originally used as a park by the citizens as early as the 3rd century, it is a favorite weekend excursion destination and a recreational center for the city. It is also the setting for numerous beaches and jogging trails as well as tennis courts, all surrounded by the scenic forest. The tip of the peninsula houses the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
#10 Wine and dine in Split
Split has many charming restaurants, wine and olive oil bars. After your evening stroll at the seafront promenade, go for an aperitif and a plate of small bites at Paradox, Zinfandel or Uje Oil Bar. Proceed with an enjoyable Dalmatian-style meal, finest seafood or juiciest steaks, in one of Split restaurants. After the dinner, barhop in and around the Palace. Grab a pillow at Luxor, sit on the stairs, and relax with a glass of wine while listening to the live music. More than museums, gastronomic or tourists offers, Split gives you itself, and its unique style of life. This is your opportunity to experience Split to its fullest and have a vacation you will always remember.
Photo credits: total-croatia-news, tripadvisor, anttijohansson, skyscrapercity, hotelglobo.com, creativelunatics.com, e-architect, wanderlusting.info,
Maja Grmusa Maja is economist, artist, coffee taster, traveler, good listener, writer, genius and philantropist. Her interests are focused on project cycle methods in management. Enjoys bringing interesting stories that will rock your world.