History

Split is the largest city on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea and after Zagreb is the second largest in Croatia. Split has become one the most important tourist destinations in the country. The exceptionally mild climate favours all year around tourism.

Man has been present in this area for ever 52,000 years. Archaeological artifacts were located in caves nearby which are from the middle Paleolithic age. Settlements continued in the New Stone Age, Eneolithic period, Bronze and Iron Ages. The Greeks lived here in the 4th century BC, the Romans dominated starting in the 1st century BC. Roman Emperor Diocletian built his Palace in the period between about 293-305 AD. Eleven Egyptian Sphinxes, granite columns and white marble from Egyptian Temples found their way to Diocletian’s Palace.

The following turbulent centuries turned the Palace into a town mainly populated by the citizens of nearby Salona, fleeing before Avars and Slavs took over the Palace. The town eventually outgrew the walls of the Palace and its governing structure evolved – from Croatian kings in 10th century AD, Hungarian and Venetian administration, to French rulers and Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

This diverse past has left its traces in the everyday life of Split and its people. Split has remained the centre of this coastal area until present day.

Diocletian’s Palace is the best preserved structure of late Roman Court architecture in the World.

Split today lives by the silent beats of its varied history, lively spirit of the city’s people, and its unique Mediterranean charm.

About Split

Without hiding their pride, the people of Split will tell you that their city is “the most beautiful one in the world and beyond”. However, there is no need to ask for the people’s opinion; you will see the beauty of Split for yourself the second you enter through the city gates!

This forever young city with the population of about 200,000 provides a warm Mediterranean climate. The city of Split has lived its urban rhythm for over 1700 years with its heart in Diocletian’s Palace and its soul widespread throughout the city and the islands. Split is recognized worldwide for its beauty, is government protected by UNESCO and is entered into the register of the World Cultural Heritage.

Location and environment

The city of Split is situated in the warmest region of the northern Mediterranean coast, in the very centre of the Adriatic eastern coast. Split is in the immediate vicinity of the rivers Jadro and Žrnovnica which have been providing a main water source to the city for over 1700 years.

Its mild climate, with 2700 sunny hours per year, makes it an oasis where one can enjoy the sun even in wintertime.

The industrial and business center of the region nourishes its “green soul” on the hill Marjan situated in the westernmost part of the peninsula. Its forested park caressed by the sea offers peaceful walks surrounded by pine trees, nature, and the most beautiful views imaginable.

International Press

It’s easy to fall in love with this pretty city, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. The centre is built around the striking remains of Diocletian’s Palace and contains a warren of stone-paved streets filled with interesting shops. Visitors can take a walk round the coast to the beach or join the evening promenade down the palm-lined harbour. (Guardian)

Split, in central Dalmatia, has it all: Roman ruins and grand museums alongside fashionable cafes and trendy shops. But what makes this city most alluring is not just its proximity to the sandy beaches and rocky coves of nearby islands, but its location overlooked by mountains and edged by the deep blue Adriatic Sea. (New York Times)

Still, it is the breathtaking centerpiece of the city — Diocletian’s Palace, a Unesco World Heritage site dating back to A.D. 295, and a recent film location for “Game of Thrones” — that makes Split so memorable. (NY Times)

“Another top attraction of Split, Croatia’s second-largest city is a major port and an important starting point for island-hopping cruises and day trips. The magnificent UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace is the city’s top attraction, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in Split with white water rafting, rock climbing and sailing tours all available.” (Huffington Post)

Palm trees, radiant sunlight and a wine-dark sea: This is where Odysseus might have taken Penelope for a getaway weekend and simply… stayed. The spectacular stretch of the Adriatic coast facing Venice has drawn visitors since it was founded as Illyria in 350 B.C.. Signing the guestbook:Roman emperors, Byzantine pirates, Venetian merchants and Napoleon. (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)