The historical center with Diocletian's Palace
Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a splendid fortified labyrinth dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, represents the only case of an inhabited city center developed within an ancient, authentic imperial home. It is one of the best-preserved palaces in the world.
Originating as a representation of the military grandeur of the “Princeps”, the historical center of Split cannot be simply defined as a monument. UNESCO protects its inestimable value for its combination of architecture, art history, and urban importance:
daily life has continuously been carried out within this enormous complex dating from Roman times until the present day.
The palace ruins have been transformed into the lively heart of Split, which is developed along two large roads, the “cardo” and the “decumanus”, mixing styles and epochs.
The lives of Split’s inhabitants are carried out within this extraordinary mix of Gothic palaces, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Romanesque churches and Medieval fortifications.
Split is a vivacious city, famous for its nature and sports. It is impossible to be bored here, between the cafes, theaters, museums, markets, bars and concerts: everything is represented, from rock music to refined opera, from dance to experimental art.
Not to miss in Split
- Enjoy the city’s fusion between art, history and nightlife. Sip a glass of wine in the historical Bar Luxor while listening to the best young musicians of Split. You will be just steps from the portico of the Peristil, with its splendid decorative archways, and the Vestibul, a cupola next to a rectangular entryway with Corinthian columns, the true doorway into the Emperor’s private residence
- Eat at the Konoba Bajamont, just a few minutes from the Peristil, right before the Iron Gate. It is a traditional restaurant with low prices and authentic Dalmatian cuisine.
You should also try Buffet Fife, a restaurant that is popular with locals. It is located at the waterfront, where a stop for coffee is a longstanding, respected ritual
- Walk to Veli Varoš, the fishing quarter, full of small churches, restaurants, and European and Oriental touches
- Rent a bicycle and head towards Marjan park, a green oasis in the hills, to enjoy a view of the city and the nearby islands
To visit in the sorroundings
- The Islands: Brač, Korčula, Solta, Hvar, Vis.
- Omiš, ancient pirate stronghold, offers athletic activities and delicious cuisine: rafting on the Cetina river, stopping over at Mijo (5 km before Omiš) for fresh scampi carpaccio. For travelers seeking a more dreamy atmosphere, at Bracera (3 km from Omiš) guests an eat on a terrace facing an emerald bay
- Stop at Klis, a 7th century fortress used to defend Split from invaders
- Trogir, in white stone, appears to be a sister city of Venice.
Dubrovnik, the ancient Ragusa, is protected by UNESCO as a masterpiece of human creativity
- Dubrovnik, the ancient Ragusa, is protected by UNESCO as a masterpiece of human creativity
- Šibenik, another UNESCO treasure: the Cathedral of San Giacomo, a splendid, original mixture of Gothic and Renaissance lines
- Orebić, a breezy, sweet-smelling town at the feet of Mount S. Elia
