What to see in Split
7. January, 2020
Blog
No matter, if you’re here for only a couple of hours before or after your embarkation or planning to stay a day or two and want to consider just the top, must-to-see Split’s highlights, we will explore and show you the greatest of our town.
Did you know that in Dalmatia locals use a word pomalo (take it easy) as a greeting? J
Split is located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and it is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in Dalmatia. A typical Mediterranean city, Split has a small-town vibe, lots of murmur and easy-going. Split has a long history. It lies on a small peninsula. The Marjan Hill rises on the western side of the peninsula, and the Mounts Kozjak and Mosor rise high on the north and northwest side of the city.
So enjoy our list- Stroll along Split’s seafront promenade, visit museums and art galleries, hike Marjan hill or just chill out at the beach.
Let's start:
DIOCLETIAN'S PALACE- the heart of the city
Diocletian’s Palace is a 1700-year old and best preserved Roman building in the world that dominates the city. It is the heart of the town filled with streets of shops and restaurants.
The Diocletian Palace is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia. This Roman building measures 160m by 190m, and it has entranceway at each of the four walls that lead down to the central square of Peristil – dividing the palace into four quarters- the four gates of Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Iron Gate, Brass Gate.
Landmarks with the palace include:
Split Cathedral- Cathedral of St.Duje (Saint Domnius)- The symbol of Split town. St. Dujam was the first bishop of Salona, and in his honor was erected magnificent cathedral with a bell tower 57 meters high, built in the 13th century. It’s one of Split attractions commonly present on local postcards. It offers great views over the town from the top of its bell tower.
Peristyle, In front of the cathedral is the the center of cultural life in Split, where the extraordinary acoustics maintained traditional cultural and musical events of Split Summer Festival. It is an open-air pavilion, best seen at night-time, brings you right back to Roman times.
Just out of the Golden gate, you’ll also see Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski) statue, work of renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Rub Gregory’s golden tow for the plenitude of good luck.
You don’t need to head to Egypt to see the original Egyptian sphinxes. Find the two of them in Split, on Peristyle, near Jupiter Temple that today serves as a baptistery. If you take the narrowest street from Peristyle „Let me pass“ in Croatian (Pusti me da prodjem) and you’ll find yourself below Jupiter’s temple.
Piazza, or People’s Square, became town’s central point, in the 14th century. The square features few interesting landmarks and buildings, and it’s always alive with people.
Vocni Trg, or Fruit Square, owes its name to the fruit market that once took place here daily. Today, it boasts few cafes, shops.
RIVA- the town promenade- Split waterfront is an iconic place and a favourite meeting point. It is the largest and most important town promenade. The best place to see the best of Split and to be seen. Everything is going on here from summer or New Eve celebrations, sport events, protests, strikes. Experience it simply like the locals do, sip a coffee, and watch the world going by … for hours.
Marjan- Marjan hill is an irresistible part of Split city. This wooded hill dominating the city deserves to be visited. After all Split attractions, Marjan hill will be a relaxing experience. Green oasis in the heart of the town.
Veli Varos suburb and the old fishing port Matejuska- it is one of the oldest part of Split. Once it was the old part of the city inhabited only by farmers and fishermen. It is located west of the city, at the foot of the Marjan hill. It’s known for its original local stone houses, with small and tight streets which will give you the feeling of Mediterranean as it was once.
Bacvice beach and Picigin Game- Split’s main beach is Bacvice, mostly sandy beach famous for Picigin game, a game played with a small ball in shallow water. It is very little known game in the world but it is one of the true uniqueness of Split city. It is urban, central city beach, situated few minutes walking south of the railway station.
The Fish Market and the Outdoor Market ( Pazar) – two central points of the life in Split that successfully resist to the advantage of shopping centres. Places where you can still feel the Dalmatia through the colours, flavours and aromas.
