Discover the charms of Split: culture, history and landscapes

If you are considering traveling to CroatiaYou will surely ask yourself what to see in Split. Not in vain, it is one of the tourist cities par excellence in the country and the second in terms of population after the capital, Zagreb, which is about four hundred kilometers away.

Likewise, it is the most important population of the Dalmatian coast and, therefore, offers you wonderful beaches. Likewise, it is a starting point to visit nearby islands such as those of Brac, Hvar or Korkula. But, above all, the main thing to see in Split are its monuments. Not in vain, it has a long history and its ancient castle is classified as Heritage since 1979. Next, we are going to tell you everything you need to know to travel to the Dalmatian city.

History of Split

The origins of the city date back to Roman times. In fact, he grew up with the name Split around the emperor's resting villa Diocletian, who was from the area and who retired to spend his last years there. In fact, as we will see, this palace can still be visited today.

In the 7th century AD, when the Avars sacked the nearby town of Salon, the escapees from this fortified Split. And, already in the IX, it began to depend on the Byzantine Empire, although with some autonomy. After a brief period dominated by the Hungarians, it came under the power of the Republic of Venice, under whose flag it would remain until the end of the 18th century and would achieve significant prosperity.

Then, after the Napoleonic invasion, it became an Austrian domain. However, the Italians never completely renounced it. In fact, many consider it one of their "unredeemed" cities, together with Rijeka (which they call Trieste) or Zadar. That's why they took her during the Second World War, when she already belonged to Yugoslavia.

With the capitulation of Italy and after harsh confrontations, it passed into the hands of the self-proclaimed Independent State of Croatia so that, upon definitively ending the war, Yugoslavia. Finally, after the wars that dismembered this country, it became the second largest population in Croatia.

Today it is a prosperous city dedicated to tourism that offers you great monuments, spectacular landscapes and beautiful beaches to enjoy thanks to its benign Mediterranean climate. Without further ado, let's show you what to see in Split.

Monumental heritage to see in Split

As we told you, the Croatian city is located in the south of the country, on the coast of Dalmatia and, therefore, bathed by the Adriatic Sea. It sits on a peninsula that closes the eastern part of the Gulf of Kastela Split and it is framed by the crests of Kozjak y Mosoras well as a marjan hill, which we will talk about later.

Precisely, in the neighboring Kaštela is your international Airport, to which flights arrive from the main cities of the world. However, if you prefer, you can also travel to the area by boat. There are many trade routes and, above all, Cruises that stopover in Split. Finally, if you are traveling from the capital, Zagreb, you have rail and bus lines that run along the motorway A1.

Once in the city, you can get around easily with its urban transportation. Keep in mind that its terrain is rugged, with several hills and walking can be tiring. But, in any case, you will be able to see monuments like the following.

The Golden Gate

It is the traditional access to the Split ancient city, which, as we told you, is considered Heritage. Next to it, you have the enormous statue dedicated to Gregory of Nin (Gregorio de Nin), more than eight meters high and made of bronze. This character, considered a national hero, was a bishop who lived in the 10th century and who promoted the Croatian language by introducing it into the mass.

The Golden Gate is the most important of those that made up the entrances to the palace of Emperor Diocletian, which we will talk about below. Therefore, they flank it imposing walls and it is adorned by five niches in which there were statues. Likewise, she led to the palace complex through a thistle or street.

On the other hand, entering through this door you will find an unexpected surprise to see in Split. Very close to her is the Game of Thrones Museum. You may not know that the historic center of the city was the setting for the series. Later, this space was created, consisting of five thematic rooms dedicated to such emblematic places in the saga as Winterfell o Meereen. And, of course, there is no shortage of objects like the Iron Throne.

Diocletian's Palace, essential among what to see in Split

It is an imposing construction made with white limestone and high-quality local marbles. Granites from Asia were added to them. Likewise, it was decorated by many sphinxes of this same stone found in the site of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmosis III (about three thousand five hundred years ago). Only three of them remain. One is found in the call Peristyle, a monumental courtyard that constituted the northern access to the emperor's apartments.

Over time it became a medieval city street, with palaces of the noble families of the time alternating with the remains of ancient Roman temples. Among these, that of Aesculapius and especially that of Jupiter, at the entrance to which you have another of the preserved sphinxes, although now without a head. Likewise, inside there are two sarcophagi from the 10th and 11th centuries and, in the middle, a bronze figure of San Juan Bautista, as it became a Christian baptistery in the 7th century.

Other notable places in Diocletian's palace are the Lobby and basements. The first formed the entrance to the imperial halls. It has a circular plan protected by a huge open dome. From there, you can come and visit the church of San Andrés, built in the 7th century and today an ethnographic museum. For their part, the basements were routes that connected the palace with the Aenea Gate and, currently, they are full of positions remembrances.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

It is a small temple for which, already in the 8th century, the Diocletian's mausoleum. Likewise, in the 12th century, the slender Romanesque-style bell tower was added and, already in the 17th century, a choir in its eastern area. Precisely, the doors make up one of the best examples of Romanesque sculpture in all of Croatia.

Created by Andrija Buvina around the year 1200, represent fourteen moments in the life of Christ separated by ornaments made of wood. Its peculiar octagonal floor plan is also notable. But, above all, you must climb the aforementioned bell tower to enjoy magnificent views of the city of Split.

Republic Square and other urban sites to see in Split

Among what to see in Split, the city's urban layout also offers you special places. It is the case of the Republic Square, which is inspired by that of San Marco in Venice. You will find it near the beautiful building of the National Theater of Croatia, with its yellow facade. Likewise, it is closed by several Neo-Renaissance style palaces except for one side, which faces the sea.

The Town square, where you can see the Church of Our Lady of the Bell Tower, built on the Iron Gate and surrounded by aristocratic houses, among which the spectacular building of the Town Hall. But perhaps the most typical place to see in Split is the fish market. It was built more than a hundred years ago in art deco style and retains all its popular charm.

Split Landscapes

As you have seen, this Croatian city is very beautiful. But its surroundings are not far behind in beauty. They offer you numerous beaches among which stands out that of Bacvice, perhaps the most popular both for its proximity to the center of the town and for its larger size.

However, you can also choose those of Kasjuni, recently renovated and where you even have a nightclub, or by Kastelet, very frequented by the city's inhabitants. Finally, other options are Znjan beaches, located in the eastern part and perfect for families, or by Bene, where there are pine trees to shelter from the sun. Likewise, at the edge of the sea you have the Riva Promenade, a perfect place to walk or have a drink in its restaurants and cafes.

We also recommend you go up to the Marjan Hill, authentic lung of Split. There you have several hiking trails, some beautiful hermitages and even a zoo. But, above all, from above you have wonderful views of the city and the entire Dalmatian coast. And, finally, be sure to take a ferry excursion to the islands near the town. Among them, we have already mentioned that of Brac, where you have, by the way, another beautiful beach: Zlatni Rat; that of Hvar, with its beautiful bays, or that of Korkula, with the old fortified city that gives it its name.

In conclusion, we have shown you what to see in Split both from the point of view of its nature and its monuments. We only have to advise you that, if you visit it, you also come to the city of Dubrovnik, which is located about two hundred kilometers away and is one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean. Come and discover this area of Croatia.