Split

Split is a large city in the Dalmatia province of Croatia. In fact, next to Zagreb, it is the second largest city in the country. It is situated on a peninsula, facing the Split Channel.

Sights & Activities

The historic center of the city has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage site and on the center of it all is the Diocletian Palace. Facing the bay of Aspalathos, this massive structure was constructed in the 3rd century AD to serve as residence of Emperor Diocletian after his abdication. The palace is notable for its historical significance and architectural preservation. Built out of local limestone, it was decorated with granite columns, Egyptian sphinxes, and beautiful marble.

Most of the historical buildings in the city are concentrated within this huge imperial complex. An example of which is the Baptistery of St. John, located in the central part of the palace and occupying what used to be regarded as the Roman temple of Jupiter. It was consecrated in the 6th century and the baptism font bore panels that represented several dignitaries during that time. The baptistery is also the burial site of two Christian bishops.

The mausoleum of Diocletian had been reconstructed to become the Cathedral of St. Dominus. Consecrated in the 7th century, the structure was constructed in an octagonal pattern. Inside, the cathedral features a Romanesque stone pulpit that is hexagonal in shape. During the 12th century, construction of the cathedral’s bell tower began. Today, visitors can climb up to the tower and enjoy spectacular views of the palace complex and beyond.

Another interesting part of the palace complex is the Brace Bradica Square, located in the southwestern part. South of the square are the remains of a Venetian Palace, which is represented only by the Marina Tower that was built in the 15th century. On the northern part of the square is the Milesi Palace, constructed in the 17th century and of Baroque style. Another notable structure in the square is the statue of Marko Marulic, long regarded as the founder of the country’s literary legacy.

Split also boasts of several notable museums that are also worth exploring. The Archaeological Museum of the city is considered as one of the oldest in the country and has an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times. It also showcases sculptures, Greek ceramics, and gems. Its collection of antique and medieval coins is also impressive while its library contains books primarily concerned with the history of the province.

The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is also located in Split. Among its notable displays are weapons, jewelry, coins, and Early Medieval stone monuments. The museums also displays tombstones collected from the 14th to the 15th century.

For those with interest on the social history of the city, the Ethnographic Museum is their ideal destination. Established in 1910, the museum contains costumes of the region with beautiful embroidery and lacework. Items related to artisans and their trades are also showcased.

Weather

Facing the Adriatic Sea, Split enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is ideal and pleasant the whole year through. Summer is described to be warm to hot, with temperature climbing beyond 30°C during the hottest month–July. Autumn heralds the start of the rainy season, while winter can be described as chilly as well as wet with its frequent rain showers. Spring is quite pleasant, suitable for outdoor exploration. Know however, that rain can still occur any day of the year so visitors are best advised to carry umbrellas before venturing out.