Split is a city in Central Dalmatia, Croatia.

The city was originally built around the Diocletian palace (a palace/fort built for the retired Roman emperor
Diocletian) where the locals sought refuge centuries ago. Despite initial appearances, however, the city is not a small tourist town, and extends over a
large area well beyond the ancient core. With over 300,000 people in the wider bay area, it's the economic hub of the eastern Adriatic shoreline (the
unofficial "capital" of Dalmatia). Wandering the historic centre of Split you can still clearly see the Roman walls, squares, and temples.

Understand
Because of its ideal climate, with 2,800 hours of sunlight each year, local people have a few nicknames for Split: "The most beautiful city in the
world" and "Mediterranean flower". Many famous Croatian sports people are born in Split, so locals often nicknamed their city as "The sportiest city in
the world". The most popular sport institution is the football club Hajduk. The whole city is painted with the club's colors and logo. This is done by
Torcida, the oldest supporters group in Europe, established in 1950. Beside bell tower of St. Duje, the symbols of city are the Dalmatian dog and a
donkey. Locals have a high place for the donkey because of its past indispensable place in field work and transport across Dalmatian mountains.

Split is much, much larger than other coastal towns (Rovinj, Pula, Zadar, Sibenik) and has modernized as the city has grown. If you're expecting the
same charm as these cities and towns, you will be disappointed.

Winters in Split are generally mild, with temperatures above 0C, but despite the popular saying that the city experiences snowfall once every 30 years,
there is actually at least one snowy day nearly every winter, usually in January or early February. If you find yourself in Split on a day with significant
snowfall, expect serious traffic disruption.

Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO heritage site) - The historic centre of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. You only need to
wander around to experience it but you can also pay to visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The palace has well
preserved main streets cardo and decumanus. Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and reinassance buildings which makes a perfect
match. Palace has 4 monumental gates Porta Aurea (Zlatna vrata, Golden gate), Porta Argenta (Srebrna vrata, Silver gate), Porta
Ferrea (eljezna vrata, Iron gate) and Porta Aenea (Mjedena vrata. Bronze gate). It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in general.

St. Duje's cathedral - Originally built around 305 AD as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Diocletian (the oldest cathedral building in the
world). The Cathedral is also a very beautiful mixture of Roman temple and Catholic church. It also has a beautiful belltower which provides you
a great panoramic view of Split, nearby islands and Marjan hill.

Peristil square (Peristylium) - Main square of Diocletian's palace with well preserved Roman architecture.

Jupiter's temple - Ancient Roman temple which became St. John's church.

Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were
brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.

Riva is the main city promenade. Since 2007. Riva has a new, "modern" look, which is not accepted by most of the people.

Marjan - a hill situated on the west of Split. Marjan is an oasis for many people who look for a natural stress relief, a great place for long walks,
jogging, and bike rides. Marjan's peak, Telegrin is 174 m high and gives a wonderful panoramic view of Split. South cliffs are popular within
alpine climbers. St. Nicholas church is situated on the east of Marjan, on it's south side are beautiful St. Jeronimus church and "Gospe od
Betlema" church (Madonna of Betlehem). House building is strictly forbidden in order to save Marjan - the lungs of Split.

Varo - one of the oldest parts of town. A place where lived most of the city peasants and fishermen. Charming streets and and beautiful small
houses.

Galerija Metrovi - gallery contains works of Ivan Metrovi, famous Croatian sculptor.

Archaeological Museum - the oldest museum in Croatia (1820.), about 20 min walk north of the old town (entry 20 kn). Many artefacts and
monuments from Roman colonies Salona and Narona.

Poljud stadium. Poljud stadium known to locals as "Poljudska Ljepotica" (Poljud Beauty")is a second largest stadium in Croatia and has a
capacity of 36,000 people. The stadium was originally constructed by the Yugoslavian government as part of the facilites for the 1979
Mediterannean Games and was officially opened by Josip Broz Tito, who was avowed fan of the team who play their home games in Poljud HNK
Hajduk Split. By far the most important and revered sports team in Dalmatia, a dedicatet fanbase around the world has followed Hajduk
throughout the team's history. There are numerous anecdotes about Hajduk never played without at least some of their loyal fans in the stands,
the Torcida. It is the oldest supporters group in Europe. If you are going to visit some match do not go on north part, which is the cheapest one,
that part is reserved for Torcida. edit

Getski vrtal, Dominisova street. is the smallest park in Split, situated in the Diocletian's palace (ONLY GREEN AREA INSIDE OF THE CITY
WALLS), Dominisova street (Marko Antonio De Dominis street). In the park there are beautiful traditional Dalmatian tiramolas (that is a way how
the locals dry their clothes). During the summer these are full of clothes drying in the sunshine. In every guidebook about Split you have pictures
from the Getski vrtal. It is the location of a 500 year old stone house which was destroyed during World War II. On the facade facing towards
 Getski vrtal you can see two heads made of stones. One of the heads is a sphinx with a Christian cross on the forehead and second one is head
of middle age thief. Getski (from ghetto) vrtal (garden) is made and maintained by the locals who live in houses near by. edit

Old graveyards. Sustipan and old Jewish cemetery

Sunbathe and swim on the beach at Bavice. To reach this beach walk south along the waterfront from the bus station and then follow the road
that crosses the railway line. There are many cafes and places to eat ice cream. This is certainly not the best beach in Croatia (it is packed solid
most of summer), but it will give you a feeling of 'real' Croatia as the vast majority of people who go there are from Split. There are also beaches
around hill Marjan. Most popular are Katelet, Kajuni and beautiful pine forest beach Bene. On Bene beach there is a restaurant and a
recreation centre. Bus No. 12 travels there.

Climb the campanile bell tower next to the palace mausoleum. The stairs cling to the inside of the tower, and in places the steps cross the large
open window spaces. The ascent is certainly not for those with vertigo, but the views from the top are marvelous. It costs only 15 kn to go up the
bell tower.

The historic core of Split with Diocletian palace is among the first urban complexes to enter the list of the UNESCO world heritage in year 1979.
Most probably this one of a kind Imperial Palace was built from 298-305 AD and is one of the most significant original structures of the period
mostly because so much of it has been preserved. Later this Palace contributed to the broadening of the town because as the city evolved
beyond its walls. The unique substructure halls were newley explored and each year more of them are opened to the public. Some have
fascinating artefacts on display. May - Oct 10AM-12 noon-7PM (?). Nov-Apr, opens at 11AM, duration 90 min. In English language. Starts in front
of the tourist info centre, please arrive 15 min before tour is due to commence.

Green Market (Pazar). Split's Pazar is the place to go for a variety of wares such as fruits and veggies, clothing and other odds and ends. Lots
of local colour and excitement. edit

Picigin, Bavice. Traditional beach game with a small ball (Bavice beach). In summer every year there is a world championship in picigin. edit

Grgur Ninski. It is said that if you touch the big toe of the statue and make a wish, your wish will come true. edit

St Jeronimus caves and church (Sveti Jere Dalmatinac). 1 hour walking from the Diocletaian palace, situated on Marjan hill. Amazing place
with beautiful view on islands. Locals have a story that St Jeronimus (born in Stridon) lived in these caves. More likely to be that he lived in
Palestine. But the fact remains that he was proud of his Dalmatian origin. He translated Bible from old Greek language to old Latin language.

The most famous local delicates is Soparnik. It originates from nearby Poljica region (formerly known as Poljika Republika or Republic of
Poljica). It is a crepe-like dough filled with Swiss chard and onions and baked on fireplace. On top comes olive oil and garlic. You can find it
on Pazar (green market).

Italian influences dominate on Croatia's coast, amongst the best are; Risotto with tender white scampi or black calamari, a dish beloved by
all Croatians. A wide selection of salumi, magnificent Istrian and Dalmatian hams (Dalmatinski prut - comparable to Parma or Speck)
and cheese from the island of Pag, are well worth trying, as are the large varieties of excellent Croatian wines and beers.

Do not miss Dalmatian paticada s njokama (Gnocchi).

Please note; in a world suffocating under the weight of processed foods, Croatia's coastal cuisine is unique in that most of its produce is
organic.

evapi or evapii (diminutive), are small grilled rolls of minced beef, pork, or lamb, or a combination of any of these three. Usually served
with chopped onions, Kajmak (similar to clotted cream) or Ajvar (a relish made from bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and chilli). evapi are
traditional Bosnian dish and they are popular across the Balkans.

Split's eateries are to be found in a variety of settings, ranging from the romantic to the vibrant. It isnt difficult to enjoy superb food and wine
in a classical environment with good friends and/or family.

Plenty of fast food joints between the Old Town and the bus station.

Dalmatia is well known for its world class wines, but when in Split it is a must to try soda drinks called Pipi and Orela, produced by local
beverage manufacturer Dalmacijavino[79].

Lots of outdoor cafs are to be found along the Riva seafront.