March 6, 2020.
SPLIT - Valuable marbled ancient town
Croatia's second-largest city - Split, is considered one of the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranean coast. Easily reached by most of the other places of Dalmatian's coastline, it represents a not-to-be-missed destination. Step inside its finest architecture masterpiece of Diocletian's palace, where you will come across numerous bars, souvenir shops, and superb restaurants. Over the centuries, Split has been popular and settled by many civilizations, but notable was the rule of the Roman Empire. It certainly left visible traces of exceptional monuments, churches, and tales.
If you are planning to visit Split and its area, do not just spend a night and continue further with your journey. Once you get into the very heart of this town, you'll want not to miss out on any attraction it has to offer.
Top attractions in Split
Diocletian's Palace - this imposing Roman complex is a place where you will spend most of the time while staying in Split. Do not expect a palace look-like monument – it represents the very heart of Split, with true living and vibrant cobblestone streets. It was built as part of a defense system, imperial residence, and fortified town.
St.Domnius Cathedral - This cathedral is one of the greatest and most preserved ancient Roman architecture. It was built as a mausoleum for the emperor Diocletian, a famous persecutor of the Christians, who was inhumed here in AD 311. In the 5th century, Christians destroyed his sarcophagus, turning his grave into a church as the dedication of one of its victims. Buying an entrance fee for the cathedral, you will get admission to its treasury, and crypt baptistery.
Salona Ruins and Amphiteatre - You have probably heard of a famous Diocletian’s Palace and its emperor, but did the story of Split begin from its foundation? Salona ruins are overshadowed by the admiring complex of Diocletian’s Palace. The first mention of Salona was in the 7th century BC, and the Diocletian’s palace was built in 305 AD. The emperor was born in Salona which, at the time, was the largest settlement in Dalmatia. Nowadays, Salona represents the part of an archaeological park. The ruins are testifying the importance of the colony under Roman rule. Exploring these ruins is a journey that will take you to the era of gladiators, emperors, and Christian martyrs.
Our expert's hotels recommendations
Divota apartment - hotel ****
Even though they are stylish and decorated according to the latest standards, these apartments will enable you to experience Split as it once was. The apartments provide accommodation in charming-traditional surroundings that only the Mediterranean can offer.
http://divota.hr/
Hotel Ora ****
Located near the old town of Split, yet far enough from city noise, Hotel Ora offers rooms, that are your oasis, a place where you will feel relaxed after exhausting days of exploring the outstanding area.
https://www.hotel-ora.hr
Vestibul Palace ****
Situated in the very heart of the Diocletian palace, between the emperor’s chambers and its Peristil square, a place which used to be held only for the majesties. This hotel was designed by joining three palaces from three different periods: Romanic, Renaissance, and Gothic, with the original corners from the time of the Romans. This mixture optimally represents the physical presence of the times which passed, where every stone is whispering its story.
https://vestibulpalace.com
Our expert's restaurants recommendations
Tavern Korta
A unique place situated in Diocletian's Palace. Besides preserving the Dalmatian gastronomy heritage, having dinner in this restaurant will take you back to the authentic past and give to your appetites a royal treatment. Enjoy their traditional recipes, and experience part of an intangible Croatia's heritage.
https://konoba-korta.business.site/
ZOI - Mediterranean cuisine
At ZOI, their staff is thrilled to share with you dishes inspired by the variety of both Mediterranean cuisine and its history. To make their cuisine more respectable and to create the finest tastes, they follow the best local produce and faithfully follow the seasons. Everything they are experiencing is captured by our senses - sound, color, feeling, smell, and taste.
http://zoi.hr/
Top activities in Split area
Mystical night of Split - Whispers of the past
Real people, real tragedies, real love stories, real Split in its own words – this is what this walking tour essentially is. Dressed in black, carrying the light when the daylight goes off, nocturnal guides are presenting themselves as the Spirit of the Old Split who still lives in the walls of its Diocletian's Palace. Slowly wandering the narrow, hidden streets of Split, nocturnal guides are theatrically retelling stories of the true soul of this city. Its citizens are ordinary but extraordinary people, heroes worthy to be honored in the history of this town, unfairly never mentioned in the ordinary walking tours, representing this ancient city of Split.
https://www.invenio-travel.com
Split guided & Soparnik made - Tangible and intangible heritage of the Split area
To feel the overflowing history of the area with its rich cultural heritage, tangible and intangible ones, join us for this well-paired tour of sightseeing and tasting traditional specialty. Starting the guided tour through admiring massive complex of Diocletian Palace, you are about to find out the fact why this UNESCO heritage site is significant. To round out the story, you are about to experience a big part of the history, today declared as an intangible cultural heritage of Croatia. About 30 minutes away from the Split, there is a village known for its famous specialty of Soparnik. It has been the dish of the poor, and today it represents highly appreciated delicacy.
https://www.invenio-travel.com
Blue Cave & Adriatic jewels tour - Coves, caves and secluded bays
Once you have decided to visit Split and its area, you should put on your wish list a visit to the Blue Cave. This natural phenomenon is considered as one of the most treasured spots in the Adriatic Sea. After 90 minutes of a thrilling ride, you will get exactly on time to visit its splendor of a Blue Cave. Right after the sunrise, rays are entering through the sea bottom, making a performance of luminous blue light. Due to a tight entrance, you will get into a small wooden boat together with the guide who will let you know a bit more about this attraction. Visit this cave may be the main highlight, but there are many more exciting places to visit in the area as well, such as Vis Island (Village Komiža), famous Stiniva bay and Hvar Island are.
https://www.invenio-travel.com