Split, the heart of Dalmatia

Tatyana Kogut

Posted Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 | Viewed: 135

Posted In Category: Article Directory > Travel and Leisure > Travel and Leisure Articles

Travel and Leisure RSS Feed | Email to Friend | Report Article | Post A Comment

Split can be listed among the most solemn cities of Croatia. The city is located in the centre of Croatian coast, between Zadar and Dubrovnik, separating Dalmatia into two parts. That is why it is also the heart of the country.

Some time ago the city celebrated its 1700th anniversary! In the course of the last 17 centuries many civilizations left traces of their life here. They even say that “this is the place where different epochs are tied together by the ends of clothes-lines.”

The name – Split – derives from the word “Palatium” which means “a palace”, since the city was founded on the spot where approximately in 295 AD the palace of Roman emperor Diocletian used to stand. At the time the building was surrounded with thick walls, so when in the 8th century Avars and Slavs came to ravage the territory local people could hide within the palace.

Later on the palace turned into a military fortress with a city inside it, and nowadays this is one of the best-known city attractions. The palace walls are 2,5 meters thick and 15-20 meters high. Scientists say the construction included 16 towers, however, there were only three of them left. The whole ensemble consisted of a hall, temples, a mausoleum for the emperor’s family and other structures. The palace is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.

The main city square is called “People’s square”, adorned with the Split Town Hall – a very beautiful building with three pointed arches. Nowadays the building houses an Ethnographic museum that displays a wide collection of traditional dresses, cloths, ceramics, household stuff etc. Another city attraction is a Benedictine Monastery built in the 16th century. There is Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin) statue standing next to the monastery. The person immortalized in the statue was a bishop who introduced the Croatian language in the religious services. Rubbing the statue's toe is said to bring good luck.

Landmark not far from Split is the ancient city of Salona (2 – 4 centuries BC). Unfortunately, great part of Salona was destroyed in the invasions of the Avars and Slavs. You will be captivated by the Maritime Museum, located in the 17-century fortress. The museum displays a vast collection of maps, photographs and varied nautical equipment. Mestrovic Gallery contains a collection of works by this renowned sculptor. One of the oldest Croatian museums - Archaeological Museum – is situated at the Zrinsko-Frankopanska street. Major part of the museum’s exhibits are discoveries from Salona – sarcophagi, mosaics, ceramics, jewellery.

Local people do deserve all praises: most beautiful women live in Split, and local men are tall and well-built. But Split is not only famous for its history, architecture and citizens; it is also a popular Croatian resort, with numerous modern hotels and picturesque lagoons. From here one can easily reach wonderful Dalmatian islands of Brač, Hvar, and visit three national parks – Krka, Kornati and Plitvice Lakes.

The best time to visit Split is summer, when Split Music Festival is held, followed by Split Summer (Splitsko ljeto) theatre festival. Summer is also excellent for sunbathing. As mentioned above, there are lots of beaches here. Plus to this, many restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars are found right at the sea-front. Local dishes are mostly prepared of fish, mollusca, lobsters etc., which go well with local wine.

Article Tags: split, dalmatia, croatia, travel, hotel, reservation, booking

Visit Split hotels to reserve a room in Split hotel. www.allrez.com - online hotel reservation.

Comments on Split, the heart of Dalmatia:
Post A Comment on Split, the heart of Dalmatia

No Comment Posted Yet...

Split, the heart of Dalmatia

Tatyana Kogut

Related Articles on Travel and Leisure

Related topics in Travel and Leisure

Other Categories

EMail
Password

EMail