Split, A City with 1700 Years of History
The city of Split is located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, in Croatia and spreads over a peninsula. It is one of the oldest cities in the area, and is considered over 1,700 years old.
The city with a very active port is a link to the many Adriatic islands, as well as a popular tourist destination.
This place was first inhabited by the Roman emperor Diocletian who built a palace in this bay around 293 AD. He resigned from office and lived in this luxurious palace of 30 thousand square meters.
In time the palace grew to be a town first populated by the citizens of the nearby Salona. Throughout history the rulers of the city changed, from Croatian kings, Hungarian and Venetian administration, to French rulers and Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
TOURISTIC SITES
UNESCO has declared the historic centre of Split as a world heritage.
Among so many places worth seeing, the most famous spot in the city is Diocetian’s Palace built in the 3rd century AD for Roman Emperor Diocletian. The palace is considered to be a city within a city, in which streets, alleyways, buildings, temples, columns, walls and ruins will be waiting for visitors from all over the world.
Among other places worth seeing are;
The Cathedral and Bell Tower, built in a Romanesque style.. One can climb to the top of the bell tower for some fantastic views across Split.
The Saint Duje Cathedral which is possibly the oldest in the world
Museums and galleries among which the Archeological Museum is the oldest and most popular with archeological Objects from prehistoric times to the early Medieval ages
The City Museum of Split, one of the most popular housed within a complex of medieval buildings with exhibits from the 13th-14th centuries.
Marjan Hill with spectacular views from the 178 meter high peak, a zoo and natural history museum on the hill as well as the church of St. George and the Oceanographic Institute.
It would be wise to go an a walking tour of the “Old Town” to see more of the city. The streets are lined with historic and sometimes ancient buildings, with cobbled streets, intriguing alleyways and a medieval atmosphere.The city maintained its importance in this part of the coast to our day. When you look at the big city today you can hear the beats of history and enjoy the lively spirit of its young, Mediterranean charm.
BEACHES
The city of Split has been awarded several blue flags for quality and clean beaches and marinas.
Bacvice Beach is the closest beach located in the Bacvice area of the city, a 10-15 minutes walk from Split’s promenade. It offers a small crescent of sand as well as a large concrete area which is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Visitors are particularly pleased with the lovely turquoise, clean sea and not the ordinary scenery.
The beach is in front of the the Bacvice complex which consists of relaxing seaside cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours. There is also a childrens play area including go karts, trampolines and bouncy castles. By night, the cafes become more lively and a handful of loud bars and discos open up. Further along the coast you can enjoy a pleasant seaside stroll along the quiet paths or leave your clothes on some of the many rocks and enjoy a dip in the warm sea.
Editor