http://www.palmasplit.com/croatia-split-city-guide/ Holiday reviews and Travel tips. Get real Split, Croatia travel tips from travelers and locals. en-us http://www.palmasplit.com/hemos-visitado-las-playas-y-el-agua-es-impresionante/59/ http://www.palmasplit.com/we-had-a-great-time-in-split/58/
We loved the City, the Pivo, the view at the Vidilica cafe, Ave bar for a night cap, breakfast at cafe 58, just to name a few. We would highly recommend Marjan restaurant across from ClickSplit office. The proprietor is a very humble man and the food is fresh.

We had a great time in Split and have been recommending Croatia to a lot of friends.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/pink-apartment-a-dream-come-true/57/
Spending a day at Bacvice beach is a obligatory when visiting Split. This beach is filled with very friendly locals who are all engaged in the game of Picigin (a local game where you hit a small ball back and fourth with your hands while splashing everyone around you). It is worth buying a small ball from one of the vendors on the beach and trying it for yourself.

We also spent a day in the labyrinthine streets of Diocletian's palace and enjoyed shopping galore. Before leaving Split, we made sure to rub the toe of the gigantic statue, Gregorius of Nin, which ensures our return to the enchanting city of Split.

Posted By: Teresa Dilluvio
New York City]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/i-loved-my-stay-in-split-especially-our-flat-budget-sienna/56/ http://www.palmasplit.com/apartment-palace-tower---fantastic-view-over-the-roof-tops/55/
Then after our amazing week boat trip with Katarina lines we needed another night accommodation in Split. Again we used ClickSplit.com and where put in a STUNNING apartment in the old palace! What a treat!

ClickSplit.com is professional and really accomodating....and SPLIT is AMAZING!!!!]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/i-can-higly-recommend-split-and-croatian-coast-for-everyone/54/ http://www.palmasplit.com/wheat-family-i-sincerely-recommend-it-to-anyone/53/ http://www.palmasplit.com/saint-martin-golden-gate/52/
In the 11th century the church of St. Martin got the early Romanesque bell tower similar to the own above the Iron gate. Inside there is an altar furnishing from the same period.

Today it is mainteined by the Benedictine nuns, who will introduce you to its history since the 5th century.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/palace-view-well-serviced-and-perfectly-placed/51/
I believe the place is perfect for demanding young tourists, who want to enjoy closeness of many options to have a great time during the day and at night as well. We have been to many places around the world and I can tell you, that we felt Palace View is being run with willingness to make our stay enjoyable.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/konoba-marjan/50/ http://www.palmasplit.com/what-we-saw-on-our-day-trips-was-a-beautiful-country/49/
What we saw on our day trips was a beautiful country. Turquoise, clear water everywhere, mountains, clean towns and lovely villages (especially Hvar town - it was like from a fairy-tale). We'll definitely come back to Hrvatska.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/the-church-of-saint-ante/48/
Ivo Delalle wrote about Gripe area as a consecrated and a special place, further saying that if Split were Athens this fortified hill would undoubtedly be its Acropolis, a center of religious, political and civilian significance. Because it served as a military compound for the Venetians, French, Austrians and former Yugoslav army this area was a symbol for the harracks life and prisons.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/fish-market-the-belly-button-of-marmont-street/47/
The Fish market was expanded with an outdoor section in the courtyard but it is still too small for the city that continues to grow and whose people are accustomed to the flavor of grilled fish.

The Fish market is an interesting sight for the casual passerby, primarily senior citizens but also to the increasing number of tourists who are surprised to learn that is the only fish market not bothered by the flies, because of the smell of the sulfur springs nearby.

The fish market is called the "belly button" of Marmont Street.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/pazar-split-huge-marketplace/46/
Until the arrival of this latest technological age that tends to impose itself on all the traditions the Marketplace used to combine the mainland and the sea, people from the islands, the town and the countryside that displayed the particularities of the local traditions through games, dance and jokes, especially during Sudamija, the fiesta of St. Dujam, patron saint of the town.

The market place is located between the eastern wall of the Diocletian's Palace, the Church of St. Dominik, rail bridge and the eastern part of Riva.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/4-days-in-split-october-2007/45/
At the Hotel Kastel we had a room with kitchenette. Our room's windows faced the square. There was some noise, especially early in the morning, but nothing very bothersome.

We spent 4 days in Split, visiting the Palace, hiking the Marjan Hill, shopping at the markets. The general market to the east of the Palace has vegetables, clothes, cheeses, antiques, coins, stamps, you name it. The fish market is to the west at the end of the Riva.

We were amazed at the choral singing we heard all over Split, professional and amateur. There is a quartet named Klapa Iskon which performs several times a day in the Vestibule. Marvelous music! It seemed that everywhere we went there was one wedding party after another parading down the street or coming out of a church, celebrating in a reception hall or at a restaurant with everyone singing.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/over-all-this-was-a-top-holiday/44/
The owner was very helpful. Any thing we needed to know she was there to help. There is plenty to do, you can book trips away for the day at local info office or just have a lazy day at beach, ideal for couple. Over all this was a top holiday. Prices for meals and drinks reasonable.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/mestrovicev-kastelet/43/
]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/we-had-a-wonderful-stay-at-this-small-condo-in-split/42/ http://www.palmasplit.com/matejuska-the-local-fishermen-place/41/
The sounds of the seagulls tend to announce the dawn in the imperial inlet, slowly subsiding until the sunset while the fishermen count the daily catch and have a glass of wine followed by a song full of labor, salt and the wind.

Matejuska is the only remaining symbol of the fishing tradition in Split. Its stillness resembles that of a postcard image until the strong winds hurl its waves like a flag.

Matejuska daily offers real worms as bait, fishing stories and home made cooking at "Fife", an establishment decorated with a part Split part French spirit of Davor Stambuk, famous and acclaimed sketch artist with a varied themes of sports.

It is a pity that the sights of Matejuska no longer feature the former Gusar club house, an origin of the first European and Olympic medals brought to Split.

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Today Riva is the pedestrian paradise for all the inhabitans of Split. It offers a spectacular view of the sea and ships together with the unique morning or afternoon coffee.

A traditional bingo game is always played here during the celebration of the patron of the city St. Duje.

Riva is also a scene for the large public gatherings like the homecoming of the Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 and the welcome for the Freedom Train in 1995.

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Here, at Prokurative Bajamonti also built a large theatre that was soon destroyed in the fire. But the cultural tradition of this square is still reflected in the traditional festival of Dalmatian song, held here since 1967. Unfortunately, except for that the square is not much in use. Its neo Renaissance beauty, today attracts only the "clicks" of digital cameras and children's game of "indoor" soccer.

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Marmont's street is not only splendid but historically significant as well. In 1922, a library and a reading room was founded at the present location of Alliance Francaise. It has one of the oldest pharmacies as well as the oldest cinema in town, Karaman. It also has a unique fish market where flies don't tend to disturb the merchandise because of nearby sulfur springs.

Marmont street also features a spectacular Secession style palace Duplancic, while the northern part of the street, through the Venetian fortification connects to the architecture of the theatre building and the church "Gospe o' Zdravlja".

A witty modern fountain, called PIRJA, is not overlooked! t is still seems to ask: What's the punch line?

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On the opposite side of the tower there is a spectacular façade of the Baroque palace Milesi, and from the right and there left there are silent witnesses of the traditional Dalmatian architecture.

On the stone to the next, one moment of beauty to the next, all faithfully recorded by the statue of Marko Marulic, father of the Croatian literature from the 15th century, carved in bronze by the hand and the genius of Ivan Mestrovic.

Fruit Square earned a special place in history as featured in the TV series by Miljenko Smoje, "Velo Misto", because of its spectacular beauty and heritage of centuries.

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With the exception of the dome that was restored in 1972 the remainder of the structure remains preserved in its original form. Mass is still celebrated here on Sundays.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/splits-corners-the-narrowest-street-in-the-world/35/
Although it has no street sign, everyone in Dalmatia will point you in its direction. The name developed practically: if you want to walk through Pusti me proc, you literally need to let others pass before you attempt to walk through yourself. You might come cross a lady carrying shopping bags from the market, a group of bewildered tourists, or noisy schoolchildren for whom it may take a minute or two to walk through. When it rains, there is barely enough space to put the umbrella down in order to walk through it.

So, although there are no traffic lights or signs, it is clear that 'strict' unwritten rules govern this little street. The etiquette applies to the ones in love as well: if you attempt to pass it together, you will really need to embrace each other quite intimately in order to go through! And, once you are already in each other arms, who knows what can happen next?

This unusual and quirky little street is entirely made of stone; its walls and the worn out pavement recall a past era. The walls flanking Pusti me proc are, aactually, of 'divine' origin. Namely, its northern wall belongs to the Temple of Jupiter, or St. John's Baptistery, as it is known today.

Although Pusti me proc is incredibly small and narrow (people in Split will even claim it to be the narrowets street in the world), it will undoubtedly make you laugh. And it will also teach you a valuable lesson in life: nothing is what it seems at first sight. Take a step forward, but be prepared to let others through, even when it is the least convenient, when you are in a hurry, when it's raining...

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Ivan Mestrovic is the most prominent Croatian artist of the 20th century. He was originally from the region Dalmatinska Zagora (born at Vrpolje in 1883), grew up in Split, and studied in Vienna where he displayed its rich talent at the very early age. He worked in Paris with a great Rodin, in Rome he returned to the classics while in London he reaches international fame. After World War II he lived and worked in the US where he died in 1962. He was buried in the family mausoleum at Otavice near Drnis.

Mestrovic's villa was inspired the Classical architecture. Two symmetric wings of the building are connected with a portico decorated with tall Ionic pillars. The living room features traditional folk garments, while the enormous terrace offers sights to the deep blue sea. The interior is used as an exhibition area filled with a sculptor's marble, stone, bronze and wood, paintings and sketches, while the exterior area is dominated by the Cyclops, one of the symbols of the Mediterranean games and many bronze statues. Wonderful horticultural setting of the courtyard is turned into a spectacular theater setting during the summer ("Midsummer's night dream", "Turandot", etc.).]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/timetable-from-01.06-till-28.09.2009-for-district-of-split/33/
Please note that the Time-table is subject to change.

Split - Supetar (Brac)
Makarska - Sumartin (Brac)
Split - Stari Grad (Hvar)
Drvenik - Sucuraj (Hvar)
Split - Rogac (Solta)
Ploce - Trpanj (Peljesac)
Orebic - Domince (Korcula)
Split - Vela Luka (Korcula) - Ubli (Lastovo) - car ferry
Split - Hvar - Vela Luka (Korcula) - Ubli (Lastovo) - catamaran
Split - Vis
Split - Hvar - Vis
Split - Bol (Brac) - Jelsa (Hvar)
Split - Milna (Brac) - Hvar
Split - Trogir - Seget Donji - Drvenik Mali - Drvenik Veli
Rijeka - Split - Stari Grad (Hvar) - Korcula - Dubrovnik - Bari (Italy)
]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/split-the-most-gorgeous-city-in-croatia/32/
As we drew closer a traditional deep hulled timber sailing boat sailed beside our modern ship and the combination of ancient and modern became apparent. The most gorgeous city in Croatia, we fell in love and can't wait to return for a longer stay.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/brass-gate/31/
Along with its Renaissance name Aenea (Brass Gate), it was also called "safety gate" because enabled the escape via maris (by the sea) in the case of danger. With only partial renovation, the authentic gateway bears witness to the almost two millennia of endurance to corrosion.

Today the Brass Gate is the main entrance to the Palace because it used by tourists at the start of guided tours. Those with more imagination can try to picture the pier, used by Diocletian when he boarded the imperial galley accompanied by the sound of cheering and trumpets.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/benedictine-monastery-of-saint-eufemija/30/
The chapel features a carved altar by Juraj Dalmatinac from 1444. The only remaining testimony to the Benedictines is the elegant bell tower, built in the 14 century. During Christmas, the chapel of the blessed Amir is turned into a beautiful Bethlehem model and a pilgrimage destination for the locals.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/suburb-radunica/29/
The names of those old families are featured on the street names: Kuzmanic, Nincevic, Kuzmic, Ruzic, Bubalo, Trumbiæ, Duplancic, Dumanic, Petric, Prvan, Vesanovic, Dvornik, Culic and so on.

Radunica became even more popular because of the public fiesta "The Days of Radunica" that is traditionally held during the last week of June, for the celebration of St. Peter.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/silver-gate/28/
It was extensively renovated in 1952 after the Allied bombing during the Second World War during which the Baroque church Dusica suffered extensive damage. The remains of octagonal towers are still visible, so it is easy to imagine its architectural magnificence and the powerful dominating position over the land approaches to the city.

Its colorful history was enriched by the greatest Catholic event that happened in Split. The Silver Gate was used by the Pope John Paul II in his "Popemobile" on the way to the cathedral of St. Dujam, during his visit to Split in 2000. During the Middle Ages the Silver Gate was walled up for security reasons, and right next to it small city gates were made in 1764, still in use today.

It is worth mentioning that from Silver Gate starts the authentic Roman walkway - decumanus so that every passerby can feel the sense of the Roman Boulevard that was once used by imperial chariots.

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It's a pity that during the 5th century AD Christians forcibly removed the statue of Nike, pagan goddess of victory, and placed it with the religious symbol of the cross in its place. In the 11th century a church "Gospa od Zvonika" was built, originally dedicated to St. Teodor, with a beautiful early-Romanesque bell tower.

During the Middle Ages the area of propugnacul served as a courtroom, and only 50 years ago this was a heaven for small shops. Eve a casual glance reveals a historical dynamics of the Iron Gate, and especially interesting is the specific style of residental construction in the wall itself, bell tower, part of the guard pathway over the remains of the octagonal towers and a beautiful view of the entire decumanus and a part of the People's square.

]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/suburb-veli-varos-symbol-of-the-split-fishermen/26/
Veli Varos features am abundant architectural heritage of the traditional Dalmatian style. The way to experience it is by taking a walk uphill to notice the intricacy of it stone streets and to complete the experience with a spectacular view of its rooftops in a view from the first belvedere.

It most famous architectural monument is the Church of St. Mikula from the 11th century on whose portal there are inscribed names of the citizen Ivan and his wife Tiha. It is also worth mentioning the churches of Gospe o' Soca, St. Kriz, St. Frane, that are also located at Veli Varos.

Veli Varos until recently was a symbol of the Split fishermen who led a meager existence on a daily sardine catch (as depicted at operetta "Spli'ski akvarel", by Ivo Tijardovic), while today the real estate prices here have sky rocketed.

Its favorite sons include the opera singers Noe Matosic, Ante Marusic and Ratomir Kliskic as well as a journalist Miljenko Smoje.

The position and the natural beauty of Marjan is crowned by the Christian tradition of local inhabitants that was displayed by building of numerous churches. They might not be all architectural wonders, but each of them bears witness to certain part of local history.

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The polyptich of the Venetian painter Girolamo da Santacroce decorates the main altar of this late Gothic church. It features St. Duje with elaborately painted scale model of Split from the first half of the 16th century.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/golden-gate/24/
Its front is decorated with niches that used to feature the sculptures of four provincial rulers tetrarchs (Diocletian, Maksimian, Galerius and Constantine Klor). Along the western wall of the Palce the Christians built a chapel of St. Martin, patron of soldiers and tailors.

Today the nuns from the nearby Dominican monastery take care of the chapel, and are happy to introduce its visitors to its history, all the way from the 7th century. Under the Venetian influence the gates were named Porta Aurea, that remain to the present day.

Alongside the eastern wall the local inhabitants built several residental areas whose oldest inhabitants is the Czech Maria Vasekova (94), who arrived to Split from Olomouc in 1930, as a baby sitter, and who grew into a fierce protector of the local historical heritage.

]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/there-was-lots-or-little-to-do-in-this-delightful-place/23/ http://www.palmasplit.com/peoples-square-pjaca-traditional-meeting-place/22/
If you approach it from the imperial decumanus, above the Iron Gate you can hear the sound of the Renaissance clock, separated with Roman numerals in 24 parts, which is raised on the remains of the Roman tower.

The geometrical harmony of its surface sets apart the first city hall, with its 15th century gothic decorations. In 1950 in its portico a popular soccer fan group "Torcida" was founded.

Right next to the former city hall is a Renaissance palace of the long gone aristrocratic family Karepic, on whose southern façade there is a spectacular coat of arms under the balcony.

Just accross the square newly renovated hotel Central offers an invitation to have a cappuccino in the local café. During its Golden Age this is were a "Table of Wise Men" used to be (gathering of famous artists and public figures).

Pjaca is a traditional meeting place for all the ages and until the sixties there was unspoken rule about the separate sections of the square reserved for schoolchildren, students and bachelors.

]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/vestibul-an-ancient-imperial-antechamber/21/
Vestibul used to serve as an entrance to the residential part of the Palace. Today, it is hard to imagine that only half a century ago it served as a residental area, with chickens running around the tomato patches. South east of Vestibul is the Medieval quarter, where the oldest building is the early Romanesque house from the 10th century.

It leans on the Vestibul itself, and until recently it offered accommodation services. On the opposite side is the beautiful section of the Ethnographic museum in the church of St. Andrija, built in the 7th century in one of the imperial rooms that unfortunately wasn't preserved except for the foundations in the subterranean area.

By comparing the foundations it is easy to visualize the Triklinium, imperial dining hall, whose copy was displayed in the easten part of subterranean area upwards to the first floor of the Palace it is easy to notice the position of the dining hall, kitchen area, gineceius (women's quarters) and a logical direction towards the thermae towards the eastern wall.

A walk along the Kriptoporticus, an imperial promenade with a view of the sea takes you to the western Palace area, once dominated by the library. On the southwestern part of the Palace lie the private imperial quarters and right next to it still unexcavated imperial thermae over which rises the present hotel Slavija.

]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/saint-francis-monastery/20/
The popular legend claims that St. Francis himself founded the monastery in Split at 1214, during his visit to Split. With the coming of Franciscans a new type of church and monastery compley arose, with the cloister as the main inside area surrounded by the monastery buildings.

]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/marjan-churches/19/ "St. Nikola na Gori"
This church was built in 1219 by local notable Rako and his wife Elisabeth and presented as a gift to the abbey of St. Stjepan on Sustipan. It was first takey care of by the Benedictines, then hermits, and lastly Society Marjan that had it reconstructed in 1990. St. "Nikola na Gori" is located on the southeastern slopes of Marjan, about 200 meters above the First vintage points.

"Gospa od Dobrog Svita (Our Lady of Good Advice)"
Kastelet area features well preserved church of "Gospe od Dobrog Svita built in 1513. During the reconstruction of the Kastelet in 1883 its owner, Vicko Capogrosso-Kavanjin paid special attention to the restoration of the Church known than as Madonna del Buon Consiglio.

"Gospa Zalosna, or Gospica (Our Lady of Sadness)"
Out of several historical churches in the wider area of Kasjuni only one was preserved, the church of "Gospa Zalosna". All the churches on Marjan follow the rule western façade, while this chapel was constructed in accordance with the path from the watermill Suspas - from the east. The historians placed it in 1362, emphasizing the bell tower and a display of the Madonna holding the dead body of Christ. For the local inhabitants the Marjan hill was often a personification of the Cavalry hill, so it isn't strange that this church was built here.

"Our Lady of Bethlehem, Betlem"
A simple single nave structure raised at the same time as St. Jere, at the time of Marko Marulic, a little before 1500, due to the increased numbers of hermit monks on Marjan. It features a well preserved stone altar with a center display of the Nativity scene, side display of St. Jere and St. Ante the Hermit, as well as a Crucifixion scene. The church is located near the hermitage of St. Jeronim.

"St. Jere on Marjan"
It was built in the second half of the 15th century. Andrija Aljesi completed and signed the altar in 1480. Don Dujam Balistrilic served as the rector of the church, he was related to Marko Marulic, who dedicated his epic Judita to him. It was guarded by hermits who lived nearby and who grew crops in the nearby fields.

"St. Jure at Marjan point"
At the western point of Marjan in Roman times there was a temple of the goddess Diana, patron of hunt. In the vicinity is a pre-Romanesque church of St. Jure, a single nave structure with a semi circular dome. A pert of the altar furnishings is still preserved, dated from the end of9th and the beginning of the 10th century as the church itself.

"Sr. Benedict on Marjan"
This church is first mentioned in 1362. It is located in the well known area of Bene. Ljubo Karaman wrote in 1932: "... on the pile near the road there is a still a pillat that old peasants talk of as a remain of the church of St. Bene.". The remains are visible still today on the south side of the tennis courts.

"Our Lady of Spinut"
Mentioned for the first time in historical documents in 1096 AD Historians beleive that in this location there was a shrime from the period of late antiquity and early Christian era. The remains of the earliest construction show signs of the early Christian architecture and indicate the period of the construction. There used to be a folk legend that angels gather in a procession here each Saturday.

"St Lazar - St. Mande Poduboge, or St. Mande"
The first written record of this church is from a will written in 1412 ... "about a St. Lazar located above in the suburbs of Split". The chronicle of unknown local notable from 1782 record that about 600 people died of hunger, in the streets, hospitals and houses, and they were buried partly under the hill Marjan, at Veli Varos near the church of St. Mande, and some at Bacvice (Katalinica brig). Although the altar furnishings displays St. Lazar and St. Mande, the people celebrate only St. Mande.

"St. Mikula on Stagnja"
On the path down from Marjan to the town center lies the Church of St. Nikola ad pedes montis - beneath the hill, in the center of Veli Varos. The stones of the church "tell a story" of its construction. On the doorway of the portico there is an inscription that translated from Latin says: "With the help of the Christ this temple was built by Ivan and his wife Tiha, whom he married after the his first wife". At the altar furnishings inside the church there is a second inscription translated like this "This church was built by Ivan, his sisters and his second wife, from the estate of his late first wife.". The church was built by local artist that combined the pre Romanesque and Romanesque style.

"Our Lady of Soca"
The church of Our Lady of Soca (Seoca), well known at Veli Varos, was built in 10th century. It had only 45 square meters. The inhabitants of nearby streets are still locally known as "Socani". During the Turkish wars the villagers from the countryside relocate closer to the city walls, that how this part of the town was named Seoce (village). The legend claimed that the bells of this church are heard all the way to Rome.

"St. Cross "New" at Veli Varos"
The old church of St. Cross was torn down in 1657. - to prevent its capture by the Turks and its use their watchtower. It was located about 150 m lower that the present one, whose construction started in 1680 and it was finished five years later. Several items was moved from the old church including the Romanesque wooden cross, statue Pieta and three relief's and a Gothic chalice.

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The exterior octagon of the mausoleum was surrounded by portico with 24 pillars. In the interior it is round in shape with four semi-circular and four rectangular niches. The center place was originally meant for Diocletian's sarcophagus that was later ritually destroyed. Above the niches rise eight Corinthian pillars made of red granite, and above them another eight smaller ones. The stone crown circling the dome, between the first and the second row of pillars, features the carvings of Cupids hunting, masks, and human heads. Especially interesting are the two stones medallions with ribbons held by two Cupids.

Archeologists and local tradition beleive that the medallions feature the portraits of emperor Diocletian and his wife Priska who were supposed to be buried here together. The cathedral dome was constructed using the intricate brick layout, fan-line in the lower section and circular closer to the top. The dome used to feature the glittering mosaic just like the one in Vestibul. The cathedral today is first and foremost a place of worship, whose continuity is best reflected in the daily mass and a renewed splendor of the procession of St. Dujam traditionally held each year for over one and a half million spectators.

The wooden cathedral gates were made by local artist Andrija Buvina, in 1214 AD. It represents an important achievement of the Medieval art in general. Two wings with 14 images each represent scenes from the Gospel, from the Gabriel's Annunciation to Christ's Resurrection. Carved scenes were painted and gold plated. Left from the entrance lies the six-sided pulpit from the 13th century. It was constructed from the precious green stone, once fully gold plated. Local tradition says that it was donated by Kolafisa, widow of the local duke Ivan Frankopan in 1257.

The right side altar was dedicated to St. Dujam. The altar ciborium was made by Bonino da Milano in 1427, in the late Gothic style. The altar is decorated by the frescoes of four Evangelists created by late Gothic painter Dujam Vuskovic in 1429. In front of it is the antique sarcophagus with a image of the Good Shepard, decorated with the carvings that symbolize the resonance of the eternity. To the left is the side altar of another patron saint of Split, martyred in Solin Anastasius from Aquilea, constructed in 1448, by the best Croatian architect and sculptor of that time Juraj Dalmatinac, born in Zadar.

Especially interesting is the central carving with the display of the Whipping of Christ, where the artist shows Christ tortured and in pain. The main altar was built between 1685 and 1689. It features a beautiful carved ceiling above with ten scenes from the old Testament with a colorist vision by Matija Poncun. In the northern niche is the altar built by the Venetian sculptor Morlaiter in 1767. 3 year later the relics of St. Dujam were moved here from the Bonino's altar. The typical rococo style vividly represents the moment of St. Dujam's decapitation.

The most important part of the Baroque choir are the wooden benches that were originally positioned before the main altar. The benches were carved in the early 13th century and it represents a unique iconographical art style in the European Medieval sculpture. The cathedral bell tower (57 m) is the most original Dalmatian Medieval structure started in the 13th century. Over the powerful stone carved lions that guard the entrance to the cathedral, rise the two groups of notables that symbolically bear the weight of the pillars.

Over the antique portal is a small sarcophagus with remains of two daughters of king Bela IV. who died of plague at Klis in 1242. The cathedral periphery served in the Middle Ages as Campo santo - cemetery for the local notables. An attractive, well preserved staircase leads to the top of the bell tower with a breath taking view of the Diocletian's Palace. One of the most interesting details in the Cathedral is the wooden bench in front of the altar of St. Dujam, that the Pope John Paul II used when he prayed before the relics of the martyr.

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Since the emperor Diocletian's time purple is the imperial color. With the construction of the new city square with the city hall (Pjaca) in between the 13th and the 14th century, Peristil became more of a religious center. From its western side it is bordered by the palaces of local noble families Grisogono and Cipci, that lean on its authentic columns and arches.

Due to their Renaissance and Gothic architecture they are a monuments in their owb right. Because of its unique beauty and specific acoustics, Peristl became a famous theatre scene, almost custom made for opera classics (Verdi's "AIDA") and Greek tragedies ("Antigona", "King Edip"). And while you take a break in the nearby cafe (with the remains of the Temple of Venus) you can ask the beautiful sphinx, over 3.500 years old, about everything that happened the day before and what lies before you.

It was no accident that Pope John Paul II, during his visit to Split, said: "My God, how many feet must have passed over this path" while the people of Split repeat for centuries "Peristil is the center of Split and the whole world".

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If I had known that women waited at the bus stop to offer rooms, that would have been much less expensive and I'd stayed in homes arranged through a local travel agency in Zagreb and in Zadar previously and both of those experiences had been terrific -- the fellow in Zagreb who's apartment I stayed at had actually visited my hometown in the United States!

So next time I go to Split, if I go alone, I'll definitely arrange for a private residence, but if I go with my girlfriend, she'd love to stay in the old city.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/temple-of-jupiter/15/
Carvings on the portal and well as a barrel-like ceiling influenced the early Renaissance architecture of Andrija Alesij and Nikola Firentinac in Trogir. The temple was transformed into baptistery during the late Antiquity. Underneath the temple is the crypt dedicated to St. Thomas.

In the early 13th century a baptismal well was placed there made of altar partition (11th century) originally from the cathedral. One of the tablets features the image of the Croatian king (Petar Kresimir IV. or Zvonimir), the earliest known image of some European kings as a part of the medieval stone sculpture.

Today the sculpture of St. John the Baptist dominates it interior, done by Ivan Mestrovic. The baptistery is opened only once a year, on June the 24th.

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Today the subterranean area is accessible through the Porta Aenea, or through a staircase from Peristil. The excavation of the subterranean area was initiated an organized in the mid 19th century by an architect Vicko Andric, first restorer in Split and Croatia. The cellars are still alive today. Art exhibitions and theatre plays are regularly organized here, especially interesting is the traditional International Flower show held in May. The exploratory and restoration work is still in progress, in the western and the eastern part of the cellars.

It is worth mentioning that the eastern part became accessible to the general public since May 1995, after the celebration of the patron saint, St. Dujam.
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I explored the roman ruins (gotta love the Romans, they really knew their stuff), spent an enjoyable hour at the markets. I spent an afternoon exploring Trogir, which was well worth it - I could not believe there were two UNESCO world heritage sights a mere 30 minutes apart.

After 3 fabulous days in Split I took the local ferry to the beautiful island of Hvar, where I spent a night before sailing to Dubrovnik. I had not heard of Split prior to planning my trip to Dubrovnik, but am so glad that a friend told me about the delights of this city - It is just as special as Dubrovnik, but does not get the same publicity. I loved my visit.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/hotel-adriana-wonderful-view-of-the-boats-and-water/12/
You order your food and a waiter brings it to you. They serve hot dishes, prepared for you in the kitchen. The omlettes are wonderful! I would recommend both hotels, Kastel and Adriana.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/hotel-kastel-1700-loved-the-simple-authenticity/11/
Hotel Kastel is older, more "authentic" It is built into the walls of the old palace. The bathroom was small, shower stall only. There was no hot water on one night. You can rent your room with or without the breakfast option. I highly suggest the breakfast. They serve fresh fruits, breads, yogurts, and teas & coffee. The food is set out and each guest serves himself. You will be seated in a small room with other hotel guests only. This is nice if you are tired and don't feel up to dressing for the day yet.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/sandy-beach-bacvice/10/
During the low tides in springtime Bacvice turn into a split version of Copacabana where many famous soccer players first displayed their talent when the rugby in Split was born, where even in wintertime a unique game of "picigin" is played (a sort of volleyball, played in the sea shallows with a small ball).

Bacvice today represents a best known promenade for all generations, and during nighttime is the favorite center of nightlife.

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A pity, since it could have been a Split version of Pere La Chaise (famous cemetery in Paris)! Especially appealing is the gloriet - round colonnade of classicist form that remains preserved until present day. Hidden among the tall pines is a beautiful vista of the sea and the islands in front of Split. From the western side of the hill there is a the oldest local swimming club Jadran, and from its eastern side a modern ACI marina.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/marjan-hill-the-first-symbol-of-the-town-split/8/
The people of Split started the forestation of Marjan 1852, with the planting of the first pine trees. In 1903, society "Marjan" was founded which today takes care of this nature preserve. Thanks to its forward thinking inhabitans from the 19th century, Split has its so-called "lungs of the city". All the visitors to Marjan can enjoy its peace and quiet, recreation and entertainment, numerous small churches, hermit refuges and natural and jogging paths. A modest zoo is great fun for children.

The name of the hill is first recorded in the will of the local abbot Peter from the 8th century, as Marulianus. The historians later called it Serra, Seranda, Murnanus, Kyrieleyson, Mernjan, etc..]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/split-was-definitely-one-of-the-highlights-of-our-trip/7/
We hired a car, drove to Dubrovnik, only stayed 1 day there and ended up in tiny village further down the coast called Cavtat, which was just magical. So was the drive along the coast, a bit scary at times but just beautiful. We stayed there for another 3 days, and felt we could have stayed for another 2 weeks. We really loved Split and returned for 2 more days before flying back to London. We where away for 3 months and Croatia was definitely one of the highlights of out trip.]]> http://www.palmasplit.com/hotel-kastel-1700-located-perfectly-on-the-seafront/6/ http://www.palmasplit.com/konoba-varos/3/
Excellent preparation of fish and meat dishes, as well as dishes of vegetables are sufficient reason to visit Konoba Varos.

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