If you made the choice to visit Split, Croatia on your cruise tour, then you have made a rewarding and experience enriching choice.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. It is a port city situated on the Adriatic coastline of the country and currently has a population of over 200,000 people. Split is also a renown starting point transport hub for a lot of Croatian coastline cruises. It is also a city so rich in cultural history that you could use up all of your recreational time exploring its rich history.
To understand why you should visit Split on your cruise tour and spend as much as time as possible exploring it, you should understand a bit about its history and why Split’s past, present and future are all visibly, physically and culturally interconnecting. That fact is an incredible reality to behold and you should be a part of it and experience it on your cruise vacation.
History
Split is believed to be almost about 2,000 years old. The city was borne out of a union of the past and the present. The modern incarnation of Split as we know it began when the Roman Emperor Diocletian commissioned the construction of Diocletian’s Palace. The Diocletian Palace is actually a walled-in fortress or city that was designed to house the Emperor, servants and guard. Some experts believe the palace was built as his retirement complex or built to repel an invasion or siege. Diocletian’s Palace was built either in the 3rd or 4th century. It is quite literally a living, tangible ruin because the palace is part of the city center of Split.
The city that would eventually become Split was actually built around Diocletian’s Palace. The living ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s former palace is now the exact city center of Split. In fact in 1979, Diocletian’s Palace was listed and recognized as a UNESCO city of significance. Split is a city deserving of recognition and renown because of its historical and cultural significance, as attested by this designation.
Attractions in the City
A welcome attraction in the city is the Peristyle, the central community and open air square at the center of Diocletian’s palace. The Peristyle is surrounded by six majestic columns which are centered by a grand arch in the middle.
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is believed to have been built as the same time as the palace and was probably intended as the final resting place for Emperor Diocletian’s remains.
Make sure you climb to the top of the bell tower of the cathedral so you can have a bird’s eye view of the city. You will be able to clearly see the boundary and yet simultaneous integration of the palace and the greater surrounding city of Split. You can see and experience the merging of old and new culture.
You should take full advantage of available guided tours that are offered to tourist who would like an in depth exploration of the palace. You will be able to explore the hidden cellars and catacombs underneath the palace, ancient tunnels built long ago function as modern part of Split today. Along with appreciating the atmospherics, you will also be able to visits stores, galleries and souvenir shops. The guided tour can also make a stop at the Temple of Jupiter, a small but impressive structure that was probably built in celebration of Diocletian’s father, who was also named Jupiter.
A lot of the guided tours begin or eventually end at the Split Market. The Split Market, also known as the Green Market and Pazar Market, is conveniently located near the center of the Diocletian’s Palace as well as some major bus and ferry transport hubs. This open air market is open from the early morning to mid afternoon every day. You can buy fresh and local seafood and meat, vegetables and fruits, clothes, souvenirs, electronics and more.
Marjan Hill is a pine forest located on the peninsula part of Split. Also known as Marjan Forest Park, it is a historical recreational area, cherished for meditative and serene surroundings. There is a zoo to explore, museums and some beaches to enjoy and take in the Adriatic coastline. Take in the beauty of the pine forest by exploring the numerous walking trails found within the forest. Discover ancient temples and churches dotted throughout Marjan Hill. Make a effort to visit the galleries and museums dedicated to the works of Ivan Mestrovic, famous Croat sculptor, architect and artist.
The heights of Marjan Hill also offer breathtaking vista views of the city of Split as well the Adriatic sea.
Beaches and Outdoor Events
One of the cleanest beaches in the world and the one of the most popular on the Adriatic coastline can be found on the Split coastline. Bacvice beach was awarded the Blue Flag award, an honor bestowed upon eco-friend and efficient beaches, for it cleanliness. Numerous restaurants, taverns and outdoor clubs overlook the Bacvice beach as well.
Definitely a beach to visit to take advantage of a bustling social activity, busy and crowded beach and nightlife scene.
Znjan beach features a pebble beach and views of apartment complexes nearby overlooking the beach. But Znjan beach is definitely worth a visit because there is now a recently constructed waterpark or aqua-park. The waterpark definitely offers some more activity options than the other beaches.
Bene beach is a scenically pleasing beach as it is surrounded by pristine pine tree forests. This beach is also decidedly more family friendly due to a wider array of available activities. There are playgrounds for kids, horse and pony rides, sport facilities as well as restaurants and eateries.
The bar and nightclub club scene in Split ranges from the plain and safe to trendy and ultra-stylish. Whatever your nightlife options, from the plain and boring to ultra-stylish and trendy, you are bound to find the right club or bar to suit your needs.
If your cruise stops in Split, make the most of the possibilities.
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