The Ultimate Guide to Trogir’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene in 2024
- 29/05/2024
- Travel Guide
Trogir, a picturesque coastal town in Croatia, has long been known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. However, as... Read More
In this post, we have mentioned the top 5 Must do in Split Croatia.
Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and Dalmatia’s capital, blends ancient and modern, serving as the region’s cultural center. Rich in history, dating back to Roman times, Split was Emperor Diocletian’s retirement residence, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by mountains, sea, and Marjan Forest Hill, Split is transforming from a transportation hub into an ideal holiday destination.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Split
Undoubtedly, Split’s UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace stands as a top attraction in Croatia and is one of the top 5 things to visit in Split. While not entirely preserved, the impressive 4th-century remains provide a glimpse into Roman life. Throughout the centuries, the palace has been inhabited by Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and Austrians. Each era contributed to shaping the palace’s current appearance.
Moreover, the palace serves as an ideal starting point to explore Split. Wander among ancient walls or delve into landmarks like the Temple of Jupiter, originally Roman and later a baptistery. Visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, and ascend the climbable Bell Tower, offering a fascinating bird’s-eye view of Split.
Undoubtedly impressive, the Peristyle is the open square in the palace’s center. This is where the emperor addressed subjects from the Prothyrum balcony while they bowed. Pass through the Prothyrum to enter the Vestibule, a circular hall leading to the emperor’s residence. Nowadays, enjoy traditional Dalmatian acapella groups (klapa) singing during the summer or take photos with Roman soldiers in historical uniforms wandering the palace.
Explore the palace basements, where you can buy souvenirs. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the basements as a filming location; there’s even a special tour for the entire palace.
After exploring the palace, take a break on the iconic Split promenade, known as Riva to locals. It’s the place to be seen in Split. When the sun shines, both locals and tourists gather on the seafront to soak in the sunshine, sip coffee or beer on open terraces, or relax on benches among tall palm trees. Enjoy the view of the sea and boats passing by.
In the summer, the promenade hosts concerts and events, making it a must-visit spot in Split. Note that it’s also a popular gathering place for young people before their night out in the city.
Designed by Ivan Meštrović, a prominent Croatian sculptor, the statue of medieval bishop St. Grgur of Nin stands outside Diocletian’s Palace’s Golden Gate. Rubbing the statue’s toe is believed to bring luck and grant wishes, although the origin remains unknown. Whether superstitious or not, visiting the statue is a must in town. Try your luck—you might just get your wish.
For those looking to spend a day in nature, Marjan Forrest Park is the perfect place to go. This wooded hill completely surrounded by the city and the sea deserves to be visited and appreciated. Though small in size (3.5 km length, 1.5 km width), Marjan Hill compensates with diverse plant life, cultural monuments, and attractions. It features churches dating back to early medieval times, hiking trails, bike paths, and numerous viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. Marjan Hill has been a favorite spot for walking, running, jogging, climbing, or simply taking a break from the city bustle.
While in Split, visit nearby attractions like Klis Fortress and the ancient ruins of Salona.
Located 12 km northeast of Split, Klis Fortress sits on a cliff overlooking the city. The impressive fortress controls the valley leading into town, with a limestone bluff reaching 385 meters at its tallest point. Evolving over centuries, constant extensions resulted in its long and narrow structure. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the filming location for the fictional city-state Mereen, showcased in a dedicated room for visitors interested in the show.
About 8 km north of Split is the old town of Salona (Solin), a popular destination for history buffs. Occupied by Illyrians, Greeks, and finally the Romans, this ancient town holds many historical attractions within its ancient city walls, including its amphitheater, aqueduct, Bishop’s complex, and forum. Call us now to know more.