Explora la cultura de Split: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Split a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Split is an exuberant city full of life, where ancient history is not in a museum, but forms the streets and squares of your daily life. Its heart is the extraordinary Diocletian's Palace, a vast 4th-century Roman complex that is today a labyrinth of bars, restaurants, shops and apartments. At its feet stretches the Riva, an elegant promenade lined with palm trees and cafes that is the social soul of the city. As the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, with the green Mount Marjan as a backdrop and a vibrant local culture defined by 'fjaka' (the art of relaxation), Split is a perfect blend of monumental heritage and Mediterranean hedonism.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Split
A strong focus on its Roman heritage and the work of Croatia's most important sculptor.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Diocletian's Palace
The heart and soul of Split. A vast Roman palace from the 4th century that today is the historic center of the city, with its cellars, the Peristyle and four monumental doors.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Located in what was Diocletian's Mausoleum, it is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Its Romanesque bell tower offers spectacular views.
Peristyle
The central courtyard of Diocletian's Palace, surrounded by granite columns. An incredibly atmospheric place where tourists and locals sit on its steps.
Ivan Meštrović Gallery
An impressive museum dedicated to Croatia's most important sculptor, located in his former summer residence. It houses a vast collection of his works in marble, bronze and wood.
Festivals & Events
Summer Festival
Annual cultural celebration with music, art and local cuisine.
History
Origins
Unlike other ancient cities, Split's history begins in a grand way. Around 305 AD, the Roman emperor Diocletian, one of the last and most important emperors, decided to build his retirement palace on the Dalmatian coast. This enormous and luxurious fortified complex was the basis on which the city would be born.
Development
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, residents of the nearby city of Salona, fleeing Avar and Slav invasions in the 7th century, sought refuge within the abandoned walls of the palace. They transformed its halls, basements and temples into houses, shops and churches, creating a city unique in the world. Later, the city came under Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian rule, each leaving their mark.
Modern era
In the 20th century, Split became a major industrial port and the main city of the Dalmatia region within Yugoslavia. After Croatia's independence, it has experienced a spectacular tourism boom, becoming one of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic and the main transport hub to explore the famous islands of Hvar, Brač and Vis.
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Culture
A strong focus on its Roman heritage and the work of Croatia's most important sculptor.
Heritage
Of global importance for housing Diocletian's Palace, one of the best preserved Roman monuments and the only one that constitutes the heart of a modern city.
Architecture
Absolutely unique. An entire city that has grown organically inside a Roman palace.
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Climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius
The climb is narrow and a little dizzying, but offers the best 360-degree view of the heart of the palace, the Riva and the port. It's better than any drone.
Look for the 'Žbirac' bar in Bačvice
Just above Bačvice beach, it is an unpretentious bar, very popular with locals, with a terrace offering one of the best views of the bay and the sunset. A perfect place for a cheap beer at the end of the day.
Learn the art of 'Fjaka'
It is not laziness, it is a sublime state of mind of relaxation and doing nothing. The coffee culture in the Riva is its maximum expression. Order a coffee and enjoy the moment without rushing.
Play (or watch) 'Picigin'
On Bačvice Beach, you'll see locals playing 'picigin': an acrobatic game that involves keeping a small ball out of the water. It is an amateur sport that is intangible cultural heritage of Croatia.
tap water
The tap water is drinkable and of excellent quality.
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