36 hours in Split, Croatia

History of Split

Home to Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor in AD 305, the city was founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos (Aσπάλαθος) in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. It became a prominent settlement around 650 when it succeeded the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona.

After the Sack of Salona by the Avars and Slavs, the fortified Palace of Diocletian was settled by the Roman refugees. Split became a Byzantinecity, to later gradually drift into the sphere of the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Croatia, with the Byzantines retaining nominal suzerainty.

For much of the High and Late Middle Ages, Split enjoyed autonomy as a free city, caught in the middle of a struggle between Venice and the King of Hungary for control over the Dalmatian cities.

Venice eventually prevailed and during the early modern period Split remained a Venetian city, a heavily fortified outpost surrounded by Ottoman territory. Its hinterland was won from the Ottomans in the Morean War of 1699, and in 1797, as Venice fell to Napoleon, the Treaty of Campo Formio rendered the city to the Habsburg Monarchy.

In 1805, the Peace of Pressburg added it to the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and in 1806 it was included in the French Empire, becoming part of the Illyrian Provinces in 1809. After being occupied in 1813, it was eventually granted to the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna, where the city remained a part of the Austrian Kingdom of Dalmatia until the fall of Austria-Hungary in 1918 and the formation of Yugoslavia.

In World War II, the city was annexed by Italy, then liberated by the Partisans after the Italian capitulation in 1943. It was then re-occupied by Germany, which granted it to its puppet Independent State of Croatia.

Brimming with culture, stunning landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere, Split holidays are not to be missed. Situated in the heart of sunny Croatia with a spectacular coastal Adriatic location, Split is one of Europe’s most picturesque and idyllic towns.

From its shore, tiny islands sparkle in the distance and visitors will enjoy a stroll around the town’s ancient ruins before sampling local bars and restaurants. Second in size only to Dubrovnik, holidays to Split give you plenty of chances to explore nearby islands, hike up the mountains that serve as the city’s backdrop, and truly enjoy the Dalmatian Coast.

If you’re planning on island-hopping in the Adriatic, Split is the perfect base for you, and a hotel near the marina is ideal. For those who want to explore the winding coastline nearby Split, Trogir isn’t too far away to enjoy the best of Split either. Primosten is a bit northwest of Split City, but is a beautiful beach location brimming with water sports. A bit further north, Sibenik is a coastal gem that is quickly earning its reputation as an up-and-coming destination. There’s always Omis for a quieter holiday to the south of the city or sun-kissed Seget.

Split holidays are ideal for culture lovers as history buffs as the city dates back over 1,700 years. The most iconic and imposing building is the beautiful Diocletian’s Palace, which was constructed in 305 AD and is one of the most incredible Roman sites still standing today, aside from the Coliseum in Rome, of course. There’s also plenty of modern culture at the National Theatre and throughout the streets filled with cafes and restaurants.

Enjoy the best that the Split can offer with some fun in the sun in Bacvice, the go-to spot during the summer in the city, with plenty of water sports and ample swimming opportunities on offer. You can also break a sweat with a hike up to Marjan, a fragrant nature reserve that hugs Split.

Holidays to Split are also great for foodies and those wishing to experience the welcoming hospitality of the Croatian locals. Holidaymakers can enjoy sampling traditional pelinkovac, a popular alcoholic drink, and janjetina, delicious cooked lamb with spiced Mediterranean herbs.

Split’s marina and port is a hub for national and international travel, with services running to Italy, as well as to many of Croatia’s thousands of islands large and small. Hvar and Brac, tiny lush, green gems surrounded by turquoise waters, are two of the nearest and perfect for daytrips while on a Split holiday.

There are also ferry connections to the famous city of Dubrovnik, which Lord Byron referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and many visitors to Split choose a multi-centred holiday option and include a few days in this historical wonder. Dubrovnik’s city walls are world famous and people travel from across the globe to visit them. Dubrovnik also boasts some of Croatia’s most vibrant nightlife and impressive restaurants as well as regular traditional shows and festivals.

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