This coastal city is worth a visit during a trip to Croatia, with ten UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, the gorgeous blue lagoon nearby, glorious beaches and delicious local food and wine.
Must-see attractions in Split
One of the top attractions in Split is the Old Town, which has some of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Despite the size of the city, the Old Town feels compact and small.
Old Town Walking Tour
The simplest way to explore the narrow streets of the idyllic Old Town is by walking. No vehicles are allowed within the historic section, so visitors can wander the streets and explore the 220 buildings that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
The Old Town in Split is hundreds of years older than Dubrovnik’s city walls, dating back to the fourth century compared to the famous Dubrovnik walls which date to the 12-17th centuries. The architecture throughout Split’s Old Town has Greek, Roman and Venetian influences, including Saint Domnius Cathedral, one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world.
Split, Croatia by Jeremy van Heerde
Wander the marble walkways, see places where Game of Thrones was filmed and hear stories of the Old Town from a local expert guide. The Old Town was once the hub of daily life and now there are many cafes, boutiques and restaurants to explore.
Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, Split, Croatia by David Hein
This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site was built in 305 by Emperor Diocletian as a residence, fortified town and military fortress. This enchanting palace makes up about half of the Old Town of Split.
Jupiter’s Temple
Diocletian’s Palace, Split, Croatia by Adam Dickson
The Temple of Jupiter is one of the major landmarks of the Old Town. This Roman Temple was dedicated to the king of gods, Jupiter. The temple building is impeccably preserved, in particular, the carving on the ceiling that depicts more than five dozen different facial expressions.
The temple is opposite the emperor’s mausoleum, symbolising the divine connection between the god and the emperor. Diocletian was worshipped as the living son of the god Jupiter, the Supreme God of Thunder and Fire.
The Peristyle
The Peristyle is a unique and well-preserved example of Roman architecture that defined the life of the people living here in Roman times.
Once the central courtyard of Diocletian’s Palace, this is where the public once gathered to hear proclamations and the news of the day. The Peristyle’s design is informed by Greek and Roman architecture, with columns enclosing the courtyard.
The red granite used in construction is believed to be Emperor Diocletian’s imperial colours. Under the archway, a balcony over the courtyard is where the Emperor may once have addressed the public and welcomed visitors. It’s said that the Emperor’s subjects would approach him on their knees.
During summer, a daily reenactment portrays the Emperor and his entourage addressing the people. In the courtyard is a 3,500-year-old sphinx, one of the oldest artefacts in Split, guarding Diocletian’s tomb. This sphinx and another outside the Temple of Jupiter were taken from Egypt in 297 after the Emperor quashed an Egyptian rebellion.
St Domnius Cathedral
At the heart of the Diocletian Palace is the Cathedral of St Domnius, with a bell tower dedicated to the Saint, a bishop of Salona (the Roman capital of Dalmatia) in the third century and the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Emperor Diocletian, the last Roman ruler to persecute the Christians, ordered the construction of this structure, originally a Mausoleum built in 305 AD. In the seventh century, the building was converted into a Christian cathedral and named after Saint Domnius, one of seven Christians beheaded in Salona in 304.
Climbing the 200 steps up the 61m high bell tower of St Domnius Cathedral is rewarded with one of the best views in Split. The panoramic view extends across the Old Town to the Adriatic Sea.
St Domnius Cathedral, Split, Croatia by Jeremy van Heerde
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon near Split is a water space protected by the elements of the Dalmatian archipelago islands, with calm, clear waters that provide views of the many thousands of animal and plant species of marine life below.
A 30-minute boat ride to Drvenik Veli Island, with a population of just 168 people, has secluded rock caves, olive trees and a 16th-century church with a unique Venetian altar place and baroque furniture. There are many legends about the island that a local guide can share.
Homes on the island are built of white stone, with green-framed windows and red rooftops. At lunch or dinner, this is the place to sample octopus cooked in the Dalmatian style with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and onion.
Mestrovic Gallery
This art museum contains a comprehensive and well-curated art collection by Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia’s leading modern sculptor. The grand mansion, built by the sculptor in the 1930s to be his retirement home, is now a popular wedding venue.
Mestrovic moved to the United States shortly after World War II, leaving the land he’d accumulated over a decade, the parks and gardens and the villa to continue the intended purpose of work, living and exhibiting. Private and public areas are thoughtfully placed within the overall design. After the artist left, friends and relatives cared for and lived at the property.
In 1952, four buildings and 132 artworks were donated to the Croatian people to form today’s gallery and museum.
Play Picigin in the shallows at the beach
‘Picigin’ is a traditional Croatian ball game played in the shallow water at the beach. With over a century of history in Split, there are no winners or losers, the aim of the game is simply to have fun and test the skills of the other players.
The goal of Picigin is to keep a stripped-off tennis ball in the air as long as possible, throwing a ball from player to player in a way that encourages acrobatic moves and jumps to catch it. Sit back to watch the game or join in to show off acrobatic skill!
Relax, enjoy the clear ocean waters and explore the Roman history of Split
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Split, Croatia by Adam Dickson
Split offers variety and interest for historians or anyone ready to relax and bask in the glistening Adriatic Sea, enjoy the delicious local food and laugh alongside the local residents.
With unparalleled opportunities to see history come to life, Split is a must-visit city on any Croatian itinerary. What better way to enjoy it than with a small group of like-minded travellers, exploring Europe?
Bring this experience to life and create lasting memories with a Bunnik Tours small group tour. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime!
Questions about Split, Croatia
What are the best beaches near Split?
Bacvice Beach is just outside the city centre, with sun loungers to hire, restaurants and bars for refreshments. Kasjuni Beach is worth the bus or taxi ride, boasting one of Split’s best beach clubs, a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the glistening sea. Finally, Znjan Beach is a pebbled beach 8km south of Split Old Town. It has modern amenities and exceptional accessibility, plus bars, yoga classes and a convenient supermarket.
What local foods should I try while visiting Split?
‘Dalmatinska Pasticada’ or ‘Dalmatian stew’ is a slow-cooked beef stew with white wine and fresh herbs, that originated in Split. Other local dishes include river crab stew, savoury cakes, luganige sausages and cabbage rolls filled with beef and pork, known as ‘Arambasici’.
What is Split, Croatia best known for?
Split is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian Palace, a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and over 1700 years old. It’s also the second-largest city in Croatia, the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious and a beautiful harbour promenade has ferry connections to the nearby Adriatic islands.