Before I arrived in Split, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had read a big part of the old city is situated within the Roman city walls, dating from the 4th century, and I had seen a few YouTube videos and pictures, but they don’t do justice to what this marvelous city looks like in real life.
Coming from the bus station, the first thing you notice is Split’s harbour, the gorgeous white bell tower and the Riva. This is a large promenade covered in restaurants and bounded by the sea on one side and the beautiful façades of palaces and the remains of the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, on the opposite side.
To enter the city I walked through the Brass Gate, which is the original small entrance to the palace’s basements. It was as if I entered a different time period. Dragging my suitcase in this ancient basement felt almost inappropriate. Then I went up the stairs and where I ended up made me speechless (and that almost never happens!). Apparently I already found the Peristyle, Split’s most famous square surrounded by palaces, the impressive bell tower and Roman arches. All the white marble hurt my eyes, but I couldn’t stop looking around in awe. From there it took just 2 streets to reach my hotel. My first impressions of Split made me extremely excited. I was amazed by the obvious rich cultural heritage and couldn’t wait to explore!
These are the things you must see and do in Split!
Peristyle
Just sit on the steps and enjoy the gorgeous view of the palace façades, the Roman arches, the bell tower, the sphinx (which the Romans brought from Egypt and is now 3500 years old!) and the prothyron, which is the grand arched entry with the ceremonial loggia where Diocletian was viewed and worshipped.
Vestibul
This used to be the entrance to Diocletian’s living quarters. You can also often find Dalmatian folk singers here because the acoustics is perfect.
Climb the bell tower
This is quite an adventure when you’re afraid of heights. The staircase is so scary! But I did it anyway. The view on top is very impressive and gives you a better idea of what the city looks like.
Walk around Diocletian’s mausoleum and cathedral
You’ll be able to admire every side of the building and explore the open courtyards.
Palace cellars
Enter via the Brass Gate or the stairs beneath the prothyron. Here you’ll find a lot of souvenir shops.
Jupiter’s Temple
This temple isn’t easy to find. I found it because it was right under my hotel window. To reach it you have to walk through the narrowest passageway called Kraj Sveti Ivana which lies between the Skočibučić-Lukaris and Cipci Palace. At the entrance you’ll find another sphynx.
The 4 gates
The Roman city walls contain 4 gates that serve as an entrance to Diocletian’s Palace:
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The Golden Gate (North)
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The Brass Gate (South)
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The Silver Gate (East)
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The Iron Gate (West)
Papalic Palace
This palace is an important monument from the Venetian time and is now the city museum.
Get a fruit juice or cocktail at Brace Radic square
You can find the best juices at the Kokolo juice bar situated at the “Fruit square”. You can order one of the menu or make your own mix. Drink your juice right beside the beautiful medieval tower in the sun shine.
Palazzo Milesi
This palace has a modest baroque facade. In front you can find a statue of the Renaissance poet Marko Marulic.
Wander around the small streets
So many narrow streets waiting for you to be discovered!
The loggia
The covered patio in the front is typical for Venetian provincial towns.
The bronze statue of bishop Grgur Ninski
Touch his toe and good luck will come your way!
Trg Republike
This square could be situated in Italy and reminds me of the San Marco square in Venice.
The Riva
The Riva is Split’s hotspot to take a walk, eat an ice cream, get drinks at one of the many terraces or to just relax by the sea. At its end it’s a good idea to continue your walk along the boats to get a nice view on Split and take great pictures.
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