Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and an urban and cultural centre at the crossroads of Dalmatia. It straddles a peninsula at the foot of the Marjan hill, with the Kozjak and Mosor mountains ascending behind the city and waterfront.
This increasingly popular tourist destination had its ‘official’ beginning in the year 300AD. In that year the Emperor Diocletian began the construction of his palace here, which combined the elements of an imperial villa, a Hellenistic city and a Roman military fort.
However, there are archaeological findings attesting to a more ancient history of Split.
The historical centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979, and the number of annual tourists is steadily increasing.
In the former home of Diocletian, you cannot miss the well-known Peristyle, nor the Cathedral of St Duje with its wooden doors fashioned by Andrija Buvina.
For culturelovers, Split offers a theatrical and exhibition programme, including the international festival of opera, concerts, drama, dance and street theatre.
Due to various sporting events that are organized here, as well as the fact that Split has produced many top athletes, Spalatians call their city the sportiest city in the world. The city is connected with smaller islands in the Split archipelago by ferry.
The archipelago includes Šolta, whose name is believed to come from the Greek word olynthia, which means ‘unripe fig’.
Split Summer (from 1954) is an artistic festival that builds its national and international reputation since the second half of the 20th century.
Along with the Dubrovnik summer games, it is a festival with the longest and most splendid tradition of the classical spectrum of scene arts (opera, drama, ballet, concert…), widening the fan of events with time: from jazz concerts and movie revues to exhibitions, performances and street theatre.
The most persistent and strongest organization bearer of the festival is HNK Split, a national theatre that represents the unavoidable and key spot in the culture life of Split, as well as one of the most vital spots in the theatre life of entire Croatia.
The holiday season in Split is in the spirit of fun, music and art, all packed in a bursting program of “Advent in Split”.
Visit the grand “Christmas fair” and enjoy the variety of offers; souvenirs, jewellery, decorations and find a unique present for your loved ones.
Pumper your senses with gastronomic delights offered by the charming houses while listening to all the best Christmas hits and use the opportunity for a family get together at the children’s programme.
Come to Split and have great fun during the Advent season, with a reminder not to forget your sunglasses!
