Split, Croatia
Description
View cruises with Split, CroatiaPine-clad hills, secluded coves, beaches - Split and the Dalmatian Riviera have been premier destinations on the Adriatic since the days of the Roman emperors. In fact, medieval Split was built within and around the palace complex built for the emperor Diocletian in his retirement. (The complex included both a villa and a castrum - a Roman camp capable of garrisoning three legions!) The charms that soothed an emperor are still evident today. The Dalmatian Riviera offers the traveler a heady blend of natural beauty and fascinating cultural sites.
Diocletian abdicated in 305 A.D. During his reign, the emperor ruthlessly persecuted Christians. Ironically Split's St Dominius' Cathedral occupies his mausoleum.
Points of Interest
- Diocletian's Palace & Cellar
- St. Domnius Cathedral
- Temple of Jupiter
- People's Square & Old Town
- Mestrovic Gallery
- Trogir - St Lawrence Cathedral
- Sibenik - Cathedral of St. James
- Krka National Park
More about Split, Croatia Points of Interest
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Diocletian's Palace & Cellar -
This incredible walled palace was built by the Roman Emperor of Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD. Located in the heart of Split, it is constructed from local white limestone and marble, and home to many local businesses and shops.
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St. Domnius Cathedral -
Named after the patron saint of Split, the cathedral is formed from Diocletian's mausoleum. Striking features include a colonnade of Corinthium columns, the Bell Tower that dates back to 1100 AD and breath-taking Romanesque sculptures.
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Temple of Jupiter -
Originally the temple faced the cathedral across the Peristyle (the square leading to the Imperial apartments). The temple's façade has been much altered over 13 centuries.
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People's Square & Old Town -
People's Square and Old Town are a history buff's dream. Explore the Diocletian Palace and its monumental courtyard - the Perystile. Shop or sip coffee on Marmontova Street, or stroll the Riva, a bustling waterfront promenade.
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Mestrovic Gallery -
Ivan Mestrovic is considered Croatia's greatest sculptor - and one of his works, the Nikola Tesla Statue, can be found at Niagara Falls State Park. Mestrovic's estate is now home to a museum and gallery displaying many of his wonderful sculptures.
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Trogir - St Lawrence Cathedral -
A fascinating town, historic Trogir sits perched on the top of a small island, connected to the mainland by a small bridge. Kamerlengo Castle and fortress, built in the 15th-century, is the star attraction along with magnificent St Jacob's Cathedral.
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Sibenik - Cathedral of St. James -
Stunning Sibenik was founded in 1066, the year of the Norman Conquest, and is considered an important Croatian heritage site. Main sights include the Cathedral of St James, a 15th century building made partly from interlocking stone slabs.
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Krka National Park -
The Krka River, considered an exceptional phenomenon due to its lack of pollution, flows through a limestone landscape past cascading waterfalls. Krka was declared a national park back in 1985 and is home to more than 400 species of animals.