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Introduction
Split (Aspalatos, Spalatum, Spljet. Split... as its name changed from
the days of Ancient Greece until today), is the second largest city in
Croatia and the heart of the Dalmatia region. The old town is built
around a sheltered harbour, on the south side of a high peninsula
sheltered from the open sea by many islands.
Ferries to these islands are constantly coming and going. The entire west end of the peninsula is a vast wooded mountain park, while industry, shipyards, limestone quarries and the ugly commercial/military port are mercifully far away on the north side of the peninsula. High coastal mountains set against the blue Adriatic provide a striking frame to the scene.
History
Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305 AD. After his death, the great stone palace continued to be used as a retreat by Roman rulers. When the nearby colony of Salona was abandoned in the 7th century after barbarian attacks, many of the Romanised inhabitants fled to Split and barricaded themselves behind the high palace walls, where their descendants live to this day. First Byzantium and then Croatia controlled the area, but from the l2th to the l4th century medieval Split enjoyed a large measure of autonomy which favoured its development. The western part of the old town around Narodni trg, which dates from thats time, became the focus of municipal life, while the area within the palace walls proper continued as the ecclesiastical centre. In 1420. the Venetians conquered Split, which led to a slow decline. During the l7th century, strong walls were built around the city as a defence against the Turks.
In 1797 the Austrians arrived; remaining until 1918, with only a brief interruption during the Napoleonic wars. Since 1945, Split has grown into a major industrial city with large areas of apartment block housing. Much of old Split remains, however, and this combined with its exuberant nature makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. It's also the perfect base for excursions to many nearby attractions, so settle in for a few days!
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