Diocletian's Palace Roman Emperor Diocletian, having abdicated his throne in AD 305, decided to spend the last years of his life in Dalmatia and built a palace for that purpose on the bay of Aspalathos, on the south side of a peninsula extending into the Adriatic Sea. The spot he chose is now the very heart of the city of Split, and the palace still stands as the city's main tourist attraction. The building and the entire historic Split inner city area around it have been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Within the palace walls are a network of narrow cobblestone
alleyways that house a mixture of residential apartments; modern shops, cafes and restaurants; ancient Roman relics and a magnificent cathedral. The palace is interesting in that it was designed to combine a luxurious palace with the defenses of a military camp, having towers and fortifications on its landward sides with three monumental gates. Originally situated on the water, the palace is now fronted by the city's popular waterfront promenade and faces onto the harbor. The buildings are made from local white limestone, quarried on the nearby island of Brac. Admission: Free. A nominal fee (5-10 kn) is charged for entry to some of the attractions
Archaeological Museum Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split is the oldest museum in Croatia. Its displays include many archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times, the Greek colonial period, and from the Roman, early Christian and Medieval ages. Most of the relics found in excavations of the Roman city of Salona are displayed here. There is also a large collection of antique coins and a large library. Address: Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25 Phone Number: (021) 329 340 Website: www.mdc.hr/split-arheoloski/eng Hours: June to September, Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. October to May, Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm. Closed Sundays Admission: 20 kn (adults), 10 kn (concessions)
Makarska About 30 miles (47km) south of Split is the popular holiday town of Makarska, with its stone cobbled streets and natural harbor fringed with the two green peninsulas of Osejava and St Peter. Standing sentinel over the town is Mount Biokovo. This scenically beautiful spot offers secluded beaches washed by an azure sea, lying at the heart of the Makarska Riviera characterized by pine forests and a string of white pebble beaches. The town was an important trading port during its colorful history, which spans occupation by the Venetians, Turks, French and Austrians, all of whom left a taste of their culture and tradition behind. The town boasts a world-renowned collection of sea shells, and a Franciscan monastery dating from the 16th century, a Venetian fountain, several churches and Baroque palaces, but its main attraction is its scenic setting. Website: www.makarska.com
Hvar Island Off of the coast of Split, just 15 nautical miles (24km) from Baska Voda and accessible by ferry, is the island of Hvar, which abounds with Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and a true Mediterranean atmosphere. The island is noted for its fertile soil and was the site of the world's first parcelling out of arable land by the ancient Greeks, who farmed there. It is now mainly a wine-growing area. The island's main towns are Vrboska and Jelsa, famed for their Dalmatian wines, and it is dotted with picturesque villages.
Trogir The beautiful old walled town of Trogir is a world heritage site enclosing a maze of cobblestone streets; Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architecture; and one of the finest cathedrals in the country. The old town is situated on a tiny island between the mainland and the island of Ciovo and is interconnected by bridges. The narrow streets hide countless restaurants and cafes, shops and shuttered residences and outside the city walls is a waterfront promenade lined with yachts and dominated by a medieval fortress that was once connected to the city walls. A popular excursion from Trogir is a boat trip to the nearby islands, Drvenik Mali and Drvenik Veli, whose beaches and secluded coves provide an idyllic getaway. Transport: Bus 37 leaves from Split's local bus station every 20 minutes
Brac Island Brac's main claim to fame is the strip of beach near the resort of Bol that stretches out like a finger into the sea, which is featured on almost all Croatian tourist brochures, but the island is also known for its white stone which is exported; Brac's white stone was used to build Washington DC's White House as well as the Diocletian's Palace in Split. Bol is also the windsurfing capital of Croatia. Bol and Supetar are the two main resorts on the island with attractive old towns and a laid-back charm. The rest of the island boasts numerous villages and dramatic coastal scenery. Website: www.bracinfo.com Transport: The Jadrolinija car ferry has regular services to Supetar on Brac Island from Split
Sibenik Sibenik is home to the crowning glory of the Dalmatian coast, the Cathedral of St Jacob, which was the masterpiece of sculptor Juraj Dalmatinac. It is reputedly the largest church in the world to be built entirely from stone and is unusual for its 71 stone heads on the exterior walls, a beautiful baptistery, the domed roof complex and various works of art in the interior of the building. The city also makes a good base from which to visit the nearby Krka National Park. Transport: There are regular trains and buses between Split and Sibenik, taking about two hours
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