Split, Croatia — Overview
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and backed by the rugged Dinaric Mountains, the splendid Dalmatian city of Split, built upon a 1,700-year-old Roman palace, is a living, breathing museum. Ancient Roman architecture forms a backdrop to modern-day life, with boutiques displaying imported designer wear and cafés playing techno amid the stones of an imperial palace. Split was founded when Diocletian built his retirement home here in AD295. Centuries of Venetian rule have also left their mark with gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings dotting the core. Split is becoming an increasingly important tourist hub, a gateway to Dalmatia, with an international airport, ferries from Italy and local boat services to the nearby islands. Today, budget flights, a revamped waterfront, a plethora of new hotels and the renovation of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed core have made Split into a must-visit Croatian destination.
