Karl WP Beyer Split, the second largest city in Croatia and self-proclaimed “Capital of the Dalmatia Region”, is a city of contrasts. Squares and buildings bear witness to the city's Roman era. Features of the present are the pulsating old town and the lively Riva promenade. A visit to the big city on the Marjan Peninsula is not a wasted day.
Split's historical legacy - the peristyle
Split - the Riva waterfront
History in a nutshell
Archaeological finds show that cavemen lived in the region around Split almost 50.000 years ago. The first permanent settlements emerged in the Copper Age. In the Bronze Age and the subsequent Iron Age, Dalmater settled the area. Towards the end of the Iron Age, around 400 BC, Greeks founded a settlement from which the city emerged. The Greeks were followed by the Romans, under whose aegis important buildings arose. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the city lost its importance.
Diocletian's Palace - the Syrian Arch
The Roman rule was followed by troubled centuries in which Slavs, Byzantines, the Republic of Venice, Croats and Ottomans ruled the city. Until the modern age, the population was confronted with different rulers and conflicts. The last conflict was the Croatian War of 1991. Split outlasted all controversies. In 2004 the city celebrated its 1700th anniversary.
Split in the present
In 2020, almost 170.000 people lived in the city (source: statista.de). The industrial and port city on the Adriatic Sea is an important traffic junction. Ferries go from Split to the islands of Dalmatia. The city stands for shipbuilding, fishing and important industries. Tourism and viticulture are other important industries. Split is also a media location.
Split's modern city panorama
Notable public institutions include the administration of the Split-Dalmatia County, the multi-disciplinary university established in 1974 and the art academy attached to it. The Catholic Archdiocese of Split-Makarska is administered from Split.
Split - cathedral tower
Split is a modern city that offers its citizens pleasant living conditions. Towards the land, a rock massif protects the city center, which is located on a peninsula. Four rock islands shield the city from the sea. This privileged location has always provided the city with ideal conditions for growth and development.
The split of modern times
Split - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Split's old town has been under the patronage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. Split owes this worldwide recognition to its old town and Diocletian's Palace. The later Roman Emperor Diocletian, who was born in the then Roman province of Dalmatia, designated the region as his retirement home. The extensive palace complex named after the emperor emerged from an army camp and later seat of government.
Egyptian Sphinx in Diocletian's Palace
The cruise destination Split
Because of its diverse attractions, the city is one of the destinations on the Adriatic regularly visited by cruise ships. More than 280 ships have been registered for the coming year. The handling capacities for small and large ships are given. On many days, two or more ship calls are planned. Split is a port city whose center is ideal for individual visits. We describe what there is to see under Split attractions.
Update November 2021
