Split

But not only the omnipresent Palace shapes the image of the unofficial capital of Dalmatia. Different cultural influences have left their mark in the port city, for example in the forms of the Venetian Loggia, the National Theatre or the Sveti Duje Cathedral, which was used until the sixth century as a mausoleum for Diocletian. By the way: From the top of the campanile of the cathedral one will observe one of the most beautiful views of the city. A stark contrast to this is the Prokurative, the unadorned Republic Square, as well as the future stadium of the football club Hajduk Split. In need for relaxation? Head to the Riva, the promenade along the harbor bay, or to the Marjan, the peninsula covered by a dense forest which rises behind the old town.

Split has much more to it than just Roman and Venetian cultural inheritance, palaces and a history spanning back for centuries. For a long time now, the city has been famous as the art and culture center in central Dalmatia with its numerous concerts, museums and galleries. Here you can visit internationally renown masterpieces, such as from the artist Ivan Mestrovic. Considered one of the landmarks of Split, his most famous piece is the Statue of Gregory of Nin- and good luck for those who rub the big toe of the bishop. Split's summer officially starts when Diocletian's Palace turns into a huge outdoor stage, when actors and performance artists populate the streets and squares and classical musicians from all around the world start vying for attention and applause. The high-profile festival excites opera fans just as much as those who love contemporary music, performance art and film. The festival takes place every summer in the historic old town and contributes significantly to the very special flair Split has in the warm summer months.

What something a little more than just high culture? The numerous bars and clubs in the the city center, on the Riva promenade and on the beaches in and around Split all invite you to enjoy summer by relaxing and partying to the sounds of international top Djs- even during the day. Split's location on the peninsula is also part of the reason why its landscape is so appealing. Everyone succumbs to the charm of the city when strolling through the narrow alleyways, when enjoying an evening in one of the many beach-located open air clubs, or when sipping a nice glass of local wine paired with an obligatory fish meal. Whoever is planning longer holidays in Croatia will find Split a perfect springboard for expeditions to other regions and charming places like Primosten, Omis, Sibenik and Trogir. Not only sailors and divers take pleasure from the natural beauty of the enchanting island world of Kornati National Park which lies directly at Split's doorstep. Also lying next to Split is the Krka National Park whose divine waterfalls invite visitors to recuperate, relax and enjoy.