Sites in Split – What to Visit & What to Do in Split

The ancient city of Split lies on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The old city center is actually a Roman palace, which is more than 1700 years old. 

This architecture is still visible in almost every corner of the palace and many of the buildings have been repurposed. For instance, the 4th-century mausoleum in the center of the palace became the city’s cathedral.

Unlike Croatian Islands, Split doesn’t have as many hidden beaches and bays. But once you enter the city, you discover many wonders of Dalmatia’s largest town. One thing you don’t have to fear is getting provisions for your Charter boat. Split has everything, from small local shops to the biggest Mall in Dalmatia. Read our blog on where to shop for provisions in Split for your charter week.

While you are waiting for your boat to get ready for your cruise or if you are waiting for a late flight after your cruise, Split has great activities and attractions to visit and do.

Historic Sites in Split

Diocletian’s Palace and Peristyle

The Diocletian’s Palace is a well-preserved, 4^th-century complex. It is more of a citadel and a military camp than a palace, with interesting details in every nook and corner. The Game of Thrones show filmed several scenes from seasons 4, 5 and 6 here (read our blog on all Game of Thrones sites). Moreover, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that UNESCO listed this palace as World Cultural Heritage. Walk the original Roman streets Cardo and Decumanus that cut through the complex and still have their unique paving stones.
Peristyle Square is the original Roman court of the ancient palace that separated the public from the religious and imperial parts of the palace. Emperor Diocletian made public appearances here, and his subjects would prostrate (lie completely flat facing the ground) in front of him. There are two 3,500-year-old Egyptian sphinxes that were brought here from the emperor’s wars in Egypt.

Domnius’ (Duje’s) Cathedral and Campanile

Most likely, the current cathedral was the emperor’s mausoleum. So this makes it the oldest building in the world that houses a cathedral that is still active today. The central portion dates back to 305 AD. The original Roman ring of twenty-four supporting columns surround the church and merge with the Catholic place of worship. Don’t forget to check out the cathedral’s Romanesque wooden doors, which have been intact since the 1200s.

Split’s iconic bell tower sits next to the cathedral. It is a stunning sight and is six-stories high. It tapers as it moves upwards. Although the construction of the bell tower lasted for more than 300 years (this is normally visible in the distinct artistic style characteristics of each floor), its style remained practically the same to the classic Romanesque period with paired arched windows. This is a typical feature of the 11th century. If you are not afraid of height, we recommend making the effort to climb on top and see the rooftops of Split and the archipelago of Split. You can buy just the entrance ticket for the belltower for 7 € or the combined entrance ticket for the entire cathedral complex (cathedral, bell tower, baptistery, treasury and crypt) for 15 €.

Historic Split

To get the real taste of the old city, you must explore it on foot, the same as the emperor once enjoyed it. Once you leave the palace through the Western or Iron gate, you’ll be at the Pjaca square (People’s square). Split’s old town hall overlooks a grand plaza of glossy stone pavement with boutique hotels, restaurants, and cafés located in old palaces and houses.

Your next stop should be Fruit Square, which takes its name from the market held here for centuries. Here several beautiful Baroque buildings from Split’s Venetian era surround the impressive statue of Marko Marulic, Croatian poet and the father of Croatian literature, a work of Ivan Mestrovic. Continue to the Riva (waterfront). Indulge in a slow coffee sipping experience, like the locals. And then continue on to the Marmont street from the waterfront. It’s lined by shops, restaurants, and cafés at the upper end. Here you’ll find the Fish market and at the very top of Marmont Street is the Croatian National Theater of Split.

Statue of Grgur Ninski

Gurgur Ninski was a 10^th-century Croatian bishop and icon. He defied the Pope by conducting religious services in the Croatian language. He helped to spread Christianity in the region and establish a Croatian national identity. People rub his big toe for good luck. The statue is a work of the sculptor Ivan Mestrovic and it’s located outside the Golden (Northern) Gate of the Diocletian’s palace.

Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments

The Museum of Croatian Archeological Monuments has a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts from the historical landmarks in and around Split. They include jewelry, weapons, everyday household items, and armor from medieval times. Stone inscriptions, carvings, and reliefs relating to Croatian kings, nobility, and clergy from the 800’s to the 1100’s, are the most valuable pieces. This is the museum closest to Nava and reachable on foot (it is currently under restauration so there’s no admission).

Remark: the Archaeological Museum of Split is located closer to the historic city core and it displays monuments and artefacts dating back to the prehistoric times, and has valuable collections of Greek, Roman, late Antiquity and Medieval artifacts.

Mestrovic Gallery

If you continue your stroll from the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments further west, you will reach the Mestrovic Gallery. The most important and famous Croatian sculpor of the 20th century, Ivan Mestrovic, envisioned it as his residence, studio and gallery and it now keeps and displays over 100 of his works of art. (Currently, the Gallery is being restaured and only the garden with his sculptures can be visited).

Gastronomy

After all, the best way to get to know the people and their culture is through local cuisine. Split has a variety of great restaurants with tasty Mediterranean dishes. To catch a whiff of the old Split, we recommend you visit Nostromo. The traditional dishes will quickly tell you why it’s considered the seafood heaven. Also, we highly recommend pizza from a wood-fired oven at Pizzeria Galija. Along with pizza, their meat, fish, vegetable and pasta dishes will leave your taste buds yearning for more. If you are looking for a fusion of Japanese and Croatian cuisine head on over to the Oyster and Sushi Bar. The sushi here is exquisite. The culinary development in Split is obvious with the restaurant Krug earning a Michelin star and others recommended by the famous guide.

Local Attractions in Split

Poljud Stadium

The city stadium is one of the most beautiful stadiums. Citizens of Split often call it “The beauty of Poljud”. It was built in the form of a shell and completely fits the surroundings. This stadium is the soccer field of the oldest Croatian club “Hajduk”. Additionally, it hosted several of the world’s biggest parties – the Ultra Europe Music Festival. Now, Ultra is held on the NK Split Stadium.

Marjan

Marjan is a steep,170-meter-high hill, full of Mediterranean pines and trees. Often called “The lungs of Split”, Marjan lies just west of the city center. It’s full of biking, hiking, and running paths. Free climbers also have fine options as well. Granted, this is the favorite relaxing and recreation zone for locals.
On the eastern side of the hill, there is an unusual Jewish cemetery. However, there haven’t been any new burials here since 1945. Some of the tombstones are still legible and go back to the 1700s. There are two churches on the hill, with an altarpiece carved by the Venetian Andrea Alessi.
Marjan is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Split. They are mainly rocky and pebbly. The most popular ones are Bene, Kasjuni and Obojena Svjetlost.

Bacvice Beach and Picigin

If you ask any local which beach you should visit, they will mention Bacvice. Split’s main beach, is most known for the sandy seafloor and the Picigin game. This fun summer game is played with a small ball in shallow waters.

Split is a perfect starting point for your sailing adventure in Croatia and is Nava’s main and first charter base. Certainly, you won’t be bored if you need to wait here for a couple of hours.