5 Awesome Places To Visit In Split Croatia
On Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian Coast, Split is the country’s second largest city and a vibrant place that perfectly blends modern and ancient. It is also one of the Croatian cities used as a Game of Thrones set, and fans of the hit show can join an organized tour to learn more. The town was continuously inhabited for thousands of years, starting with the Romans, followed by the Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and finally the Austrians, who only left in 1918, and you’ll find plenty of historic things to do in the wonderfully preserved Old Town.
Just east of its pretty waterfront promenade is Split’s main tourist centre, where visitors will find some of the top restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels. There are also a number of wonderful day trips from Split that take you to other nearby parts of Croatia, like the ancient city of Salona and the beautiful beaches of Zlatni Rat, Brela, the Pakleni Islands, Solta, and Milna. Here’s a list of amazing that we have curated for your visit to Split Croatia:
Diocletian’s Palace
The spectacular Diocletian’s Palace is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site built in Roman military camp style, and a visit here is one of the top things to do in Split. Its basement also served as a set location for filming the Game of Thrones. Although Emperor Diocletian only lived here for eight years until his death in AD 313, the palace continued to play an important role as an administrative center and the governor’s residence. Three centuries later, in AD 615, the palace was used as a refuge for the residents of Salona when their city was sacked by the Avars. Originally some 215 meters long, 180 meters wide, and enclosed with thick walls up to 28 meters high, the palace was also protected by towers at each corner and boasted four entrances, three of note: the Golden Gate, Silver Gate, and Iron Gate. Leading in from the gates on each side, two roads are laid out according to Roman tradition.
Cathedral of St. Domnius
The Cathedral of St. Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje), lying within the ancient area of Diocletian’s Palace and originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, was designed by Filotas and consecrated in the 7th century. The cathedral has changed little since then, apart from the addition of a 60-meter-tall bell tower built in stages from the 12th to the 16th centuries (the tower can be climbed and presents great views of the palace). Laid out on an octagonal pattern and with a double line of columns — some of them Roman originals — this splendid Corinthian-designed cathedral also contains many notable interior features, in particular the Altar of St. Domnius and the 13th-century hexagonal Romanesque stone pulpit.
Day Trips to Zlatni Rat and Nearby Beaches
Just a short distance from the ancient city of Salona and an easy day trip from Split, the popular beach areas of Zlatni Rat, Brela, Solta, Milna, and the Pakleni Islands are well worth visiting.
Of these beautiful locations, the best known is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on the south coast of Brac. Famous for its unique shape and formed largely from pebbles deposited here by wind and currents, this fascinating “spit” of land juts out into the sea some 500 meters, its shape changing a little each year. Overlooked by shady pine trees and the tall Vidova Gora mountain, the beach’s warm waters ensure it is almost always busy come summer with locals and tourists alike, all of them enjoying great swimming and sunbathing, as well as water sports such as paddle boating, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Klis Fortress
Located about 12 kilometers northeast of the town centre, the Klis Fortress is well worth a visit and can even be reached by city bus 22, which departs from Split’s local bus station. If you watch Game of Thrones, you may recognize the castle as the City of Meereen. The impressive fortress sits along a limestone bluff, which is 385 meters at its tallest point, and it’s used to control the valley leading into town. The fort is long and narrow thanks to its lengthy existence, which led to constant extensions as the centuries progressed. A small museum on-site features displays about the castle’s bloody past, as well as traditional costumes and swords. There is also a room dedicated to filming Game of Thrones, and visitors can climb over the fortifications inside. You can visit Klis Fortress and other Game of Thrones attractions, like the basement of Diocletian’s Palace, which served Daenerys’ Throne Room.
Day Trip to the City of Salona
About eight kilometers north of Split is the old town of Salona (Solin), a popular destination for history buffs. Occupied by Illyrians, Greeks, and finally the Romans, this ancient town holds many historical attractions within its ancient city walls, including its amphitheater, aqueduct, Bishop’s complex, and forum. Built by the Romans in the second century, the impressive Salona Amphitheater is designed to hold up to 20,000 people at a time and is notable for its underground channels, believed to have been used for staging mock naval battles. The Salona Aqueduct, built in the first century, is an impressive sight that is easily accessible and once carried water from the river Jadro to Split, ending at Diocletian’s Palace.
Plan your visit to Split Croatia with XcelTrip to make memories that lasts a lifetime. If you like our content join our Telegram community to keep up with us!
