Split, Croatia

Split is the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest city of the region of Dalmatia. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, centered on the Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its bay and port. With a population of 178,102 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is one of the most important economic, cultural, and tourist centers of Dalmatia.

History

Split was founded as a Greek colony in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. It became a prominent settlement around 650 AD when it succeeded the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona. After the Sack of Salona by the Avars and Slavs, the fortified Palace of Diocletian was settled by the Roman refugees. Split became a Byzantine city, to later gradually drift into the sphere of the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Croatia, with the Byzantines retaining nominal suzerainty.

Geography

Split is situated on a peninsula between the eastern part of the Gulf of Kaštela and the Split Channel. The Marjan hill, rises in the western part of the peninsula. The ridges Kozjak and its brother Mosor protect the city from the north and northeast, and separate it from the hinterland.

Economy

Split's economy is still suffering the backlash from the recession caused by the transfer to a market economy and privatization. In spite of this, Split has seen a significant rise in its economy in the 21st century, with new industries such as banking services, real estate, and telecommunications.

Culture

Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area. While traditionally considered just over 1,700 years old, counting from the construction of Diocletian's Palace in AD 305, the city was in fact founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos in the 3rd or 2nd century BC.

Tourism

Split is a popular tourist destination, and it hosts a number of annual festivals that attract thousands of visitors. The city's historic core, built around the Diocletian Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

See Also

• Diocletian's Palace
• History of Split
• Tourism in Split