Split
is the economic and administrative center of Middle Dalmatia, with about 200,000
inhabitants. It is also the jumping-off point for exploration of the coast and
islands of the beautiful Croatian Adriatic. The site was first settled when, at
the end of the third century AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace
here. The importance of Diocletian's Palace far transcends local significance
because of its level of preservation and the buildings of succeeding historical
periods built within its walls, which today form the very heart of old Split.
Split's growth became particularly rapid in the 7th century, when the inhabitants
of the destroyed Greek and Roman metropolis Salonae (present-day Solin) took refuge
within its walls. The lovely ruins of Solin outside the city can still be explored
today. In the Middle Ages, Split was an autonomous commune. Many of Split's historical
and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. In
addition, numerous museums, the National Theatre, and old churches and other archeological
sites in the Split region make it an important cultural attraction. |
- 
