Index Split and region
Diocletian's palace is one of the preserved Roman monuments in the world. The palace of the emperor was envisioned as a interpolation of a luxurious villa in a plan of a Roman military camp (castrum) divided in four areas by two main streets. Southern part of the palace consisted of emperor's quarters ans religious and governmental facilities, and northern part for emperor's guards, soldiers, service, warehouses etc. palace is a rectangular building (about 215 x 180m) with massive towers on four corners, four gates on each side and four towers along the walls. Lower parts of the walls have no apertures while upper floor does: on the south side a monumental porch, and on other three sides a hall with massive arched windows. As time passed, the inhabitants of the palace, and later citizens of Split, changed the interior and exterior of the palace according to their needs and, in doing so, greatly changed original façade of the palace.
Salona: It is believed that the city was founded here not later than 4th century BC, and was under strong influence of greek colonies. But not until arrival of the Romans did this city flourish and expand its borders. It became a great port, a political military and trade center. Temples, baths, forum, amphitheater, plazas, warehouses, public buildings and residential blocks are being built. The city was on Ceasar's winning side in a conflict between him and Pompeus. As a token of gratitude it was given a name 'Colonia Martia Julia Salona'. Salona is an important center that attracts many immigrants in their search for better life. One of them is Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletian, Roman emperor himself who is said to have his origin in these parts. At the end of his life he decided to build a palace on the penninsula near Salona, in a bay oriented south. Legend also tells that as he suffered from rheumatism, and there was a source of sulphorous water in the area, he issued a command: 'Build me a palace!' This is the beginning of history of Split. Solin played an important role in Croatian history as it was coronational town of Croatian rulers. Its importance is manifested through numerous historical localities dating from that time: 'Hollow church', hill-fort, escavations on Our Lady's island, where, next to the present parish church, the grave of queen Jelena was found along with foundations of churches from 10th century.
Stobreč is a town situated on a penninsula east from Split, on a location of ancient town Epetion next to river mouth of Žrnovnica. Its distance to Diocletian's palace is 7 km and it is a part of the city of Split. Nearby islands of Brač, Šolta and mountain Mosor provide attractive destinations for short trips. Numerous catering objects offer great variety of traditional Dalmatian food and drinks. During summer you can visit town's beaches. Cultural programme consists of local festivities in Stobreč and rich programme of cultural manifestation in Split, called 'Splitsko ljeto'. Terrain next to the river mouth of Žrnovnica, today's Camp, was formed by levelling the surface of the sea.
Klis. In ninth century it was the headquarters of Trpimirović dinasty, Croatian princes and kings. Because of its uninviting location it was for a long time impossible to conquer. Medieval Klis was headquarters of Croatian warriors who fought against Turkish and Venetian invasion (they are called Uskoci). Turks conquered Klis in 1537.; thus they invaded Solin and made constant attacks on Kaštela and, ultimately, Split, but they failed to conquer it. Turks additionally fortified Klis and constructed a mosque with minaret. Remaining soldiers from Klis (Uskoci) made their base in Senj (Senjski Uskoci) after Klis was conquered. 1596. Klis was liberated for a short time, and, finally, 1648. Venetian army liberated it during Turkish - Venetian conflict. There remains an old Turkish fountain from that time.
Trogir: Little town with many stories, from ancient times until today. It is considered to be one of the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic towns in Central Europe, and this makes it special and unique. The core of the town is a castle and fortress sorrounded by city walls (UNESCO), and especially valuable is the cathedral of St. Lawrence with its main portal modelled by famous Dalmatian sculptor of 13th century, Radovan. Outside the city center is well indented shore with many islands. Historical core of Trogir is a unique cultural monument, which is listed on UNESCO's list of world heritage (1997.).
Omiš is founded on the left bank of river Cetina. It is situated in a unique setting between a mountain, river and the sea. Omiš was a settlement below fortress Starigrad (Fortica) placed high in the mountain. Due to permanent threat from land and sea, Omiš was fortified as early as middle ages. Fortifications were strongened with special forts on east side, and on the north-west by fortress Peovica (Mirabella). The oldest monument is a small church of St. Peter'? dating from 10th century. Inside the church of the Holy Spirit (Renaissance, 16th century) there is an altarpiece 'Descend of the Holy Spirit' by Palma Younger. City museum is not far from the parish church, in a Renaissance house, and it contains archaelogical and ethnographical exibits.