WHAT'S TO DO IN SPLIT
Guests often ask this question my answer is "RELAX". Most travelers are coming here after "doing" E. Europe., The Museums, Cathedrals, city tours.... here in Split its about finding a little corner and watching the world go by. Taking a slow coffee overlooking the city beach, or a long lunch on The Riva. However we do have info and advice about things to do here in Split. We have devised a walk up the local park and finish up on a beach that is used mainly by locals. An evening city walking tour is also offered and we do day trips out. In town it's all about history........
A CITY WITH HISTORY
Probably an ancient Greek settlement called Aspalathos. Emperor Diocletian built a palace here around AD 300, in which he resided until his death and was buried here. After his death (AD 313) the Palace was used as a residence of expelled Roman emperors and their family members (Julius Nepos). When Salona was conquered around AD 614 by the Avars and Slavs, its citizens fled to find shelter within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. A new settlement soon developed; the former diocese of Solin was re-established already in the 7th century. Split acknowledged the supremacy of the Byzantine emperors from AD 812 to 1069 when it was annexed to Croatia by King Petar Kresimir IV. In 1105 the city acknowledged the nominal suzerainty of Hungarian-Croatian kings, having preserved its autonomy based on its ancient municipal rights.
From 1207 the citizens elected Croatian, Hum and Bosnian feudal lords for their priors and commissioners (Duke Domald, Petar of Hum, Grgur of Bribir, Pavao and Mladen Subic, Hrvoje Vukcic Hrvatinic). In 1420 Split acknowledged the protectorate of Venice which tried to strengthen its position in Dalmatia and restrict the rights of the cities.
In the 16th century Split was threatened by the Ottoman Turks, especially after the conquest of Klis (1573). On the fall of Venice in 1797, it fell together with the remaining Dalmatia under the power of Austria which ceded it,just 7 years later, to France.
Between 1813 and 1918 it was again under the sovereignty of Austria. This was a period of economic stagnation but also of the revival of national consciousness. The 1882 elections in Split introduced Croatian administration. In the second half of the 19th century Split saw an economic recovery to become the most important port in the region at the beginning of the 20th century.
Obviously with such a rich cultural heritage the Old Town of Split is well worth a visit not just to discover so much boring old history but to relax, sit n' just chill. Whether you do this over a Cappuccino on the 'Riva' or a good book and a cocktail on the 'City' beach that's up to you. My recommendation would be a picnic up on the hill 'Marjan' overlooking the blue blue sea and old town ......beautiful!
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