The seaport of Split, designated by UNESCO as a cultural treasure, lies on the Dalmatia coast 160 mi/260 km south of Zagreb. Its palm-lined oceanfront promenade is reminiscent of the French Riviera, but the rest of the old city reveals a striking combination of Roman, Venetian and Hapsburg influences.
Tourists aren't the only ones who have enjoyed the charms of the city—the Roman emperor Diocletian built a palace in Split in the fourth century, and Prime Minister Joseph Broz Tito maintained a palace in the city. Diocletian's palace forms the heart of the old town (the ruins are thought to be some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in eastern Europe).
Over the centuries, the people of Split have made themselves at home within the walls of the enormous palace—you can have coffee at a cafe next to a huge column from the palace poking up through the center of the building. Definitely take the tour of the palace's labyrinthine basement (there's a nominal entrance fee).
Also in town are the Mestrovic Gallery (sculptures by Ivan Mestrovic), an archaeological museum and the Temple of Jupiter, which was part of Diocletian's palace. Be sure to spend time just walking around this interesting city. Take a ride up the hill of Marjan for a fabulous view of the city and the sea.
If you have time, take a day trip to the ruins of Salona, the Roman town now surrounded by the modern town of Solin. Day trips also can be made from Split to Medugorje, the religious shrine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (A number of local companies offer bus tours.)
