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Contents
1. Introduction
Split's Old Town is one of the highlights of Croatia and should definitely be visited if you are in the vicinity. There is a lot to see and you need half a day to see it.
We found that tour groups descended on Split's Old Town from 10.30 a.m. and it then became congested in many areas. Therefore try and arrive early to avoid the crowds and to find parking.
2. Traffic and Parking in Split
The roads around Split, including the main coastal road, can be very congested. It can also be very difficult to find a parking place.
We parked at a large car park only a 5 minute walk to Diocletian's Palace and it can be located by entering "Parking Split" on Google maps.
We had to circle around 3 times before finding a space and each time we had to exit the car park and the attendant let us out without any hassle. The parking spaces are wide and it costs Eur 1.50 per hour.
If you are leaving Split on a car ferry see my blog "Brac, Croatia: Travel Guide" (section 4) for information about the ferry port at Split.
3. Diocletian's Palace
The area of Diocletian's Palace occupies the eastern half of Split's Old Town. The Palace was built in AD 300 but fell into disuse by the 6th century.
From the 7th century refugees fled to Split and lived in the palace. Over the centuries the palace's building was changed so that it is no longer recognisable as a palace.
Most of the area of the "Palace" can be seen by just freely wandering around. However, you have to pay to enter the Cathedral and the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace. The entry fee for the cellars is Eur 7.
The entry fee for Split's cathedral depends on what you visit and the charges are steep. It costs Eur 5 to enter the cathedral, but there are additional charges for the bell tower, crypt, baptistery and treasury. If you visit everything it will set you back Eur 15.
We visited the Cathedral and I am not convinced it was worth the fee. It is very small and we have seen a lot of cathedrals for free.
There are public toilets near the eastern entrance to the "Palace".
4. West of Diocletian's Palace
Split's Old Town continues from the western side of Diocletian's Palace to the pedestrianised street of Marmontova. Narodni Trg is known as People's Square and is a large and impressive square on the western edge of the Palace. There are lots of interesting alleys to explore in this western area.
Marmontova runs from north to south and is a very classy shopping street. On its south eastern corner is the very grand city council building known as the Prokurative.
5. Golden Gate & the Grgur Ninsk Statue
The Golden Gate is the northern gate and is the best preserved gate in Split. It is set in Split's huge and impressive city walls. Outside the gate is a small plaza with a gigantic statue of the 10th century Bishop Grgur Ninski. The statue was made in 1929.
6. Split's Waterfront (Riva)
A wide waterfront promenade runs along the southern section of Split's old town and in places along Diocletian's Palace. It is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a very pleasant area and there are plenty of places to sit, relax and people watch. There are public toilets at the eastern end.
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