| Page Views: 857 Last Visit to Split: October, 2008 | Sunny days in Split by TheWanderingCamel - last update: Dec 20, 2008 |
| Rome and the mediaeval world together |
They say the past is a different country - and how true that is of Croatia and its historic city of Split. More than 30 years seperated my first visit and the next one - 30 years that saw the death of a iron-fisted dictator followed by the bitter and often bloody breakup of Yugoslavia, the country he held together by the force of his will and belief in centralized nationalism. I have no photos of that first visit but the image of an extraordinary city where mediaeval buildings were built right into the walls of a Roman emperor's palace were indelibly printed on my mind's eye. Yugoslavia (as it was then) had only recently embraced the idea of opening its doors to tourists from the west, and we found Split to be uncrowded and refreshingly (and, it must be said, at times frustratingly) unsophisticated. I loved it.
Fast forward to 2006 - the years of both Communism and war both in the past. Croatia's the word on everyone's lips as THE place to go, and Split, both in its own right and as the gateway to some of Dalmatia's favourite holiday islands, is high on the tourist's list of places to see. We were heading for Brac, but those old memories were still there - ticking away, and I knew we had to do more than simply pass through the city on our way from the airport to the ferry port.
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|  | Can you go back? Quite simply, yes. I did and I fell in love with Split all over again.
Today's Split is a real mix of the ancient, the mellow aged and vibrant youth all blended together with a good dash of tradition and what's new thrown in for good measure. Add brilliant sunshine, a glittering sea, the scent of pine trees, hazy blue islands on the horizon and you have a city of of narrow streets made for exploring, squares made for cafe-sitting and people-watching, historic monuments and funky shops, a city that deserves so much more than a day trip from a seaside hotel or a quick stop en route to a ferry.
A couple of days in 2006 left us wanting to return, a few more in 2007 reinforced that thought, so come October 2008, we'll be back. This could become a habit!
leyle |
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TheWanderingCamel's Split Travel Tips
 Comments for TheWanderingCamel about Split | | | | |
canuck68 Fri Aug 21, 2009 04:57 UTC
I have been hearing much about Split lately as a tourist destination. Your photos and tips are great. Thanks, Diane | starship Tue Jul 14, 2009 02:41 UTC
Another fantastic page! I was quite enamored with what I have seen in Croatia, and it seems you are too! If I am lucky, I might be visiting Split for 1 day next summer! | toonsarah Tue Apr 14, 2009 14:13 UTC
Wonderful page Leyle! How I regret that unlike you we made the mistake of simply passing through Split - must return to explore properly. The market, cathedral, Peristil - all sound just what we would love. Great Off Path and accommodation tips too :-) | hunterV Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:18 UTC
Thanks for your wonderful description, as always! ~ Take care! ~ |
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