No Divided Opinions Over Split

It was a beautiful end to the long drive from Plitvice Lakes when we reached our hotel for two nights in Split, Croatia. Tour leader Sanel gave us a quick orientation walking tour and then we were given free time for dinner on our own. The orange sherbet sunset, seen from the wide pedestrian waterfront was the perfect dessert. 

There is a large cat population in Split. As a waterfront city, the residents take care of the cats, so that the cats take care of the rats (we never saw evidence of rats).

This kitty yearned for a treat and Bob cordially complied.

 A walking tour of despotic Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace takes us through an impressive mausoleum, a monumental colonnaded courtyard, Jupiter's Temple, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. The structure takes up about half of Split's old town area.

Sanel introduces us to local guide, Maja Benzon.

Maya explains the architectural features of the palace cellars.

The Temple of Jupiter, c.305, contains a 12th century statue of St. John the Baptist.

The baptismal font is engraved with a Croatian king and his subject.

The courtyard of the palace now has a couple of resident businesses, including a bar which plays music-to-dance-by at night.  

Nothing like a pair of money-grubbing Roman soldiers to enliven the place. Declared a UNESCO site in 1979, Diocletian's retirement home was built around 1,500 ago.

Although the bell tower was added in the 12th century, the small structure itself, built in AD 305 as the Mausoleum of Diocletian.

Domed ceiling of the cathedral.

Consecrated at the turn of the seventh century, the cathedral is considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure.

 The Vestibule, also known as The Rotonda or The Atrium, is the first section of the imperial corridor in Diocletian's Palace that led from the Peristyle, which was once the formal entrance to the imperial apartments. We enjoyed a 4-part harmony Croatian folk song.

The way that we chose to spend our free time in Split, might not have been the best choice. We remain divided on that.

Since Rick Steves suggested it, we decided to visit the former home of Ivan Meštrović. He was a Croatian-born American sculptor known for his boldly cut figurative monuments and reliefs. He died in 1962 in South Bend, Indiana.

Cyclops was one of several statutes on the grounds of the former home of Ivan Meštrović. He built the home with the intent of donating the property as a museum/gallery for his work. 

Not far from the gallery lies Kaštelet-Crikvine, a restored chapel that houses a set of Christian wooden wall panels carved by Ivan Meštrović.

It was a long, hot walk to Ivan Meštrović's gallery and chapel, but the views were spectacular. We managed to catch a bus back to old town.

Wandering around the charming old town of Split was a good use of time for the rest of the day.

This was taken in the morning on an old town walking street prior to our palace tour. Ahead lies the waterfront. 

Gregory of Nin was a Croatian bishop is known for opposing the Pope and the Catholic Church in the 10th century. The 28-foot tall statue in Split's old town was created in 1828 by Ivan Meštrović.

Piazza Heritage Hotel, a focal point of the old town plaza, was a former palace built in 1906 in the Viennese Art Noveau style.

Church and Monastery of St. Francis near the waterfront and old town of Split.

Built in the 19th century, Republic Square is a large, rectangular square with a strong Venetian influence, resembling St. Mark's Square in Venice. 

National Theatre of Split built in 1893, with statue of Gajo Bulat, who championed the building of the theatre.

Gajo Bulat, (and Bob) the legendary mayor of Split and hero of the 19th century battles for Croatian Dalmatia.