{{short description|City in Croatia}} {{redirect|Spalato}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Split | official_name = {{lang|hr|Grad Split}}<br /> City of Split | native_name = | other_name = | settlement_type = [[List of cities and towns in Croatia|City]] | image_skyline = {{multiple image | border = infobox | perrow = 1/2/3/1 | total_width = 290 | align = center | caption_align = center | image1 = Split 080620-133710-IMG 0968x.jpg | caption1 = View of Split promenade from [[Marjan, Split|Marjan]] hill | image3 = Split trg Republike.jpg | caption3 = [[:hr:Prokurative|Prokurative]] | image2 = Main view of property from side.jpg | caption2 = [[Ivan Meštrović Gallery|Meštrović Gallery]] | image4 = Dalmatia Tower Split Croatia September 2020.png | caption4 = [[Dalmatia Tower]] | image5 = Croatia-01432 - Croatia's National Theatre (9556213567).jpg | caption5 = [[Croatian National Theatre, Split|Split Theatre]] | image6 = Croatia dreaming Poljud.jpg | caption6 = [[Poljud Stadium]] | image7 = Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace - Split - 51387487617.jpg | caption7 = Historical Complex of [[Diocletian's Palace]] with [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius|Saint Domnius Cathedral]] }} | image_flag = Flag of Split split.hr 2024.svg | flag_link = Flag of Split | image_seal = | seal_size = | image_shield = Coat of arms of Split.svg | shield_size = 90px | shield_link = Coat of arms of Split | nickname = {{lang|hr|Velo Misto}} <small>('The Big Place')</small> | anthem = "{{lang|hr|[[Marjane, Marjane]]|italics=no}}" [[File:Marjane, Marjane.mid]] | image_map = | mapsize = | map_caption = Map of the Split city area | mapframe = yes | mapframe-shape = yes | mapframe-stroke-width = 0.5 | mapframe-zoom = 9 | pushpin_map = Croatia#Europe | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Croatia##Location in Europe | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_relief = 1 | coordinates = {{Coord|43|30|36|N|16|26|24|E|region:HR-17|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] | subdivision_name = {{flag|Croatia}} | subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Croatia|Region]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Dalmatia]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Croatia|County]] | subdivision_name2 = {{flag|Split-Dalmatia}} | established_title = Founded as Aspálathos | established_date = 3rd or 2nd century BCE | established_title2 = [[Diocletian's Palace]] built | established_date2 = 305 CE | established_title3 = Diocletian's Palace settled | established_date3 = 639 CE | government_footnotes = | government_type = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor-Council]] | leader_party = [[Croatian Democratic Union|HDZ]] | leader_title = [[Mayor of Split|Mayor]] | leader_name = [[Tomislav Šuta]] | leader_title1 = [[2025 Split local elections#Council election|City Council]] | leader_name1 = {{Collapsible list | title = 31 members<ref>{{cite web |title=Sastav Gradskog vijeća |url=https://split.hr/gradska-uprava/gradsko-vijece/sastav |website=split.hr |publisher=City of Split |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> | frame_style = border: none; padding: 0; | list_style = text-align:left;display:all; | {{Color box|{{party color|Centre (Croatian political party)}}|border=darkgray}} [[Centre (Croatian political party)|Centre]] (15) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Croatian Democratic Union}}|border=darkgray}} [[Croatian Democratic Union|HDZ]] (8) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Croatian Civic Party}}|border=darkgray}} [[Croatian Civic Party|HGS]] (2) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Homeland Movement (Croatia)}}|border=darkgray}} [[Homeland Movement (Croatia)|DP]]–[[Croatian Party of Rights|HSP]] (2) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Independent}}|border=darkgray}} [[Independent politician|Independents]] (2) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Bridge of Independent Lists}}|border=darkgray}} [[The Bridge (Croatia)|Most]] (1) | | {{Color box|{{party color|Social Democratic Party of Croatia}}|border=darkgray}} [[Social Democratic Party of Croatia|SDP]] (1)
}} | leader_title3 = [[Croatian Parliament electoral districts|Electoral district]] | leader_name3 = [[Electoral district X (Croatian Parliament)|10th]] | unit_pref = metric | area_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite Q|Q119585703|mode=cs1}}</ref> | area_total_km2 = 79.4 | area_urban_km2 = 23.1 | area_metro_km2 = 1,286.9 | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 0 | elevation_ft = 0 | population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2021">{{Croatian Census 2021|S}}</ref> | population_as_of = 2021 | population_total = 160577 | population_density_metro_km2 = auto | population_rank = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_urban = 149830 | population_density_urban_km2 = auto | population_metro = 307289 | population_metro_footnotes = | population_demonym = | timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]] | timezone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] | utc_offset = +1 | utc_offset_DST = +2 | postal_code_type = Postal code | postal_code = HR-21 000 | area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Croatia|Area code]] | area_code = +385 21 | registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of Croatia|ST]] | blank_name = [[Patron saint]] | blank_info = [[Saint Domnius]] | website = {{URL|https://split.hr/}} | footnotes = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site | child = yes | official_name = Historical Complex of Split with the [[Palace of Diocletian]] | criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(ii)(iii)(iv)}}(ii)(iii)(iv) | ID = 97 | year = 1979 | area = {{cvt|20.8|ha|acre}} }} }}
'''Split''' ({{IPAc-en|s|p|l|ɪ|t}};<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John C. |year=2008 |title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary |edition=3rd |publisher=Longman |isbn=978-1-4058-8118-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Roach |first=Peter |year=2011 |title=Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary |edition=18th |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-15253-2}}</ref> {{IPA|hr|splît|lang|hr-Split.ogg}}) is the [[List of cities and towns in Croatia|second-largest city]] in [[Croatia]] and the principal urban center of [[Dalmatia]], situated on the eastern shore of the [[Adriatic Sea]]. As the administrative seat of [[Split-Dalmatia County]] and the largest city on the Croatian coast, it serves as a key economic, cultural, and transportation hub for the region. Developed around the historic core of [[Diocletian's Palace]] and extending across a central peninsula toward its surrounding suburbs and hinterland, Split combines a continuous urban tradition spanning more than seventeen centuries with a contemporary role as one of Croatia's leading tourist destinations. The city itself has a population of over 160,000,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pogledajte rezultate popisa stanovništva za Split|trans-title=View the census results for Split |url=https://dalmatinskiportal.hr/vijesti/pogledajte-rezultate-popisa-stanovnistva-za-split/146088 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220927200559/https://dalmatinskiportal.hr/vijesti/pogledajte-rezultate-popisa-stanovnistva-za-split/146088 |archive-date=2022-09-27 |access-date=2026-02-22 |work=Dalmatinski portal |language=hr}}</ref> while the metropolitan area encompasses approximately 310,000 inhabitants.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://split.hr/urbana-aglomeracija-split/opce-informacije/obuhvat-uas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222073423/https://split.hr/urbana-aglomeracija-split/opce-informacije/obuhvat-uas |archive-date=22 February 2026 |website=split.hr |title=Urbana aglomeracija Split|trans-title=Split Urban Aglomeration |access-date=2026-01-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The city was founded as the [[Greek colonisation|Greek colony]] of Aspálathos ({{Langx|grc|Ἀσπάλαθος}}) in the 3rd or 2nd century BCE on the coast of the [[Illyrians|Illyrian]] [[Dalmatae]], and in 305 CE, it became the site of [[Diocletian's Palace|the Palace]] of the [[Roman emperor]] [[Diocletian]]. It became a prominent settlement around 650 when it succeeded the ancient capital of the [[Roman province]] of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]], [[Salona]]. After the sack of Salona by the [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]] and [[Early Slavs|Slavs]], the fortified Palace of Diocletian was settled by [[Roman Empire|Roman]] refugees. Soon after, Split became a [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] city. Later it drifted into the sphere of the [[Republic of Venice]] and the [[Kingdom of Croatia (925–1102)|Kingdom of Croatia]]. For much of the [[High Middle Ages|High]] and [[Late Middle Ages]], Split enjoyed autonomy as a free city of the [[Dalmatian city-states]], caught in the middle of a struggle between Venice and [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Croatia]] for control over the Dalmatian cities.
Venice eventually prevailed and, during the [[early modern period]], Split remained a Venetian city, a heavily fortified outpost surrounded by [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] territory. Its hinterland was won from the Ottomans in the [[Morean War]] of 1699, and in 1797, as [[Fall of the Republic of Venice|Venice fell]] to [[Napoleon]], the [[Treaty of Campo Formio]] rendered the city to the [[Habsburg monarchy]]. In 1805, the [[Peace of Pressburg (1805)|Peace of Pressburg]] added it to the [[Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy]] and in 1806 it was included in the [[First French Empire|French Empire]], becoming part of the [[Illyrian Provinces]] in 1809. After being occupied in 1813, it was eventually granted to the [[Austrian Empire]] following the [[Congress of Vienna]], where the city remained a part of the [[Cisleithania|Austrian]] [[Kingdom of Dalmatia]] until the [[Dissolution of Austria-Hungary|dissolution]] of [[Austria-Hungary]] in 1918 and the [[Creation of Yugoslavia|creation]] of [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]]. In [[World War II in Yugoslavia|World War II]], the city [[Governatorate of Dalmatia|was annexed]] by [[Fascist Italy|Italy]], then liberated by the [[Yugoslav Partisans|Partisans]] after the [[Armistice of Cassibile|Italian capitulation]] in 1943. It was then re-occupied by [[Nazi Germany|Germany]], which granted it to [[List of World War II puppet states|its puppet]] [[Independent State of Croatia]] (NDH). The city was liberated again by the Partisans in 1944, and was included in the [[Aftermath of World War II|post-war]] [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Socialist Yugoslavia]], as part of [[People's Republic of Croatia]]. In 1991, [[Independence of Croatia|Croatia seceded]] from Yugoslavia amid the [[Croatian War of Independence]].
Today, Split is a major transportational hub and a popular tourist destination attracting over one million visitors annually.<ref>{{cite web |title=Split Tourist Visits in 2024 |url=https://visitsplit.com/clients/1/multimedia/6697rmdmcdnmvr0.pdf |website=Split.gg | date=1 January 2024 |access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> Its historic core, a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]] since 1979,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/97/ |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref> reflects the city's continuous urban life from late antiquity to the present. The Port of Split is one of the busiest passenger ports in the Mediterranean and serves as a key gateway to the southern Adriatic islands, while the [[University of Split]] reinforces the city's role as a major educational and research centre. The city gained additional international recognition when it hosted the [[1979 Mediterranean Games]] and [[1990 European Athletics Championships]].
==Name== The name Aspálathos or Spálathos may come from the spiny broom (''[[Calicotome spinosa]]'', ἀσπάλαθος in Greek),<ref>{{LSJ|a)spa/laqos|ἀσπάλαθος|ref}}</ref> although it is the related Spanish broom (''[[Spartium junceum]]'', σπάρτος) that is common in the area.
After the [[Roman Republic|Roman conquest]], the name became ''Spalatum'' or ''Aspalatum'' in [[Latin language|Latin]], which in the [[Middle Ages]] evolved into ''Aspalathum'', ''Spalathum'', ''Spalatrum'' and ''Spalatro'' in the [[Dalmatian language]] of the city's [[Romance-speaking Europe|Romance]] population. The [[Venetian language|Venetian]] name, ''Spalato'', became official under [[Republic of Venice|Venetian era]], in international usage by the [[Early Modern Period]] and is still the name of the city in [[Italian language|Italian]].<ref name=Magner>{{cite book |last=Magner| first=Thomas F. |editor-last1=Lencek |editor-first1=Rado L. |editor-last2=Unbegaun |editor-first2=Boris O. |title=Xenia Slavica. Papers Presented to Gojko Ružičić on the Occasion of his Seventy-fifth Birthday, 2 February 1969 |publisher=Mouton |location=The Hague and Paris |year=1975 |page=125 |chapter=The Dialect of Split. A Preliminary Sketch |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PCyLDwAAQBAJ |isbn=9789027931719}}</ref> From the 10th century onwards, the local use was ''Spaleto'', from where, through a stage ''*Spəlētu-'' to ''*Splětъ'', came the [[South Slavic languages|South Slavic]] forms: the ekavian ''Splet'', ijekavian ''Spljet'' and ikavian ''Split''.<ref name=Magner /> In the 19th century, following the [[Illyrian movement]] and its official recognition by the [[Habsburg monarchy|Habsburg Monarchy]], the [[Croatian language|Croatian]] names ''Split'' and ''Spljet'' became increasingly prominent, before ''Split'' officially replaced ''Spljet'' in 1910, by decision of the city council.<ref>{{cite book |last=Šimunović |first=Petar |author-link=Petar Šimunović |title=Toponimija hrvatskoga jadranskog prostora |trans-title=Toponymy of the Croatian Adriatic area |year=2005 |publisher=Golden Marketing – Tehnička Knjiga |isbn=978-953-212-161-2 |location=Zagreb |language=hr |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=amzlAAAAMAAJ |pages=210–211}}</ref>
Formerly, the name was thought to be related to Latin ''palatium'' 'palace', a reference to [[Diocletian's Palace]]. Various theories were developed, such as the notion that the name derives from ''S. Palatium'', an abbreviation of ''[[Salona]]e Palatium''. The erroneous "palace" etymologies were notably due to Byzantine Emperor [[Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus]], and were later mentioned by [[Thomas the Archdeacon]].<ref name="JWilkes">Wilkes, J., ''Diocletian's Palace, Split : Residence of a Retired Roman Emperor'', 17. The name ''Aspálathos'' had referred to a white thorn common in the area. Thus, contrary to popular belief, the name Spalatum has nothing to do with the Latin word for palace, ''palatium''. According to Wilkes, the erroneous etymology was notably due to Byzantine Emperor [[Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus]].</ref> The city is several centuries older than the palace.
==History== {{main|History of Split}}
{{For timeline|Timeline of Split}} {{About||more information on the history of Split's region|History of Dalmatia}} {{Quote box | width = 30em | align = right | bgcolor = #B0C4DE | title = Historical affiliations | fontsize = 90% | quote = {{plainlist| *{{flagicon image|Coat of Arms of Illyria.png|size=35x25px}} [[Illyria]] (9th–3rd centuries BCE) *{{flagicon image ||Ancient_Greek_Culture_Flag|size=24x21px}} [[Greek colonisation#Ionian Sea, Adriatic Sea, and Illyria|Aspálathos]] (3rd century BCE – 219 BCE) *{{flagicon image|Vexilloid of the Roman Empire.svg|size=35x25px}} [[Roman Republic]] (219–27 BCE) *{{flagicon image|Vexilloid of the Roman Empire.svg|size=35x25px}} [[Roman Empire]] (27 BCE – 476) *{{flagicon image|Labarum of the Roman Empire (simple).png|size=35x25px}} [[Odoacer|Odoacer's Kingdom of Italy]] (476–493) *{{flagicon image|Ostrogothic Kingdom Flag.webp|size=21px}} [[Ostrogothic Kingdom]] (493–535) *{{flagicon image|Purple flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine Empire.png|size=21px}} [[Byzantine Empire]] (535–791) *{{flagicon image|Armoiries imaginaires de Charlemagne (1).svg|size=19px}} [[Francia]] (791–812) *{{flagicon image|Purple flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine Empire.png|size=21px}} [[Byzantine Empire]] (812–998) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (998–1019) *{{flagicon image|Purple flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine Empire.png|size=21px}} [[Byzantine Empire]] (1019–1069) *{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia and Dalmatia 15th century.png|size=33x23px}} [[Kingdom of Croatia (925–1102)|Kingdom of Croatia and Dalmatia]] ({{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Split-Dalmatia County.svg|size=17px}} [[Dalmatian city-states|Commune of Spalato]]) (1069–1091) *{{flagicon image|Purple flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine Empire.png|size=21px}} [[Byzantine Empire]] ({{flagicon image|Dalmatia-flagicon.png|size=25px}} [[Theme of Dalmatia]]) (1091–1096) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1096–1105) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1105–1116) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1116–1117) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1117–1118) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1118–1124) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1124–1125) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1125–1141) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1141–1171) *{{flagicon image|Purple flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine Empire.png|size=21px}} [[Byzantine Empire]] (1171–1180) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1180–1244) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] ({{flagicon image|Bribirski.svg|size=26x19px}} [[Šubić family|Counts of Bribir]]) (1244–1327) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1327–1357) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1357–1390) *{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Kingdom of Bosnia.svg|size=35x25px}} [[Kingdom of Bosnia]] (1390–1391) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Hungary (1915-1918; angels).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Kingdom of Hungary]] (1391–1403) *{{flagicon image|Coat of Arms of Ladislaus of Naples.svg|size=26x19px}} [[Ladislaus of Naples]] ({{flagicon image|Coa hrvoje vukcic hrvatinic b-big.png|size=26x19px}} [[Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić]]) (1403–1409) *{{flagicon image|Coat of Arms of Ladislaus of Naples.svg|size=26x19px}} [[Ladislaus of Naples]] (1409–1420) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Serene Republic of Venice.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Republic of Venice]] (1420–1797) *{{flagicon image|Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor with haloes (1430-1806).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Holy Roman Empire]] (1797–1805) *{{flag|First French Empire}} ({{flagicon image|Flag of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy (1805-1814) 3.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Kingdom of Italy (Napoleonic)|Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy]]) (1805–1806) *{{flag|First French Empire}} (1806–1809) *{{flag|First French Empire}} ({{flagicon image|Coat of Arms of Napoleon III (Orden of the Golden Fleece).svg|size=35x25px}} [[Illyrian Provinces]]) (1809–1813) *{{flag|Austrian Empire}} (1813–1815) *{{flag|Austrian Empire}} ({{flagicon image|Flag of the Kingdom of Dalmatia.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Kingdom of Dalmatia]]) (1815–1867) *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Habsburg Monarchy.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Cisleithania|Austria-Hungary]] ({{flagicon image|Flag of the Kingdom of Dalmatia.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Kingdom of Dalmatia]]) (1867–1918) *{{flag|Kingdom of Yugoslavia}} (1918–1941) *{{flag|Kingdom of Italy}} ({{flagicon image|Flag of Italy (1861-1946) crowned.svg|size=25x15px}} [[Governorate of Dalmatia]]) (1941–1943) *{{flagicon image|Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg|size=25x15px}} [[Nazi Germany|Greater German Reich]] ({{flagicon image|Flag of Croatia (1941–1945).svg|size=23x13px}} [[Independent State of Croatia]]) (1943–1944) *{{flag|SFR Yugoslavia|name=SFR Yugoslavia}} ({{flag|SR Croatia|name=SR Croatia}}) (1944–1991) *{{flag|Croatia}} (1991–present) }} }}
===Antiquity=== {{See also|Salona|Diocletian's Palace}}
Although the beginnings of Split are traditionally associated with the construction of [[Diocletian's Palace]] in 305, the city was founded several centuries earlier as the [[Greek colonies|Greek colony]] of '''Aspálathos''', or '''Spálathos'''. It was a colony of the [[polis]] of [[Issa (colony)|Issa]], the modern-day town of [[Vis (town)|Vis]], itself a colony of the [[Sicily|Sicilian]] city of [[Syracuse, Sicily|Syracuse]].{{Sfn|Novak|1957|pp=13–14}} The exact year the city was founded is not known, but it is estimated to have been in the 3rd or 2nd century BC.{{Sfn|Novak|1957|p=18}} The Greek settlement lived off trade with the surrounding [[Illyrians|Illyrian]] tribes, mostly the [[Delmatae]].{{Sfn|Novak|1957|pp=13–14}}
[[File:Diocletian's Palace (original appearance).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|Reconstruction of the [[Diocletian's Palace|Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian]] in its original appearance upon completion in 305, by [[Ernest Hébrard]]]]
After the [[Illyrian Wars]] of 229 and 219 BC, the city of [[Salona]], only a short distance from Spálathos, became the capital of the Roman [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Province of Dalmatia]] and one of the [[Demography of the Roman Empire#Urbanization|largest cities of the late empire]] with 60,000 people. The history of Spálathos becomes obscure for a while at this point, being overshadowed by that of nearby Salona, to which it would later become successor. The [[Roman Emperor]] [[Diocletian]] (ruled AD 284–305) in 293 began the construction of an opulent and heavily fortified palace fronting the sea, near his home town of Salona, selecting the site of Spálathos (or ''Spalatum'' in Latin).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gibbon |first1=Edward |title=The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire |publisher=Modern Library |location=New York |page=335}}</ref>{{Sfn|Novak|1957|p=30}} The Palace was built as a massive structure, much like a Roman military fortress. The palace and the city of Spalatum which formed its surroundings were at times inhabited by a population as large as 8,000 to 10,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17691 |title=Diocletian's Palace |first=The Megalithic Portal and Megalith |last=Map |website=The Megalithic Portal |access-date=16 November 2007 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111211333/http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17691 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Between 475 and 480, the Palace hosted [[Flavius Julius Nepos]], the last recognised Emperor of the [[Western Roman Empire]]. Salona was lost to the [[Ostrogothic Kingdom]] in 493, along with most of Dalmatia, but the Emperor [[Justinian I]] regained Dalmatia in 535–536.
===Middle Ages===
The [[Pannonian Avars]] [[Sack of Salona|sacked and destroyed Salona]] in 639; the surviving Romans fled to the nearby islands. The Dalmatian region and its shores were at this time settled by tribes of [[Croats]], a [[South Slavs|South Slavic]] people subservient to the Avar khagans.<ref name="jackson1887">{{Cite book |publisher=Clarendon Press |location=Oxford |first=Thomas Graham |last=Jackson |title=Dalmatia |date=1887 |chapter=Spalato |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/dalmatiaquarnero02jackuoft#page/n11/mode/2up |author-link=Thomas Graham Jackson}}</ref> The Salonitans regained the land under Severus the Great in 650 and settled the 300-year-old Palace of Diocletian, which could not be effectively besieged by the Slavic tribes of the mainland.<ref name="jackson1887" /> The Emperor [[Constans II]] granted them an Imperial mandate to establish themselves in the Palace as the City of Spalatum, which imposed upon the Croatian Slavs – at the time allies of Byzantium against the Avars – a cessation of hostilities.<ref name="jackson1887" /> The [[Temple of Jupiter, Split|Temple of Jupiter]] was rededicated to the Virgin Mary and the remains of the popular [[Saint Domnius]] were recovered from the ruins of Salona, later establishing the [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius]] as new seat of the [[Archbishop of Salona]].<ref name="jackson1887" />
Until the [[Sack of Constantinople]], Split remained a ''de jure'' possession of the [[Byzantine Empire]] as a Byzantine duchy, administered by the [[Exarchate of Ravenna]] and after 751 by Jadera ([[Zadar]]).<ref name="Fine1991">{{Cite book |last=Van Antwerp Fine |first=John |year=1991 |title=The Early Medieval Balkans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y0NBxG9Id58C&q=Tomislav+dalmatia+cities&pg=PA264 |publisher=[[University of Michigan Press]] |isbn=0-472-08149-7 |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=27 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827091837/https://books.google.com/books?id=Y0NBxG9Id58C&q=Tomislav+dalmatia+cities&pg=PA264 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its hinterland was now home to the [[Duchy of the Croats]]. In this period, an independent [[Dalmatian language]] developed from [[Latin]], with a distinct local dialect: to its inhabitants, the city became known as '''Spalatrum''' or '''Spalatro''', one of the main [[Dalmatian city-states]].
In 925, [[Tomislav of Croatia|Tomislav]]'s [[Kingdom of Croatia (medieval)|Kingdom of Croatia]] emerged in the hinterland of the city, centered in [[Nin, Croatia|Nin]] as an ally of Byzantium against [[Simeon I of Bulgaria]] – though without receiving any power from the Emperor over the Dalmatian cities.<ref name="Fine1991" /> The rise of the rival Bishopric of Nin, headed by [[Gregory of Nin|Bishop Gregory]], which attempted to institute the "Slavonic" or "Slavic language" as the language of religious service, led to the 925 Synod of Split, at which it was decreed that "no one should presume to celebrate the divine mysteries in the Slavonic language, but only in Latin and Greek, and that no one of that tongue should be advanced to the holy orders". {{Graphical timeline |title=Medieval overlords<br />of Split, 998–1420 |title-colour= |align=right |from=980 |to=1440 |scale-increment=20 |width=6 |height=550 |height-unit=px |plot-colour= |legend1=[[Kingdom of Croatia (925–1102)|Croatia]] |legend1-colour=#FFA1A1 |legend2=[[House of Šubić|Counts of Bribir]] |legend2-colour=#8a491e |legend3=[[Republic of Venice|Venice]] |legend3-colour=#FF7700 |legend4=[[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Hungary]] |legend4-colour=#477050 |legend5=[[Byzantine Empire|Byzantium]] |legend5-colour=#b00000 |legend6=[[Kingdom of Bosnia|Bosnia]] |legend6-colour=#0721b5 |legend7=[[Hrvoje Vukčić]] |legend7-colour=#8032ed |legend8=[[Ladislaus of Naples]] |legend8-colour=#ad008e |bar20-from=978 |bar20-to=998 |bar20-left=0 |bar20-right=0.6 |bar20-colour=#b00000 |bar1-from=998 |bar1-to=1019 |bar1-left=0 |bar1-right=0.6 |bar1-colour=#FF7700 |bar2-from=1019 |bar2-to=1069 |bar2-left=0 |bar2-right=0.6 |bar2-colour=#b00000 |bar3-from=1069 |bar3-to=1091 |bar3-left=0 |bar3-right=0.6 |bar3-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar4-from=1091 |bar4-to=1116 |bar4-left=0 |bar4-right=0.6 |bar4-colour=#FF7700 |bar5-from=1116 |bar5-to=1117 |bar5-left=0 |bar5-right=0.6 |bar5-colour=#FF7700 |bar6-from=1117 |bar6-to=1118 |bar6-left=0 |bar6-right=0.6 |bar6-colour=#477050 |bar26-from=1117 |bar26-to=1118 |bar26-left=0.6 |bar26-right=0.8 |bar26-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar7-from=1118 |bar7-to=1124 |bar7-left=0 |bar7-right=0.6 |bar7-colour=#FF7700 |bar8-from=1124 |bar8-to=1125 |bar8-left=0 |bar8-right=0.6 |bar8-colour=#477050 |bar28-from=1124 |bar28-to=1125 |bar28-left=0.6 |bar28-right=0.8 |bar28-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar9-from=1125 |bar9-to=1141 |bar9-left=0 |bar9-right=0.6 |bar9-colour=#FF7700 |bar10-from=1141 |bar10-to=1171 |bar10-left=0 |bar10-right=0.6 |bar10-colour=#477050 |bar50-from=1141 |bar50-to=1171 |bar50-left=0.6 |bar50-right=0.8 |bar50-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar11-from=1171 |bar11-to=1180 |bar11-left=0 |bar11-right=0.6 |bar11-colour=#b00000 |bar12-from=1180 |bar12-to=1242 |bar12-left=0 |bar12-right=0.6 |bar12-colour=#477050 |bar32-from=1180 |bar32-to=1242 |bar32-left=0.6 |bar32-right=0.8 |bar32-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar13-from=1242 |bar13-to=1244 |bar13-left=0 |bar13-right=0.6 |bar13-colour=#ffffff |bar33-from=1244 |bar33-to=1247 |bar33-left=0.6 |bar33-right=0.8 |bar33-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar14-from=1244 |bar14-to=1327 |bar14-left=0 |bar14-right=0.6 |bar14-colour=#477050 |bar22-from=1247 |bar22-to=1327 |bar22-left=0.6 |bar22-right=0.8 |bar22-colour=#8a491e |bar15-from=1327 |bar15-to=1357 |bar15-left=0 |bar15-right=0.6 |bar15-colour=#FF7700 |bar16-from=1357 |bar16-to=1389 |bar16-left=0 |bar16-right=0.6 |bar16-colour=#477050 |bar46-from=1357 |bar46-to=1389 |bar46-left=0.6 |bar46-right=0.8 |bar46-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar17-from=1389 |bar17-to=1394 |bar17-left=0 |bar17-right=0.6 |bar17-colour=#0721b5 |bar18-from=1394 |bar18-to=1402 |bar18-left=0 |bar18-right=0.6 |bar18-colour=#477050 |bar48-from=1394 |bar48-to=1402 |bar48-left=0.6 |bar48-right=0.8 |bar48-colour=#FFA1A1 |bar24-from=1402 |bar24-to=1420 |bar24-left=0 |bar24-right=0.6 |bar24-colour=#ad008e |bar23-from=1403 |bar23-to=1409 |bar23-left=0.6 |bar23-right=0.8 |bar23-colour=#8032ed |bar19-from=1420 |bar19-to=1440 |bar19-left=0 |bar19-right=0.6 |bar19-colour=#FF7700 |caption= }}
In 1100, the [[bell tower]] which became the main symbol of the city was constructed and dedicated to Saint Domnius, by then regarded as the [[patron saint]] of the city.
Throughout the 9th and 10th centuries, Split was raided by the [[Narentines]] (a South Slavic confederation recognizing the King of Croatia as their sovereign). Therefore, the city offered its allegiance to [[Venice]] and in 998 the [[Venice|Venetian]] Doge [[Pietro II Orseolo]], led a large naval expedition which defeated the Narentines the same year. After obtaining permission from Emperor [[Basil II]] in Constantinople, Orseolo proclaimed himself Duke of Dalmatia. In 1019, the Byzantine Empire restored direct control over Dalmatia. The title "Duke of Dalmatia" seems to have been dropped at this point by the Venetian doges. In 1069, [[Peter Krešimir IV]], [[King of Croatia]], gained control over Dalmatian islands and cities, including Split, and stretched his rule south to [[Neretva]]. The coastal cities retained autonomous administration and were still nominally under Byzantine Empire, but were now subjects of the Croatian king.<ref name="britannica">[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/560657/Split "Split"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426225019/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/560657/Split |date=26 April 2015 }}. ''Encyclopædia Britannica''.</ref>{{Sfn|Novak|2004a|pp=48–50}}<ref>David Luscombe, Jonathan Riley-Smith. ''The New Cambridge Medieval History''. Volume IV: c.1024 – c. 1198. Part II, p. 272</ref>
After the death of Croatian King [[Stephen II of Croatia|Stephen II]] in 1091, a period of [[Croatia in the union with Hungary#Succession crisis|succession crisis]] followed in Croatia, with King [[Ladislaus I of Hungary]] interfering in it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/dalmatia614802.html |work=World History at KLMA |title=History of Dalmatia, 614–802 |publisher=Zentrale für Unterrichtsmedien im Internet |access-date=10 November 2007 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165340/http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/dalmatia614802.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Byzantine Emperor [[Alexios I Komnenos]] took advantage of this and joined the old [[Dalmatia (theme)|Theme of Dalmatia]] to the Empire.{{Sfn|Novak|2004a|pp=48–50}}{{Sfn|Šišić|1920|page=153}} In 1096 Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, at the time engaged in the [[First Crusade]], granted the administration of Dalmatia to the Doge of Venice.{{Sfn|Šišić|1920|page=153}}
In 1105, [[Coloman, King of Hungary]], having conquered the Kingdom of Croatia, reneged on its alliance with Venice and moved on the coastal towns, besieging and taking Zadar. Split and Trogir decided then to surrender upon guarantee of their ancient privileges.<ref name="jackson1887" /> The rights granted to the city (and reaffirmed by new charters) were substantial. Split was to pay no tribute, it was to choose its own count and archbishop whom the king would confirm, it preserved its old Roman laws, and appointed its own judge. Dues from trade (which were substantial in the period), were divided between the count, the archbishop, and the king, and no foreigner was to live within the walls of the city against the will of the citizens. These rights were generally upheld by Hungarian kings, but there were inevitable incidents of violation.
After Coloman's death in 1116, the Doge [[Ordelafo Faliero]] returned from [[Outremer]] and retook all the Dalmatian cities, and also, for the first time, the Croatian cities of coast such as Biograd and [[Šibenik]]. In 1117, he was defeated and killed in renewed battle with the Hungarians under [[Stephen II of Hungary]], and Split again acknowledged Hungarian rule. The new Doge, [[Domenico Michiel]], quickly defeated the Hungarians again and restored Venetian authority by 1118. In 1124, while the Doge was engaged against the Byzantine Empire, now hostile to Venice, Stephen II recovered Split and Trogir without resistance. Upon Michele's return in 1127, the Doge yet again expelled the Hungarians from the two cities and utterly destroyed Biograd, the favored seat of the Croatian Kings that the Hungarians were attempting to establish as a rival to the Venetian Zadar.<ref name="jackson1887" />
The cities remained in Venetian hands without contest during the reign of [[Béla II of Hungary|Béla II]] but in 1141, his successor, King [[Géza II]], having conquered Bosnian lands, marched to Split and Trogir, both voluntarily accepting him as overlord. This turned out to be a definitive conquest, as Venetian rule was not to return to Split for another 186 years.
In that period, Split was to see one brief and final restoration of Imperial power in Dalmatia. The Byzantine Emperor [[Manuel I Komnenos]] began his campaigns against the Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary in 1151, and by 1164, had secured the submission of the Dalmatian cities back under Imperial rule. Having won a decisive victory against Kingdom of Croatia and Hungary in 1167 at the [[Battle of Sirmium]], consolidating his gains, the Emperor suddenly broke with Venice as well, and sent a fleet of 150 ships to the Adriatic. Split was to remain in Byzantine hands until Manuel's death in 1180, when [[Béla III of Hungary]] moved to [[Byzantine–Hungarian War (1180–1185)|restore Hungarian power]] in Dalmatia. The city remained loyal to the Empire, resisting the re-establishment of Hungarian rule, and consequently, upon its inevitable submission, was punished with the King's refusal to renew its ancient privileges.<ref name="jackson1887" />
During the 20-year Hungarian civil war between King [[Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor|Sigismund]] and the [[Capetian House of Anjou]] of the [[Kingdom of Naples]], the losing contender, [[Ladislaus of Naples]], sold his disputed rights on Dalmatia to the [[Venetian Republic]] for 100,000 [[ducats]] in 1409. Acting on the pretext, the Republic took over in the city by the year 1420.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/croat13011526.html |work=World History at KLMA |title=History of Dalmatia, 1301–1526 |publisher=Zentrale für Unterrichtsmedien im Internet |access-date=10 November 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208154129/http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/croat13011526.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Venetian period=== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 220 | header = | image1 = SPLIT-Adam city view.jpg | caption1 = Overall view of Split in the [[Early modern period]] (1764), an engraving by [[Scottish people|Scottish]] architect [[Robert Adam]]. Marjan hill is visible in the background. | image2 = Seaward walls of Diocletian's Palace, 1764 (caption cropped).jpg | caption2 = The city's seaward walls in 1764 in an engraving by Robert Adam. }}
By this time, the population was largely [[Croats|Croatian]],{{Sfn|Novak|1957|p=254}} while Romance [[Dalmatian Language|Dalmatian]] names were not as common,{{Sfn|Novak|1957|pp=254–258}} according to the medieval city archives. The common language was [[Croatian language|Croatian]], but a variety of the [[Venetian language]] with some [[Tuscan dialect|Tuscan]] influences was also widely spoken by [[Dalmatian Italians|Dalmatian Italian]] [[Notary|notaries]], school teachers, merchants, and officials.{{Sfn|Novak|1957|pp=258–259}} The city's autonomy was greatly reduced: the highest authority was a prince and captain ({{lang|it|conte e capitanio}}), assigned by Venice.{{Sfn|Novak|1961|p=264}}
Split eventually developed into a significant port-city, with important trade routes to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]]-held interior through the nearby [[Klis]] pass. Culture flourished as well, Split being the hometown of [[Marko Marulić]], the Croatian [[national poet]]. Marulić's most acclaimed work, ''[[Judita]]'' (1501), was an epic poem about [[Judith]] and [[Holofernes]], widely held to be the first modern work of [[Croatian literature]]. It was written in Split and printed in Venice in 1521.{{Sfn|Novak|1961|p=311}}
The advances and achievements were reserved mostly for the [[aristocracy]]: the [[illiteracy]] rate was extremely high, mostly because Venetian rule showed little interest in educational and medical facilities.{{citation needed|date=June 2013}}
In 1797, Split was ceded by the [[French First Republic|French Republic]] to the [[Habsburg monarchy]] under the [[Treaty of Campo Formio]], as part of the [[Fall of the Republic of Venice|dissolution and partition]] of the ancient [[Republic of Venice]].{{Sfn|Novak|1965|p=8}}
===Napoleonic wars===
[[File:Split (20267750044).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|{{lang|hr|{{ill|Prokurative|hr}}}} (Republic Square), dating to the brief rule of the [[First French Empire|French Empire]]|alt=The Prokurative, now Republic Square, developed during the Mayoralty of Dr. Bajamonti and designed in 1859]]
Split became part of the [[Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy]] in 1805, after the defeat of the [[Third Coalition]] at the [[Battle of Austerlitz]] and the consequent [[Treaty of Pressburg (1805)|Treaty of Pressburg]]. It was included directly in the [[First French Empire|French Empire]] in 1806. The same year, [[Vincenzo Dandolo]] was named {{lang|it|[[Provveditore|provveditore generale]]}} and general [[Auguste de Marmont]] was named military commander of Dalmatia.{{Sfn|Novak|1965|pp=39–40}}
In 1809, after a brief war with France, [[Austrian Empire|Austria]] ceded Carinthia, Carniola, Croatia west of the Sava River, Gorizia and Trieste to France. These territories, along with Dalmatia, formed the [[Illyrian Provinces]]. During this period, large investments were undertaken in the city, new streets were built and parts of the ancient fortifications were removed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/illprov.html |work=World History at KLMA |title=History of Dalmatia, 1797–1815 |publisher=Zentrale für Unterrichtsmedien im Internet |access-date=10 November 2007 |archive-date=19 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219190144/http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/illprov.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Novak|1965|pp=47–48}} Austria, with help from a British force led by Captain [[William Hoste]], occupied Split in November 1813.{{Sfn|Novak|1965|pp=85–86}} Following the [[Congress of Vienna]] in 1815, the city was officially ceded to Austria.{{Sfn|Novak|1965|pp=87–88}}
===Under Habsburg rule=== [[File:Split Croatia 19th century.jpg|thumb|The ''Riva'' of Split in the 19th century, with [[Marjan hill]] in the background]] [[File:SPLIT-Overall view 1910.jpg|thumb|City center and the ''Riva'' promenade from the slopes of Marjan in 1910]]
The Split region became part of the [[Kingdom of Dalmatia]], a separate administrative unit. After the [[revolutions of 1848]] as a result of [[romantic nationalism]], two factions appeared. One was the pro-Croatian ''Unionist faction'' (later called the {{lang|it|Puntari}}, "Pointers"), led by the [[People's Party (Kingdom of Dalmatia)|People's Party]] and, to a lesser extent, the [[Party of Rights (Kingdom of Dalmatia)|Party of Rights]], both of which advocated the union of Dalmatia with the [[Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia]] which was under Hungarian administration. This faction was strongest in Split, and used it as its headquarters. The other faction was the pro-Italian [[Autonomist Party|Autonomist]] faction (also known as the "[[Italia irredenta|Irredentist]]" faction), whose political goals varied from autonomy within the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]], to a political union with the [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Kingdom of Italy]].
The political alliances in Split shifted over time. At first, the Unionists and Autonomists were allied against the [[centralism]] of [[Vienna]]. After a while, when the national question came to prominence, they separated. Under Austria, Split generally stagnated. The great upheavals in Europe in 1848 gained no ground here, and the city did not rebel.
[[Antonio Bajamonti]] became Mayor of Split in 1860 and – except for a brief interruption during the period 1864–65 – held the post for over two decades until 1880. Bajamonti was also a member of the [[Dalmatian Sabor]] (1861–91) and the [[Abgeordnetenhaus (Austria)|Austrian Chamber of Deputies]] (1867–1870 and 1873–1879). In 1882 Bajamonti's party lost the elections and [[Dujam Rendić-Miočević]], a prominent city lawyer, was elected to the post.
===As part of Yugoslavia===
====Kingdom of Yugoslavia====
After the end of [[World War I]] and the dissolution of [[Austria-Hungary]], the province of [[Dalmatia]], along with Split, became a part of the [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]]. Split was [[Occupation of the eastern Adriatic|occupied by the allies in the aftermath of the war]] and the site of [[1918–1920 incidents in Split|a series of incidents between 1918 and 1920]]. Since [[Rijeka]], [[Trieste]] and [[Zadar]], the three other large cities on the eastern Adriatic coast, were annexed by [[Italy]], Split became the most important port in the Kingdom. The [[Lika railway]], connecting Split to the rest of the country, was completed in 1925. The country changed its name to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929, and the [[Port of Split]] became the seat of new administrative unit, [[Littoral Banovina]]. After the [[Cvetković-Maček agreement]], Split became the part of new administrative unit (merging of Sava and Littoral Banovina plus some Croat populated areas), [[Banovina of Croatia]] in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
====World War II==== {{Main|World War II in Yugoslavia}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F016229-0008, Italienisches Kriegsschiff im Hafen von Split.jpg|thumb|right|[[Regia Marina|Italian warship]] in the City Harbour after the annexation into [[Kingdom of Italy|Italy]] in 1941]] [[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-049-1553-13, Jugoslawien, Split, Mauer mit Aufschrift.jpg |thumb|German vehicles in the city streets. The sign reads "[[Death to fascism, freedom to the people|Death to fascism – freedom to the people]]".]]
In April 1941, following the [[invasion of Yugoslavia]] by [[Nazi Germany]], Split was occupied by Italy. Although Split formally became part of the [[Independent State of Croatia]], the [[Ustaše]] were not able to establish and strengthen their rule in Split, as Italians assumed all power in Dalmatia. One month later, on 18 May 1941, when the [[Treaties of Rome (1941)|Treaties of Rome]] were signed, Italy formally annexed Split, which was included in the [[province of Spalato]], and large parts of Dalmatia down to [[Kotor]].<ref name="Nikola Anić 1943. p. 12">Nikola Anić. {{lang|hr|Povijest Osmog dalmatinskog korpusa Narodnooslobodilačke vojske Hrvatske : 1943.–1945.}} p. 12</ref><ref>{{cite book |first1=Francesca Ferratini |last1=Tosi |first2=Gaetano |last2=Grassi |first3=Massimo |last3=Legnani |title=L'Italia nella seconda guerra mondiale e nella resistenza |language=it |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bqJoAAAAMAAJ |year=1988 |publisher=Franco Angeli |isbn=9788820423780 |access-date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803162952/https://books.google.com/books?id=bqJoAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Italian [[Governatorate of Dalmatia]] hosted 390,000 inhabitants, of which 280,000 Croats, 90,000 Serbs and 5,000 [[Dalmatian Italians]].<ref name="IE">{{cite book |first=Alberto |last=Becherelli |title=Italia e stato indipendente croato, 1941–1943 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ym3dzlSfZUUC |year=2012 |publisher=Edizioni Nuova Cultura |page=90 |isbn=978-88-6134-780-9 |access-date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=20 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820030822/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ym3dzlSfZUUC |url-status=live }}</ref> Italian rule met heavy opposition from the Croat population as Split became a centre of anti-fascist sentiment in Yugoslavia. The first armed resistance group was organized on 7 May 1941 and the 63 member strong 1st Strike Detachment ({{lang|hr|Prvi udarni odred}}) served as the basis for future formations, including the [[1st Split Partisan Detachment]].<ref name=kronika1941>{{Cite book |url=http://www.ratnakronikasplita.com/kronika/1941 |title=1941. – Prva ratna godina |trans-title=1941 – The first war year |publisher=Udruga antifašističkih boraca i antifašista grada Splita |access-date=14 September 2014 |archive-date=23 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023071159/http://www.ratnakronikasplita.com/kronika/1941/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref> Between September and October 1941 alone, ten officials of the Italian fascist occupation were assassinated by the citizens.<ref name="The three Yugoslavias">Ramet, Sabrina P. (2006). ''The three Yugoslavias: state-building and legitimation, 1918–2005''. [[Indiana University Press]]. {{ISBN|0-253-34656-8}}.</ref> On 12 June 1942, a fascist mob attacked the city's synagogue, and destroyed its library and archive. Worshipers were beaten as they left the synagogue and Jewish-owned shops were targeted the following day.<ref>{{cite book |last=Spector |first=Shmuel |year=2001 |title=The Encyclopedia of Jewish Life Before and During the Holocaust |publisher=New York University Press |location=New York City |isbn=978-0-8147-9378-7 |page=1228}}</ref> The local football clubs refused to compete in the Italian championship; [[HNK Hajduk Split|HNK Hajduk]] and [[RNK Split]] suspended their activities and both joined the Partisans along with their entire staff after the Italian capitulation provided the opportunity. Soon after Hajduk became the official football club of the Partisan movement.
In September 1943, following the capitulation of Italy,<ref name="IE" /> the city was temporarily controlled by Marshal [[Josip Broz Tito]]'s brigades with thousands of people volunteering to join the [[Yugoslav Partisans|Partisans]] of Tito (a third of the total population, according to some sources). Eight thousand Italian soldiers from the [[15th Infantry Division Bergamo]] prepared to fight alongside the Yugoslav Partisans against the [[7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen"|Waffen-SS "Prinz Eugen"]]. Italian General Becuzzi handed over to the Partisans 11 soldiers which they considered as "war criminals".{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} The Partisans also executed up to 41 members of the Italian Police forces, later found in mass graves.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cadutipolizia.it/fonti/1925-1943/1943franco.htm |title=Franco Paolo<!-- Bot-generated title --> |access-date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=9 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309161512/http://www.cadutipolizia.it/fonti/1925-1943/1943franco.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Relevance inline|date=June 2018}}
A few weeks later, the Partisans were forced into retreat as the [[Wehrmacht]] placed the city under the authority of the [[Independent State of Croatia]]. The Germans decimated the Italian soldiers as traitors, including three Generals (Policardi, [[Salvatore Pelligra|Pelligra]] and [[Alfonso Cigala Fulgosi|Cigala Fulgosi]]) and 48 officials (Trelj massacre).<ref>Ferni Ginevra (1971). ''Vita e morte del soldato italiano nella guerra senza fortuna''. Vol. XII.</ref> In this period the last remaining symbols of Italian heritage in Split, including several Venetian [[Lion of Saint Mark|Lions of St. Mark]], were erased from the town.
In a tragic turn of events, besides being bombed by Axis forces, the city was also bombed by the Allies, causing hundreds of deaths. Partisans finally captured the city on 26 October 1944 and instituted it as the provisional capital of Croatia. On 12 February 1945, the [[Kriegsmarine]] conducted a daring raid on the Split harbour, damaging the British cruiser {{HMS|Delhi|D47|2}}. After the war the remaining members of [[Dalmatian Italians]] of Split left Yugoslavia towards Italy ([[Istrian-Dalmatian exodus]]).<ref>{{cite book |first1=E. |last1=White |name-list-style=and |first2=J. |last2=Reinisch |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MJN9DAAAQBAJ&dq=dubrovnik+exodus+italians&pg=PA71 |title=The Disentanglement of Populations: Migration, Expulsion and Displacement {{!}} in Postwar Europe, 1944–49 |year=2011 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |access-date=16 February 2022 |page=71 |isbn = 9780230297685|archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326080236/https://www.google.it/books/edition/The_Disentanglement_of_Populations/MJN9DAAAQBAJ?hl=it&gbpv=1&dq=dubrovnik+exodus+italians&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live}}</ref>
====Federal Yugoslavia==== {{Main|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Socialist Republic of Croatia}}
[[File:Coat of arms of Split (SRC).svg|thumb|right|upright=0.7|The [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]]-era [[Coat of arms of Split]]. Introduced in 1967, it was based on the Medieval rectangular arms, dating at least from the 14th century (and likely much earlier).]]
After World War II, Split became a part of the [[Socialist Republic of Croatia]], itself a constituent sovereign republic of the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. During the period the city experienced its largest economic and demographic boom. Dozens of new factories and companies were founded with the city population tripling during the period. The city became the economic centre of an area exceeding the borders of Croatia and was flooded by waves of rural migrants from the undeveloped hinterland who found employment in the newly established industry, as part of large-scale [[industrialization]] and investment by the Yugoslav Federal Government.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}
The shipbuilding industry was particularly successful and Yugoslavia, with its [[SR Croatia|Croatian]] shipyards, became one of the world's top nations in the field. Many recreational facilities were also constructed with federal funding, especially for the [[1979 Mediterranean Games]], such as the [[Poljud Stadium]]. The city also became the largest passenger and military port in Yugoslavia, housing the headquarters of the [[SFR Yugoslav Navy|Yugoslav Navy]] ({{lang|hr|Jugoslavenska ratna mornarica}}, JRM) and the [[Yugoslav People's Army|Army]]'s Coastal Military District (equivalent of a [[field army]]). In the period between 1945 and 1990, the city was transformed and expanded, taking up the vast majority of the Split [[peninsula]]. In the same period it achieved an as yet unsurpassed GDP and employment level, still above the present day's, growing into a significant Yugoslav city.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}
===Since independence===
When Croatia declared its independence again in 1991, Split had a large garrison of [[Yugoslav People's Army]] (JNA) troops (drafted from all over Yugoslavia), as well as the headquarters and facilities of the [[Yugoslav Navy]] (JRM). This led to a tense months-long stand-off between the JNA and Croatian National Guard and police forces, occasionally flaring up in various incidents. The most tragic incident occurred on 15 November 1991, when the [[Yugoslav frigate Split|JRM light frigate ''Split'']] fired a small number of shells at the city and its surroundings. The damage was insignificant but there were a few casualties. Three general locations were bombarded: the old city center, the city airport, and an uninhabited part of the hills above [[Kaštela]], between the airport and Split. JRM sailors, most of them Croats themselves, who had refused to attack Croat civilians were left in the vessel's brig. The JNA and JRM evacuated all of its facilities in Split during January 1992. The 1990s economic recession soon followed.
In the years following 2000, Split finally gained momentum and started to develop again, with a focus on tourism. From being just a transport centre, Split is now a major Croatian tourist destination. Many new hotels are being built, as well as new apartment and office buildings. Many large development projects are being revived, and new infrastructure is being built. An example of one of the latest large city projects is the [[Spaladium Arena]], built in 2009.
==Geography== [[File:The Old Town of Split from Above (2017).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Historical city center of Split]]
Split is situated on a [[peninsula]] between the eastern part of the [[Gulf of Kaštela]] and the [[Split Channel]]. The [[Marjan hill]] ({{cvt|178|m|disp=semicolon}}), rises in the western part of the peninsula. The [[Mali Kozjak|Kozjak]] ({{cvt|779|m|disp=semicolon}}) and [[Mosor]] ({{cvt|1339|m|disp=semicolon}}) ridges protect the city from the north and northeast, and separate it from the hinterland.
Split is administratively divided into 34 city [[kotar (subdivision)|kotar]]s:<ref>[http://clgis.split.hr/gis_splita/geo_data/pdf/GradskiKotari.pdf GIS Grada Splita] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313234009/http://clgis.split.hr/gis_splita/geo_data/pdf/GradskiKotari.pdf |date=13 March 2012 }} Gradski kotari</ref><ref>[http://www.split.hr/lgs.axd?t=16&id=15809 ''Službeni glasnik Grada Splita'', number 18/2016], 13 April 2016.</ref> {{div col | colwidth=10em }} * Bačvice * Blatine-Škrape * Bol * Brda * Grad * Gripe * Kman * Kocunar * Lokve * Lovret * Lučac-Manuš * Mejaši * Meje * Mertojak * Neslanovac * Plokite * Pujanke * Ravne njive * Sirobuja * Skalice * Split 3 * Sućidar * Šine * Spinut * Trstenik * Veli Varoš * Visoka * [[Žnjan]] {{div col end}}
==Climate== Split has a [[hot-summer Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Csa''), that is bordering closely on a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Cfa'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koppen-map.com/|title=Köppen–Geiger Climate Classification Map|website=www.koppen-map.com}}</ref> It experiences hot, moderately dry summers and mild, wet winters, which can occasionally feel cold, because of a strong northern wind, termed [[Bora (wind)|''bura'']].
January is the coldest month, with an average low temperature around {{cvt|6|°C|0}}. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature around {{cvt|31|°C|0}}. Average annual [[rainfall]] is around {{cvt|800|mm|2}}. November is the wettest month, with a precipitation total of nearly {{cvt|120|mm|2}} and 12 rainy days. July is the driest month, with a precipitation total of around {{cvt|25|mm|2}}. Snow is usually rare, though in February 2012, during [[Early 2012 European cold wave|cold wave in Europe]], Split received a record snowfall of {{cvt|25|cm|2}}, which caused major problems with traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/snow-day-in-split/ |title=A Winter to Remember: Snow Day in Split 10 Years Ago (VIDEO)|date=2022-02-03 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Total Croatia |orig-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/croatia/news/remembering-splits-great-freeze-of-2012-020323 |title=Remembering Split's great freeze of 2012 |date=2023-02-03 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=timeout.com}}</ref> Split receives more than 2,600 sunshine hours annually.
In July 2017, Croatian firefighters battled to control a forest fire along the Adriatic coast that damaged and destroyed buildings in villages around the city of Split.
{{Weather box |width = auto |location = Split ([[Marjan Hill]], 1991–2020, extremes 1948–2024) |metric first = Y |single line = Y |Jan record high C = 17.4 |Feb record high C = 22.3 |Mar record high C = 24.3 |Apr record high C = 27.7 |May record high C = 33.2 |Jun record high C = 38.5 |Jul record high C = 38.6 |Aug record high C = 38.5 |Sep record high C = 35.1 |Oct record high C = 27.9 |Nov record high C = 25.8 |Dec record high C = 18.7 |year record high C = 38.6 |Jan high C = 10.7 |Feb high C = 11.5 |Mar high C = 14.5 |Apr high C = 18.4 |May high C = 23.4 |Jun high C = 28.1 |Jul high C = 31.0 |Aug high C = 30.9 |Sep high C = 25.4 |Oct high C = 20.5 |Nov high C = 15.6 |Dec high C = 11.8 |year high C = |Jan mean C = 8.2 |Feb mean C = 8.7 |Mar mean C = 11.3 |Apr mean C = 14.9 |May mean C = 19.7 |Jun mean C = 24.2 |Jul mean C = 26.8 |Aug mean C = 26.8 |Sep mean C = 21.7 |Oct mean C = 17.4 |Nov mean C = 13.1 |Dec mean C = 9.4 |year mean C = |Jan low C = 5.9 |Feb low C = 6.0 |Mar low C = 8.5 |Apr low C = 11.8 |May low C = 16.1 |Jun low C = 20.2 |Jul low C = 22.8 |Aug low C = 22.9 |Sep low C = 18.4 |Oct low C = 14.7 |Nov low C = 10.8 |Dec low C = 7.2 |year low C = |Jan record low C = -9.0 |Feb record low C = -8.1 |Mar record low C = -6.6 |Apr record low C = 0.3 |May record low C = 4.8 |Jun record low C = 9.1 |Jul record low C = 13.0 |Aug record low C = 11.2 |Sep record low C = 8.8 |Oct record low C = 3.8 |Nov record low C = -4.5 |Dec record low C = -6.3 |year record low C = -9.0 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 72.7 |Feb precipitation mm = 63.8 |Mar precipitation mm = 58.4 |Apr precipitation mm = 62.0 |May precipitation mm = 57.8 |Jun precipitation mm = 49.2 |Jul precipitation mm = 24.6 |Aug precipitation mm = 31.7 |Sep precipitation mm = 82.3 |Oct precipitation mm = 79.6 |Nov precipitation mm = 119.8 |Dec precipitation mm = 98.7 |year precipitation mm = |unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm |Jan precipitation days = 10.5 |Feb precipitation days = 9.4 |Mar precipitation days = 9.6 |Apr precipitation days = 10.4 |May precipitation days = 9.4 |Jun precipitation days = 7.8 |Jul precipitation days = 5.1 |Aug precipitation days = 4.6 |Sep precipitation days = 8.2 |Oct precipitation days = 9.3 |Nov precipitation days = 11.7 |Dec precipitation days = 11.9 |year precipitation days = |unit snow days = |Jan snow days = 0.3 |Feb snow days = 0.6 |Mar snow days = 0.3 |Apr snow days = 0 |May snow days = 0 |Jun snow days = 0 |Jul snow days = 0 |Aug snow days = 0 |Sep snow days = 0 |Oct snow days = 0 |Nov snow days = 0.1 |Dec snow days = 0.2 |year snow days = |Jan humidity = 61 |Feb humidity = 59 |Mar humidity = 59 |Apr humidity = 59 |May humidity = 56 |Jun humidity = 53 |Jul humidity = 49 |Aug humidity = 51 |Sep humidity = 58 |Oct humidity = 63 |Nov humidity = 65 |Dec humidity = 61 |year humidity = |Jan sun = 139.5 |Feb sun = 151.7 |Mar sun = 195.1 |Apr sun = 221.5 |May sun = 277.9 |Jun sun = 317.8 |Jul sun = 358.7 |Aug sun = 335.0 |Sep sun = 246.3 |Oct sun = 197.8 |Nov sun = 129.3 |Dec sun = 127.9 |year sun = |Jan percentsun = 47 |Feb percentsun = 55 |Mar percentsun = 54 |Apr percentsun = 56 |May percentsun = 65 |Jun percentsun = 72 |Jul percentsun = 81 |Aug percentsun = 79 |Sep percentsun = 70 |Oct percentsun = 61 |Nov percentsun = 50 |Dec percentsun = 48 |year percentsun = 63 |source 1 = [[NCEI|NOAA NCEI]]<ref name="ncei">{{cite web |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Split Marjan |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Croatia/XLS/SplitMarjan_14445.xls |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |access-date=22 May 2024 |page=1 |format=XLS |quote=WMO number: 14445}}</ref> |source 2 = [[Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service]](percent sun-extremes)<ref name="DHMZ">{{cite web |url=http://klima.hr/k1/k1_2/split_marjan.pdf |title=Split Marjan Climate Normals |access-date=16 July 2017 |publisher=Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103101/http://klima.hr/k1/k1_2/split_marjan.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=extremes>{{cite web |url=http://klima.hr/klima.php?id=k1¶m=srednjak&Grad=split_marjan |title=Mjesečne vrijednosti za Križevci u razdoblju1948−2016 |language=hr |access-date=16 July 2017 |publisher=Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service |archive-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115153529/http://klima.hr/klima.php?id=k1¶m=srednjak&Grad=split_marjan |url-status=live }}</ref> |date = October 2010}} {|style="width:100%;text-align:center;line-height:1.2em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto" class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |- !Colspan=14|Climate data for Split<ref name="ncei"/> |- !Month !Jan !Feb !Mar !Apr !May !Jun !Jul !Aug !Sep !Oct !Nov !Dec !style="border-left-width:medium"|Year |- !Mean No. of days with Maximum temperature ≥ {{Convert|30.0|C|F|abbr=on}} |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFF5EE;color:#000000;"|0.7 |style="background:#FF6666;color:#ffffff;"|9.7 |style="background:#C00000;color:#ffffff;"|20.8 |style="background:#C00000;color:#ffffff;"|20.5 |style="background:#FFC0C0;color:#000000;"|2.5 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#ffffff;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FF9999;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|54.2 |- !Mean No. of days with Minimum temperature < {{Convert|0.0|C|F|abbr=on}} |style="background:#CCE5FF;color:#000000;"|1.4 |style="background:#CCE5FF;color:#000000;"|2.0 |style="background:#F0F8FF;color:#000000;"|0.4 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#F0F8FF;color:#000000;"|0.9 |style="background:#F0F8FF;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|4.8 |- !Mean No. of days with Precipitation ≥ {{Convert|10.0|mm|inch|abbr=on}} |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|2.7 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|2.3 |style="background:#CCE5CC;color:#000000;"|1.9 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|2.1 |style="background:#CCE5CC;color:#000000;"|2.0 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|1.5 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|0.6 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|1.0 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|2.7 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|2.4 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|4.0 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;"|3.3 |style="background:#C0E0C0;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|26.7 |- !Mean No. of days with Snow Depth ≥ {{Convert|1.0|cm|inch|abbr=on}} |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#F4F5FA;color:#000000;"|0.7 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0 |style="background:#F4F5FA;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|0.7 |- !Mean number of days with [[thunder]] |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|2.2 |style="background:#E5FFE5;color:#000000;"|1.8 |style="background:#E5FFE5;color:#000000;"|1.7 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|2.5 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|3.7 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|4.6 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|3.8 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|4.1 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|4.7 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|3.1 |style="background:#CCFFCC;color:#000000;"|4.2 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;"|2.7 |style="background:#E0FFE0;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|39 |- !Mean number of days with [[hail]] |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.3 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.3 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.3 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.2 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0.0 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.2 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.2 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;"|0.2 |style="background:#F9F6EE;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|2.2 |- !Mean number of days with [[fog]]/[[Ice fog]] |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.3 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.4 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.3 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0.0 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0.0 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;"|0.1 |style="background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;"|0.0 |style="background:#FFFAFA;color:#000000;border-left-width:medium"|1.7
|} {|class="wikitable" |+Average sea temperature:<ref name=DHMZ /> |- !'''Jan''' !'''Feb''' !'''Mar''' !'''Apr''' !'''May''' !'''Jun''' !'''Jul''' !'''Aug''' !'''Sep''' !'''Oct''' !'''Nov''' !'''Dec''' !'''Year''' |- |style="background: #CCFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|12.0|°C|°F}} |style="background: #CCFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|11.5|°C|°F}} |style="background: #CCFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|11.9|°C|°F}} |style="background: #CCFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|13.8|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|17.3|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;"|{{cvt|21.1|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;"|{{cvt|23.2|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;"|{{cvt|23.6|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;"|{{cvt|21.7|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;"|{{cvt|19.3|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|16.4|°C|°F}} |style="background: #CCFF99; color: black;"|{{cvt|13.7|°C|°F}} |style="background: #FFFF66; color: black;"|{{cvt|17.1|°C|°F}} |}
==Demographics== {{Historical populations |type= |footnote= |1857 |12417 |1869 |14587 |1880 |16883 |1890 |18483 |1900 |21925 |1910 |25103 |1921 |29155 |1931 |40029 |1948 |54187 |1953 |64874 |1961 |85374 |1971 |129203 |1981 |176303 |1991 |200459 |2001 |188694 |2011 |178102 |2021 |160577 }} According to the 2021 census, the city of Split had 160,577 inhabitants.<ref name="Census 2021" /> Ethnically, Croats make up 96.42% of the population, and 77.53% of the residents of the city are [[Roman Catholics]].<ref>{{Croatian Census 2021|M}}</ref>
The settlements included in the administrative area of the city (2011) are:<ref name="census-2011-settlements">{{Croatian Census 2011|S|17|4090|accessdate=13 February 2012}}</ref> *[[Donje Sitno]], population 313 *[[Gornje Sitno]], population 392 *[[Kamen, Croatia|Kamen]], population 1,769 *[[Slatine]], population 1,106 *Split, population 167,121 *[[Srinjine]], population 1,201 *[[Stobreč]], population 4,978 *[[Žrnovnica]], population 3,222
In 2021, there were around 310,000 people in the Split metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Split, [[Kaštela]], [[Omiš]], [[Sinj]], [[Solin]], [[Trogir]] and the municipalities of [[Dicmo]], [[Dugi Rat]], [[Dugopolje]], [[Klis]], [[Lećevica]], [[Muć]], and [[Podstrana]].<ref name=":1" /> In 2011, the entire [[Split-Dalmatia County]] had 454,798 residents, and the whole region of [[Dalmatia]] just under a million.<ref name="county-ethnic">{{Croatian Census 2011|E|17|accessdate=13 February 2013}}</ref>
{{Croatian population data graph |područje=City of Split |popisi=HRV |upisano=2022-05-31 |p1857=12417 |p1869=14587 |p1880=16883 |p1890=18438 |p1900=21925 |p1910=25103 |p1921=29155 |p1931=40029 |p1948=54187 |p1953=64874 |p1961=85374 |p1971=129203 |p1981=176303 |p1991=200459 |p2001=188694 |p2011=178102 |p2021=160577}}
Throughout history, there was a significant [[Dalmatian Italians|Italian-speaking community]] in Split. According to the Austrian censuses, there were 1,969 residents of the central settlement that used [[Italian language|Italian]] as their ''habitual language''<ref name="Seton">{{Cite book |last=Seton-Watson |first=Christopher |url=https://archive.org/details/italyfromliberal0000seto/page/353/mode/1up?q=habitual |title=Italy from Liberalism to Fascism, 1870–1925 |publisher=Methuen & Co |year=1967}}</ref> (12.5% of the total population) in 1890, and 2,082 (9.7%) in 1910.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Perselli |first=Guerrino |date=1993 |title=I Censimenti della popolazione dell'Istria, con Fiume e Trieste, e di alcune città della Dalmazia tra il 1850 e il 1936 - CRS |url=https://crsrv.org/editoria/etnia/i-censimenti-della-popolazione-dellistria-con-fiume-e-trieste-e-di-alcune-citta-della-dalmazia-tra-il-1850-e-il-1936/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Centro di ricerche storiche Rovigno |language=it-IT}}</ref> The commune as a whole had 1,971 (8.7%) Italian speakers in 1890, and 2,087 (7.5%) in 1910.<ref name=":0" /> In 2011, only 83 people declared themselves as Italians, corresponding to 0.05% of the total population.<ref name="county-ethnic" />
===Inhabitants=== [[File:Valerio - Paysan Morlaques des environs de Spalato, 1864.jpg|thumb|upright|A "[[Morlach]]" (Vlaj) peasant in Split, 1864]] Although the inhabitants of Split (''Splićani'') may appear to be a homogeneous body, they traditionally belong to three groups. The old urban families, the ''Fetivi,'' (short for "''Fetivi Splićani''", "real Split natives") are generally very proud of their city, its history and its distinctive traditional speech<ref name="Terras">{{Cite book |first1=Henrik |last1=Birnbaum |first2=Victor |last2=Terras |title=International Congress of Slavists, 8 |publisher=Slavica Publishers |year=1978 |page=472 |isbn=0-89357-046-X}}</ref> (a variant of the [[Chakavian]] dialect). The ''Fetivi,'' now a distinct minority, are sometimes referred to (semi-derogatorily) as "''Mandrili''" and are augmented by the so-called ''Boduli,'' immigrants from the nearby [[Adriatic islands]] who mostly arrived over the course of the 20th century.<ref name="Bousfield">{{Cite book |first=Jonathan |last=Bousfield |title=The Rough Guide to Croatia |publisher=Rough Guides |year=2003 |page=293 |isbn=1-84353-084-8}}</ref>
The above two groups are distinct, in the [[Mediterranean culture|Mediterranean aspects]] of their ethnicity and traditional Chakavian speech, from the more numerous [[Shtokavian]]-speaking immigrants from the rural [[Zagora (Croatia)|Zagora]] hinterland, referred to as the ''[[Vlaji]]'' (a term that sometimes carries negative connotations). The latter joined the Fetivi and Boduli as a third group in the decades since World War II, thronging the high-rise suburbs that stretch away from the centre.<ref name="Bousfield" /> By now the ''Vlaji'' constitute a decided majority of inhabitants, causing a distinct shift in the overall ethnic characteristics of the city. Historically more influenced by [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] [[Culture of the Ottoman Empire|culture]], their population merges almost seamlessly at the eastern border with the [[Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Herzegovinian Croats]] and southern [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] in general.<ref name="Terras" /><ref name="Bousfield" /> Local jokes have always condemned the Vlaji to playing the role of rural unsophisticates, although it is often conceded that it was their hard work in the industries of the post-WWII era that made modern-day Split what it is now.<ref name="Bousfield" />
==Economy== {{See also|Economy of Croatia|Croatian privatization controversy}}
[[File:Brodosplit - juice carrier.JPG|thumb|left|Juice carrier sitting on a slipway at [[Brodosplit]]]]
Split's economy is still suffering the backlash from the [[recession]] caused by the transfer to a [[market economy]] and [[privatization]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}} In the Yugoslav era, the city had been a highly significant economic centre with a modern and diverse industrial and economic base, including [[shipbuilding]], [[food industry|food]], [[chemical industry|chemical]], [[plastics industry|plastics]], [[textile industry|textile]], and [[paper industry]], in addition to large revenues from tourism.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}} In 1981 Split's GDP per capita was 37% above the Yugoslav average.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Atlas svijeta: Novi pogled na Zemlju |year=1984 |edition=3rd |publisher=Sveučilišna naklada Liber |location=Zagreb |language=hr |editor1-first=Radovan |editor1-last=Radovinović |editor2-first=Ivan |editor2-last=Bertić}}</ref> Today, most of the factories are out of business (or are far below pre-war production and employment capacity){{Citation needed|date=November 2014}} and the city has been trying to concentrate on commerce and services, consequently leaving an alarmingly large number of factory workers unemployed.
[[File:Westgate Tower B (Dalmatia Tower) night view.jpg|thumb|[[Dalmatia Tower]], the [[List of tallest buildings in Croatia|tallest skyscraper in Croatia]]]]
[[Brodosplit]] is the largest shipyard in Croatia. It employs around 2,300 people, and has built over 350 vessels, including many tankers, both panamax and non-panamax, as well as container ships, bulk carriers, dredgers, off-shore platforms, frigates, submarines, patrol boats and passenger ships. 80% of the ships built are exported to foreign contractors.
The new A1 motorway, integrating Split with the rest of the Croatian freeway network, has helped stimulate economic production and investment, with new businesses being built in the city centre and its wildly sprawling suburbs. The entire route was opened in July 2005. Today, the city's economy relies mostly on [[trade]] and [[tourism]] with some old industries undergoing partial revival, such as food ([[fishing]], [[olive]], [[wine]] production), paper, [[concrete]] and chemicals. Since 1998, Split has been host to the annual [[Croatia Boat Show]].
===Tourism=== {{main|Tourism of Croatia}} [[File:Touristen in Split, Kroatien (48693909397).jpg|thumb|right|Tourists in ''Peristil'' in [[Diocletian's Palace]]]] [[File:HR21000 Radisson Blu 03-1024x576.webp|thumb|right|[[Radisson Blu]] Resort & Hotel in Split]] Tourism plays a crucial role in Split's and Croatia's economy. With over 900,000 visits each year, Split makes one of the most visited cities in Croatia and in Europe. The largest tourist region of [[Dalmatia]] is the part around its largest city. Split is the location of the most valuable cultural monuments. The Split part of Dalmatia shared the same historical fate as other parts of Dalmatia, but because of its central position and protection by the vast hinterland, it was less exposed to devastation than its neighbouring regions. It is for that reason that so many people live in Split. Near Split are the other large all the large Dalmatian islands – [[Brač]], [[Šolta]], [[Čiovo]], [[Hvar]] and [[Vis (island)|Vis]], which are all well connected with [[Port of Split]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Grad Split |url=https://www.visit-croatia.hr/hr/destinacije/srednja-dalmacija/split-rivijera/split |website=Visit Croatia |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
In 2023, Split had a record number of tourists, 965,405 visits and 3,050,389 overnight stays.<ref>{{Cite web | title=STATISTIČKI PODACI O OSTVARENOM TURISTIČKOM PROMETU NA PODRUČJU GRADA SPLITA OD 2013. DO 2023. | url=https://visitsplit.com/clients/1/multimedia/6364age9b3ufet8.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317155434/https://visitsplit.com/clients/1/multimedia/6364age9b3ufet8.pdf | archive-date=2025-03-17}}</ref> In addition to that, the impact of tourism in Split had the international events and gatherings such as the [[Ultra Europe]] [[electronic music]] festival, who every July brings more than 150,000 people each year, which was annually held on [[Poljud Stadium]], until it was moved to [[Stadion Park Mladeži|Park mladeži]] ("Youth Park") in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=REKORDNA POSJEĆENOST - Zbog Ultre u Splitu 150 tisuća ljudi; Ministar: Ultra Europe festival i pobjeda Vatrenih za turizam znače puno! |url=https://www.dalmacijadanas.hr/rekordna-posjecenost-zbog-ultre-u-splitu-150-tisuca-ljudi-ministar-ultra-europe-festival-i-pobjeda-vatrenih-za-turizam-znace-puno |website=dalmacijadanas.hr |date=8 July 2018 |access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> Cultural impact played also a big role in Split's tourism, including filming of international TV series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', which used locations of [[Diocletian's Palace]], [[Klis Fortress]], Žrnovnica quarry and [[watermill]],<ref>{{cite web |title=FILMING LOCATIONS VISITED ON SPLIT TOUR |url=https://gameofthronestourcroatia.com/filming-locations-2/ |website=gameofthronestourcroatia.com |access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref> as well filming of ''[[Bliss (2021 film)|Bliss]]'', starring [[Owen Wilson]] and [[Salma Hayek]].<ref>{{cite web |title=CITY OF SPLIT, OWEN WILSON, AND SALMA HAYEK STAR IN NEW 'BLISS' TRAILER |url=https://total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/city-of-split-owen-wilson-and-salma-hayek/ |website=total-croatia-news.com |date=13 January 2021 |access-date=27 January 2025}}</ref>
==Transportation== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 200 | header = | image1 = Split ferry port (20964203092).jpg | caption1 = The [[Port of Split]] (passenger section), a regional passenger hub. | image2 = Split Airport from the air.jpg | caption2 = [[Split Airport]] | image3 = Bratislava Vienna night train in Split (53235729046).jpg | caption3 = [[ÖBB]] Train, above [[Kaštela]], departing from Split }}
Split is an important transport center for [[Dalmatia]] and the wider region. In addition to the [[Zagreb]]-Split freeway ([[A1 (Croatia)|A1]]), the traffic along the Adriatic coast on the [[Adriatic Highway]] from [[Rijeka]] to [[Dubrovnik]] flows through the city. The local public transport company [[Promet Split]] runs bus lines in the city and into the surroundings. There is no [[tram]] since the city is unsuitable for it due to its hilly geography.
The [[Split Airport]] in [[Kaštela]], located about 20 km outside of Split, is [[List of the busiest airports in Croatia|the second largest in Croatia]] in terms of passenger numbers (3.62 million in 2024).<ref>{{cite web |title=Statistics |url=https://www.split-airport.hr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160&Itemid=153&lang=hr |website=Split-airport.hr |access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref> It has services to national and some European destinations year-round and sees lots of additional seasonal connections in the summer. The airport was designed by [[Ivan Vulić]] and it features modern passenger terminals with shops, cafés, car rental services, and public transportation links, including buses and taxis, and it plays a vital role in Croatia’s tourism industry by accommodating a high volume of charter and low-cost flights such as [[easyJet]], [[Volotea]], [[Wizz Air]] and [[Jet2.com]].
The [[Port of Split]], which serves 4 million passengers every year,<ref>{{Cite web |last=ladmin |title=Statistike |url=https://portsplit.hr/luka-split/statistike/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Lučka uprava Split |language=hr}}</ref> is the third busiest port in the [[Mediterranean]]. It connects Split to the nearby central Dalmatian islands [[Brač]], [[Hvar]] and [[Šolta]], as well as the more distant [[Vis (island)|Vis]], [[Korčula]], [[Mljet]] and [[Lastovo]]. There are also routes to [[Rijeka]], [[Dubrovnik]], and [[Ancona]] in Italy and additional seasonal routes to further destinations in Italy. Split is also becoming a major [[cruise ship]] destination, with over 260 ship visits, carrying 130,000 passengers.
Split has a railway station located in the city center just near the main port (in the southern part of the peninsula), which serves as a terminus for [[HŽPP|Croatian Railways']] long-distance [[Limited-stop|limited-stop service]] trains (which run between Split and country's capital city [[Zagreb]]) and commuter trains which run between Split and [[Kaštel Stari]] as a part of [[Split Suburban Railway]]. There are also summer-seasonal limited-stop overnight trains between Split and [[Osijek]]/[[Vukovar]] (passenger service provided by Croatian Railways), [[Budapest]] (passenger service provided by [[Hungarian State Railways|MAV]]), [[Vienna]]/[[Bratislava]] (passenger service provided by [[ÖBB]] AND [[Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko|ŽSSK]]).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Telegram.hr |title=Prvi direktan vlak iz Osijeka do Splita kasnio 83 minute |trans-title=The first direct train from Osijek to Split was delayed by 83 minutes |url=https://www.telegram.hr/zivot/hz-nije-razocarao-prvi-direktan-vlak-iz-osijeka-do-splita-kasnio-83-minute/ |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Telegram.hr |language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Croatia |url=https://www.nightjet.com/en/reiseziele/kroatien |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Nightjet |language=en}}</ref> Other than the terminus station, the city has one additional train station "Split Predgrađe" ({{lit|Split Suburbia}}) located in the part of the city called "Kopilica" (in the northern part of peninsula) which is served by both long-distance and commuter trains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-10 |title=New suburban metro railway in Split launching this week |url=https://www.croatiaweek.com/new-suburban-metro-railway-in-split-launching-this-week/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=Croatia Week |language=en}}</ref>
==Education== The [[Illyrian Academy, Split|Illyrian Academy]] was a historical academy established in Split in the early 1700s at the time it was part of the Republic of Venice. The [[Classical Gymnasium in Split]] likewise traced its roots to the same period.
There are 24 primary schools and 23 secondary schools including 11 grammar schools. The secondary schools in the city include:
* [[I Gymnasium Split]] * [[II Gymnasium Split]] * [[III Gymnasium Split]]
===University=== [[File:Split University Library-wide.jpg|thumb|right|[[University of Split Library|Split University Library]]]] {{Main|University of Split}} {{further|List of universities in Croatia}}
The University of Split ({{langx|hr|Sveučilište u Splitu}}) was founded in 1974. In the last few years it has grown to a large extent. Now it has 18,000 students and is organized in 12 faculties and 1 Academy (Arts Academy – Theatre department, Music department, Fine arts department and design). Split has the biggest university campus in Croatia with all the facilities. It houses all of the faculties, a large student centre with a sports hall, sporting grounds and a [[University of Split Library|university library]].
==Culture== [[File:Gregory statue.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Grgur Ninski]]'' by Croatian sculptor from Split [[Ivan Meštrović]]]] Split is one of the most culturally vibrant cities on the [[Adriatic]] coast, shaped by a long history that blends ancient Roman heritage, Mediterranean traditions, and modern Croatian identity. Its cultural landscape reflects centuries of continuity, adaptation, and local pride. In 1979, [[Diocletian's Palace|the historic center of Split]] was included into the [[UNESCO]] list of [[World Heritage Site]]s. Split is said to be one of the centres of Croatian culture. Its literary tradition can be traced to medieval times and includes names like [[Marko Marulić]], while in more modern times more authors have a sense of humor.
Split hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, particularly during the summer tourist season. The most notable is the [[Croatian National Theatre, Split#Splitsko ljeto|Split Summer Festival]], which features [[theater]], [[opera]], and [[concerts]] staged in historic locations such as the Peristyle. Other events include religious celebrations like the feast of [[Saint Domnius]] (Sveti Duje), the city’s patron saint. This festival combines processions, music, and public gatherings, reflecting the blend of religious and civic identity. There is great cultural activity during summers, when the prestigious [[Split Music Festival]] is held.<ref>{{cite web |title=O festivalu |url=https://www.splitsko-ljeto.hr/71-splitsko-ljeto/o-festivalu |website=splitsko-ljeto.hr |access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
===Cinema=== Among the most notable are [[Miljenko Smoje]], with his TV series ''Malo misto'' and ''Velo misto'' (the latter covering Split's modernization), and [[Ivo Tijardović]], who wrote an operetta called "[[Little Floramye]]" ({{langx|hr|Mala Floramye}}). Both represented to some the old traditions slowly dying out due to large numbers of rural migrants from the undeveloped hinterland.
Despite colorful settings and characters, as well as a cinema tradition beginning with early 20th-century works of [[Josip Karaman]], there were relatively few films shot in or around Split. Its most notable star is [[Boris Dvornik]]. [[File:Marko Marulic Split 0807.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Monument to Croatian poet from 15th century [[Marko Marulić]]]]
===Music and poetry=== One of the most recognisable aspects of Split culture is popular music. Notable composers include [[Julije Bajamonti|Giulio Bajamonti]], [[Franz von Suppé]], [[Josip Hatze]], [[Jakov Gotovac]], [[Ivo Tijardović]], [[Ruben Radica]], [[Zdenko Runjić]], [[Tonči Huljić]] – some of the most influential musicians in former Habsburg Empire, former Yugoslavia, and contemporary Croatia.
Also, the more notable musicians and bands from Split are [[Oliver Dragojević]], [[Gibonni]], [[Daleka Obala]], [[Magazin]], [[Severina Vučković|Severina]], [[Dino Dvornik]], [[Jasmin Stavros]], [[Neno Belan]], [[Goran Karan]], [[Dražen Zečić]], [[Doris Dragović]], [[Jelena Rozga]], [[Tutti Frutti (Croatian band)|Tutti Frutti]], [[Siniša Vuco]], [[Meri Cetinić]] and guitar player [[Petar Čulić]]. Split also developed a prominent hip hop scene, with notable acts such as [[The Beat Fleet]], Dječaci, [[Grše]], Kiša Metaka and ST!llness.
Music plays a central role in Split’s culture. Traditional Dalmatian “[[klapa]]” singing—characterized by a cappella harmonies—is widely recognized and celebrated. Modern Croatian pop and rock music also have strong roots in the city. In 2012 klapa was inscribed in [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00746 UNESCO: Klapa multipart singing of Dalmatia, southern Croatia]</ref>
==Main sights== ===Riva=== [[File:Riva promenade in Split, Croatia (48693340418).jpg|thumb|left|Split promenade, known locally as ''Riva'']] The Croatian National Revival Coast, '''Splitska riva''' or '''Riva''', is a main pedestrian street in Split dedicated to the Croatian National Revival from the 18th and 19th centuries. It began to take on its current form under the rule of the French Empire, as a result of the 1807 order of [[Marshal Marmont]]. Fearing the takeover of the city from the sea by Britain and Russia, Marmont ordered the demolition of the southern part of the Venetian castle on the coast, the western half-bastion of San Antonio and the cortina between that half-bastion and the Priuli bastion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Borčić |first1=Goran |title=Kratka povijest splitske rive |trans-title=A brief history of Split’s Riva |url=https://www.matica.hr/vijenac/213/kratka-povijest-splitske-rive-15018/ |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Matica Hrvatska |language=hr}}</ref> It was a busy street until the 1990s, when it was converted into a pedestrian zone, today becoming the most popular pedestrian zone in Split. It has been decorated with [[palm tree|palms]] since early 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Šarac |first1=Damir |date=14 December 2020 |title=Gledajući kako se na Rivi vade murve i sade palme stari su Splićani očekivali da po njihovim granama proskakuću mandrili! Bilo je to prije sto godina |trans-title=Watching mulberry trees being removed and palm trees planted on the Riva, old Split locals expected mandrills to start jumping from their branches! That was a hundred years ago |url=https://slobodnadalmacija.hr/split-i-zupanija/split/gledajuci-kako-se-na-rivi-vade-murve-i-sade-palme-stari-su-splicani-ocekivali-da-po-njihovim-granama-proskakucu-mandrili-bilo-je-to-prije-sto-godina-1064018 |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Slobodna Dalmacija |language=hr}}</ref>
===Narodni Trg=== [[File:Split BW 2024-10-02 12-03-15.jpg|thumb|right|Narodni Trg or ''Pjaca'']] '''[[:hr:Narodni trg u Splitu|Narodni Trg]]''' or '''Pjaca''' is a public city square created by the urban expansion of the city west of the Iron Gates of [[Diocletian's Palace]]. Previously known as Lovrin Trg, the square often changed its name throughout history; Trg oružja, Gospodski trg so that at the beginning of the 20th century it got the name it still bears today – Narodni trg. The square houses the oldest bookstore in Split, opened since 1861, once owned by the Morpurgo family, after whom it still bears its name today. A lot of historical buildings are on the square including: [[:hr:Gradska vijećnica u Splitu|Old Town Hall]], [[:hr:Crkva Gospe od Zvonika u Splitu|Romanesque tower with bell tower and clock]], [[:hr:Palača Ciprianis-Benedetti|Ciprian's Palace]], [[:hr:Palača Karepić|Karepić Palace]], [[:hr:Palača Cambi u Splitu|Cambi Palace]], [[:hr:Kuća Nakić u Splitu|Nakić House]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Glavni trg u Splitu Narodni trg Pjaca Split |trans-title=The Main Square in Split – People's Square (Pjaca, Split) |url=https://www.rezerviraj.hr/social/zapis-40934-posjetite-narodni-trg-pjaca-u-splitu.html |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Rezerviraj.hr |language=hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Narodni trg (Pjaca) u Splitu |url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/narodni-trg-pjaca-u-splitu |website=Putovnica.net |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
===Marjan=== [[Marjan hill]] above the city is a hill on peninsula. The park/forest cover an area of approximately 3.5 x 1.5 kilometers, or 347 hectares. The importance of this peninsula for Split is also shown by one of the city's nicknames, which is 'The City under Marjan'. Marjan is a favorite promenade in Split, and is also very popular among runners and popular observation lookout of Split's old town.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marjan |url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/marjan |website=Putovnica.net |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
===Split Cathedral=== [[File:Split Marina (164674965).jpeg|upright=3|center|thumb|Panoramic view of [[Port of Split]], Split's waterfront and [[Marjan Hill]]. View from top of the tower bell of [[Split Cathedral]].]] '''[[Split Cathedral]]''' or '''Cathedral of Saint Domnius''' is a Cathedral located in the mausoleum of the Emperor Diocletian, which was slightly converted for his function and interior was equipped with valuable religious items. In front of its entrance, a magnificent 57m tall [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] bell tower was built in the 12th century. The mausoleum became a cathedral in the mid-7th century, when [[altar]]s with relics of two martyrs executed in neighboring [[Solin]] (then Salona)—[[Anastasius the Fuller|St. Anastasius]] and [[St. Domnius]]—were placed in it. After the latter, the church is now usually called the Cathedral of St. Duje and he became the patron saint of Split, but the real name of the Split Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Splitska katedrala sv. Duje (Uznesenja BDM) |url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/splitska-katedrala-sv-duje-uznesenja-bdm |website=Putovnica.net |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
===Museums and galleries=== {{see|Museums in Croatia}} {{multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 230 | header = | image1 = Central Plaza - Split - Croatia.jpg | caption1 = The [[Croatian National Theatre in Split|Croatian National Theatre]], built in 1893 | image2 = Split Archaeological Museum 01.jpg | caption2 = [[Split Archaeological Museum]] | image3 = Split - Gallery of Fine Arts.JPG | caption3 = [[Gallery of Fine Arts, Split|Gallery of Fine Arts]] }}
The [[Split Archaeological Museum]] ({{langx|hr|Arheološki muzej}}) main collection is housed at Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25 in Split. There is also a branch building in [[Solin]] ([[Salona]] and Tusculum Collection) and two regional centres at [[Vid, Croatia|Vid]] near [[Metković]] ([[Narona]] Collection), and on the island of [[Vis (island)|Vis]] (Issa Collection). The Split Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum institution in Croatia, founded in 1820 by the decree of the Dalmatian government in [[Zadar]]. Some 150,000 artifacts cover [[prehistoric]] times, the period of [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] colonization of the [[Adriatic]], [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] Provincial and Early [[Christian era]] to the early [[Middle Ages]] and the period of Croatian popular rulers. Of special interest is the collection of stone inscriptions from Salona and the collections of Graeco-Hellenistic ceramic objects, Roman glass, ancient clay lamps, bone and metal articles, as well as the collection of gems. In addition, the museum houses an extensive collection of ancient and medieval coins, a submarine archaeological collection, and a rich archive library.<ref name="arheoloski">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mdc.hr/split-arheoloski/index.html |title=Arheološki muzej |language=hr |trans-title=Archaeological Museum |access-date=23 October 2010 |archive-date=5 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905193337/http://www.mdc.hr/split-arheoloski/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments]] ({{langx|hr|Muzej hrvatskih arheoloških spomenika}}) is the only museum in Croatia dedicated to researching and presenting cultural artifacts of the Croats in the Middle Ages, between the 7th and 15th centuries, particularly the time of the early medieval Croatian state from 9th to 12th century. The collection of early medieval wicker, clay figurines, and old Croatian Latin epigraphic monuments is the largest collection of its kind in Europe.<ref name="mhas-split">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhas-split.hr |title=Muzej hrvatskih arheoloških spomenika |language=hr |trans-title=Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments |access-date=23 October 2010 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128070528/https://www.mhas-split.hr/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Split City Museum ({{langx|hr|Muzej Grada Splita}}) at Papalićeva 1, is housed in the former Papalić Palace. The collection presents the urban, cultural, artistic and economic heritage of the city. The museum is also home to the [[Emanuel Vidović]] Gallery, dedicated to the most important Split painter of the 20th century.<ref name="mgst">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mgst.net |title=The Split City Museum |access-date=23 October 2010 |archive-date=30 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230133902/http://mgst.net/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="splitcity">{{Cite web |url=http://www.split.hr |title=Grad Split |language=hr |trans-title=City of Split |access-date=23 October 2010 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221103959/http://www.split.hr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Ethnographical Museum ({{langx|hr|Etnografski muzej}}) at Severova 1, has a wide range of [[ethnographic]] content mainly from [[Dalmatia]]. Founded in 1910, the museum collects original and contemporary applications of traditional heritage. They also track contemporary popular culture living with traces of old foundations and preserve and promote the value of folk heritage, renewing them and presenting exhibitions.<ref name="splitcity" />
The Croatian Maritime Museum ({{langx|hr|Hrvatski pomorski muzej}}) at Glagoljaška 18 – Tvrđava Gripe has a collection of marine equipment and supplies, weapons and navigation equipment, medals, ship models, uniforms and equipment, and related artwork. A permanent exhibition is planned to complete the presentation of military maritime and naval history, with a presentation that covers the period from the arrival of the Slavs to the present day.<ref name="splitcity" /> {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 230 | header = | image1 = Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments building, Split, Croatia 20231230 02.jpg | caption1 = [[Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments]] | image2 = Galerija Meštrović, Split, Croatia 20231028.jpg | caption2 = [[Ivan Meštrović Gallery]] }} The [[Split Science Museum and Zoo]] ({{langx|hr|Prirodoslovni muzej i zoološki vrt}}) located at Kolombatovićevo šetalište 2 on the [[Marjan Hill|Marjan]] peninsula.<ref name="prirodoslovni">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mdc.hr/muzej.aspx?muzejId=600%3ASLT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060528043435/http://www.mdc.hr/muzej.aspx?muzejId=600:SLT |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2006 |title=Prirodoslovni muzej i zooloski vrt |language=hr |trans-title=Natural History Museum and Zoological Gardens |access-date=23 October 2010}}</ref>
The [[Gallery of Fine Arts, Split|Gallery of Fine Arts]] ({{langx|hr|Galerija umjetnina}}), located at Kralja Tomislava 15, is an [[art museum]] that contains works from the 14th century to the present day providing an overview of the artistic developments in the local art scene. The gallery was founded in 1931, and has a permanent exhibition of [[painting]]s and [[sculpture]]s that includes works by major Croatian artists such as [[Vlaho Bukovac]], [[Mato Celestin Medović]], [[Branislav Dešković]], [[Ivan Meštrović]], [[Emanuel Vidović]] and [[Ignjat Job]]. The gallery also has an extensive collection of [[icon]]s, and holds special exhibits of works by contemporary artists. In May 2009, the gallery opened its new premises in the old Split Hospital building behind [[Diocletian's Palace]].<ref name="galum">{{Cite web |url=http://www.galum.hr |title=Galerija umjetnina |language=hr |trans-title=Gallery of Fine Arts |access-date=23 October 2010 |archive-date=9 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109044349/http://www.galum.hr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The [[Ivan Meštrović Gallery]] ({{langx|hr|Galerija Meštrović}}), on the [[Marjan, Split|Marjan]] peninsula is an [[art museum]] dedicated to the work of the 20th-century [[sculptor]], [[Ivan Meštrović]]. The gallery displays some of his most significant work, and the building itself is an art monument.<ref name="gallery-guide">{{Cite book |title=Ivan Meštrović Gallery: Permanent Exhibition Guide |year=2005 |publisher=Ivan Meštrović Foundation |location=Zagreb |isbn=953-96956-9-4}}</ref> The permanent collection includes works of [[sculpture]], [[drawings]], [[design]], [[furniture]] and [[architecture]]. The gallery building and grounds were based on original plans by Meštrović himself, and included living and working areas, as well as exhibition spaces.<ref name="mdc-galerija">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mdc.hr/mestrovic/galerija/index-en.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031130195306/http://www.mdc.hr/mestrovic/galerija/index-en.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 November 2003 |title=Meštrović Gallery |access-date=16 October 2010}}</ref> Not far from the Gallery lies Kaštelet-Crikvine, a restored chapel that houses a set of wooden wall panels carved by Ivan Meštrović.<ref name="mestrovic">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mestrovic.hr |title=Ivan Meštrović Museums |access-date=16 October 2010 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817125326/http://www.mestrovic.hr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Other notable artists from Split include [[Oskar Herman]], [[Tina Morpurgo]], [[Emanuel Vidović]], and [[Paško Vučetić]].
==Sport and recreation== {{multiple image | align = left | direction = horizontal | width = 200 | header = | image1 = Poljud Stadium with the Kozjak Mountains in the distance.jpg | caption1 = [[Poljud Stadium]], commissioned for the [[1979 Mediterranean Games|1979]] [[Mediterranean Games]] | image2 = Ante Zizic (32651797807).jpg | caption2 = [[Ante Žižić]], who has played in the NBA, is from Split | image3 = Tie Break Tens Vienna 23.10.2016-78.jpg | caption3 = Professional tennis player [[Goran Ivanišević]], winner of 2001 [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] | image4 = Picgin.jpg | caption4 = Split's traditional sport "[[Picigin]]" | image5 = 2015 UEFA Super Cup 62.jpg | caption5 = [[Ivan Rakitić]], Croatian football player who plays for [[HNK Hajduk Split]] }}
[[Sportsperson|Sportsmen]] are traditionally held in high regard in Split, which has produced many champions. The most popular sports in Split are [[association football]], [[tennis]], [[basketball]], [[swimming (sport)|swimming]], [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]], [[sailing]], [[waterpolo]], [[Athletics (sport)|athletics]], and [[handball]]. Residents of Split prefer to call their city as "the sportiest city in the world". The first sports club in Split was founded in 1877 under the name "Societa Bersaglio" (Shooting Society). Shooting was revived in 1925. The Falcon Society "Hrvatski sokol" was founded in 1893 and played a major role in the affirmation of Split sports. The [[HNK Hajduk Split|Croatian football club "Hajduk"]] was also founded in 1911, as the first Croatian football club in [[Dalmatia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Povijest splitskog sporta |trans-title=Split's sports history|url=https://www.muzejsporta-st.hr/povijest_sporta_povijest_splitskog_sporta.html |website=Museum of Sport, Split |access-date=27 January 2025|language=hr}}</ref>
Together with Poljud Stadium, Split also has an indoor sports and entertainment arena [[Spaladium Arena]] build for [[2009 World Men's Handball Championship]], which was held in Croatia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.javno.com/en/croatia/clanak.php?id=68630 |title=Cabinet And Split Participate in Financing Hall |date=6 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115200850/http://www.javno.com/en/croatia/clanak.php?id=68630 |archive-date=15 January 2009 |url-status=dead|website=javno.com}}</ref> Split was host of the [[1979 Mediterranean Games]], [[1990 European Athletics Championships]] and [[2010 IAAF Continental Cup]], as well as co-host of the [[2009 World Men's Handball Championship|2009 World Handball Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Spaladium Arena, Split|date=2 July 2011|url=https://www.uefa.com/futsaleuro/news/0257-0deec6c9db94-b6d8901bc8fa-1000--spaladium-arena-split/|publisher=UEFA|access-date=26 August 2012}}</ref> and the [[2018 European Men's Handball Championship|2018 European Handball Championship]].
===Ball sports=== ====Football==== [[File:Spaladium Arena empty.jpg|thumb|left|[[Spaladium Arena]]]] The main football [[football club|club]] is [[HNK Hajduk Split]], one of the most popular clubs in Croatia supported by a large fan association known as [[Torcida Split]], while [[RNK Split]] is the city's second club. Torcida Split is the oldest fan group in Europe estimated 1950. The largest football stadium is the [[Poljud Stadium]] (Hajduk's ground), with around 35,000 capacity (55,000 prior to the renovation to an all-seater). [[Slaven Bilić]], [[Aljoša Asanović]], [[Igor Tudor]], [[Robert Jarni]], and [[Stipe Pletikosa]] are some of the natives who started their careers at Hajduk.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Split |encyclopedia=Nogometni leksikon|url=https://nogomet.lzmk.hr/clanak/split |access-date=27 January 2025|language=hr|publisher=Miroslav Krleža Institute of Lexicography (LZMK)}}</ref>
====Basketball==== [[Basketball]] is also popular, and the city basketball club, [[KK Split]], holds the record of winning the [[EuroLeague]] three consecutive times (1989–1991), with notable players like [[Toni Kukoč]] and [[Dino Rađa]], both of whom are Split natives, as well as coach [[Ante Grgurević]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/sport/iznenada-preminuo-poznati-splitski-sportas-i-trener-otisao-je-najbolji-od-najboljih-1924702|language=hr|title=Iznenada preminuo poznati splitski sportaš i trener: 'Otišao je najbolji od najboljih|trans-title=Famous Split athlete and coach passes away suddenly: 'The best of the best has passed away'|work=Večernji list|date=15 January 2026}}</ref>
====Handball==== [[Ivano Balić]], two-time [[IHF World Player of the Year]] was Split's best handball player. Split was co-host of the [[2009 World Men's Handball Championship|2009 World Handball Championship]] and the [[2018 European Men's Handball Championship|2018 European Handball Championship]].
====Tennis==== Split's notable tennis players are the retired [[2001 Wimbledon Championships|2001 Wimbledon champion]] [[Goran Ivanišević]], [[Mario Ančić]] (''Super Mario''), multiple Davis Cup winner [[Nikola Pilić]] and [[Željko Franulović]]. [[Marina Eraković]] was also born in Split.
Since 2021, Firule Tennis Centre hosts Split Open, international [[wheelchair tennis]] tournament in April.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sport.hrt.hr/tenis/pocinje-medunarodni-turnir-tenisaca-u-kolicima-split-open-12667645|title=Počinje međunarodni turnir tenisača u kolicima Split Open|trans-title=Split Open, an international wheelchair tennis tournament, begins|website=HRT Sport|publisher=Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT)|language=hr|date=13 April 2026|last=Zubanović|first=Regina}}</ref>
====Rugby==== [[RK Nada]] were the pioneers of [[rugby union]] in this part of the world. They were by far the strongest club in the former Yugoslavia and they are also by far the most successful club in modern-day Croatia.
====Baseball==== [[Baseball]] in Split is one of the city's longest sporting traditions.<ref name=baseball>{{Cite web|url=https://gkmm.hr/zavicajna-zbirka/splitski-spomenar/baseball-se-poceo-igrati-u-splitu-95-godina-od-prvih-bejzbol-utakmica-na-starom-placu/|title=Baseball se počeo igrati u Splitu 1918. godine|trans-title=Baseball began to be played in Split in 1918.|website=gkmm.hr|publisher=Marko Marulić City Library (GKMM)|language=hr|last=Cukrov|first=Mladen|access-date=13 April 2026}}</ref> Although the sport began semi-officially in December 1918 when a group of US sailors from a ship in port introduced the game to some young Croats, it was not until 1972 when a pair of teachers at a local school formed the Salona Baseball Club, named after the ancient Roman city of [[Salona]]. The first actual game played in Split was on 9 September 1978 between Split (the new team moved here and was called Nada) and Jezice from [[Ljubljana]], a 20–1 romp for the locals. A schedule of games began in earnest and by 1980 there were regular league games. The next major milestone was in 1983 when the [[International Baseball Federation]] (IBAF) accepted Yugoslavia as an official member. The Croatian National Baseball Federation was established in 1989.<ref name="Rekreacija" />
A major contribution to the development of baseball in Split was made by the commander of the Allied Navy from the ship Olympia, American Admiral Philip Andrews; he helped by donating sports equipment to newly established baseball clubs, or sections, in Split, [[Omiš]], [[Sinj]] and [[Imotski]] via the [[Y.M.C.A.]].<ref name=baseball/>
Today, the [[Croatia national baseball team]] is mostly consisted of players of the Split's Nada team. Split's team, Nada, plays its home games at the old Hajduk stadium, where the rugby club also plays. Without a mound, it is not a regulation field. The team's main rival is Zagreb and there are teams from half a dozen other cities around the country. In addition to playing other Croatian teams, inter-league games are played in neighbouring countries. Although not a professional team or league, some player/coaches are paid.
===Water sports=== [[File:Firule Beach with a view to Marina Zenta in Split, Croatia (48608227168).jpg|thumb|right|Firule Beach, most notable beach in Split]] [[File:Picigolwiki.jpg|thumb|right|[[Picigin]]]]
====''Picigin''==== [[Picigin]] is a traditional local sport (originating in 1908), played on the sandy Bačvice beach. It is played in very shallow water (just ankle-deep) with a small ball. Picigin is played by five players. The ball is the peeled [[tennis ball]]. There is a tradition of playing picigin in Split on [[New Year's Day]], regardless of the weather conditions, in spite of the [[sea temperature]] rarely exceeding {{cvt|15|°C}}.<ref name="Rekreacija">{{cite web |title=Rekreacija |url=https://visitsplit.com/hr/1335/rekreacija |website=Visit Split |access-date=27 January 2025|language=hr|trans-title=Recreation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcgeografija.com/nepoznata-hrvatska/picigin/|title=Picigin – Made in Split|first=Goran|last=Cerić|date=27 April 2021|website=abcgeografija.com}}</ref>
====Swimming==== Swimming also has a long tradition in Split, with [[Đurđica Bjedov]] (1968 Olympic gold medal and Olympic record in the 100 m breaststroke), [[Duje Draganja]] (2004 Olympic silver medal) and [[Vanja Rogulj]] as the city's top swimmers.
====Rowing==== Members of the local rowing club [[HVK Gusar]] won numerous [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] and [[World Rowing Championships|World Championship]] medals.
====Water Polo==== Split used to be the home to three top-level water polo clubs, the winners of many domestic and international titles: [[VK Jadran Split|Jadran]] (twice [[LEN Champions League]] winner), [[VK Mornar|Mornar]] ([[LEN Cup Winners' Cup]] winner) and now defunct [[POŠK]] (one LEN Champions League, one [[LEN Super Cup]] and two times LEN Cup Winners' Cup winner). Many players from Split have participated at the Olympic Games, [[Water polo at the World Aquatics Championships|World]], and [[European Water Polo Championship|European Championships]], both for Croatia and Yugoslavia, having won several medals. Several water polo players from Split have been considered the best in the world during their careers: [[Ratko Rudić]], Damir Polić, [[Milivoj Bebić]], and [[Deni Lušić]].
===Athletics=== As a member of the ASK Split athletics club, the champion high jumper [[Blanka Vlašić]] also originates from the city. Famous members of the ASK are/were sprinters [[Josip Alebić]] and [[Ðani Kovač]],<ref>{{Cite book|first=Jurica|last=Gizdić|url=https://www.hoo.hr/images/Publikacije/Hrvatski_olimpijci_i_odli%C4%8Dnici_.pdf|title=Hrvatski olimpijci i odličnici|trans-title=Croatian Olympians and honorees|language=hr|publisher=[[Croatian Olympic Committee]] (HOO)|location=Zagreb|year=2016|isbn=978-953-7912-05-5|page=76}}{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010140546/https://www.hoo.hr/images/Publikacije/Hrvatski_olimpijci_i_odli%C4%8Dnici_.pdf |date=10 october 2021 }}</ref> shot putter [[Filip Mihaljević (shot putter)|Filip Mihaljević]], discus thrower [[Marija Tolj]] and high jumper [[Biljana Petrović]].
Stadium Poljud was host of the [[2010 IAAF Continental Cup]].
===Other sports=== Former [[WWE]] wrestler and [[WWE Hall of Fame]] member Josip Peruzović, better known as [[Nikolai Volkoff]], was born in Split.
The Split SeaWolves club is the only [[American football]] team in Dalmatia. Active from 2008, they are currently still developing and the main focus is on a flag football team.<ref name="Rekreacija" />
In mountaineering, the local chapter of the [[Croatian Mountaineering Society|HPS]] is ''HPD "Mosor"'', founded in 1926, had 283 members in 1936 under the {{ill|Umberto Girometta|hr|Umberto Girometta}} presidency, being one of the largest in the society at the time.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1936 |orig-date=1936-05-15 |first=Josip |last=Plaček |title="Mosor" — Split |pages=241–242 |magazine=Hrvatski planinar |issn=0354-0650 |volume=32 |issue=7–8 |url=https://www.hps.hr/hp-arhiva/193607.pdf |language=hr}}</ref> Membership rose to 344 in 1937,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1937 |orig-date=1937-05-05 |first=Josip |last=Plaček |title=Izvještaj tajnika |pages=221–252 |magazine=Hrvatski planinar |issn=0354-0650 |volume=33 |issue=7–8 |url=https://www.hps.hr/hp-arhiva/193707.pdf |language=hr}}</ref>{{rp|250}} but fell to 301 in 1938.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1938 |orig-date=1938-05-05 |first=Josip |last=Plaček |title=Izvještaj tajnika |pages=222–254 |magazine=Hrvatski planinar |issn=0354-0650 |volume=34 |issue=7–8 |url=https://www.hps.hr/hp-arhiva/193807.pdf |language=hr}}</ref>{{rp|224}}
==Nightlife== {{main|Music of Croatia}}
Split has a vibrant music scene with various venues and events, including the renowned [[Split Festival]] and numerous clubs and bars with live music, particularly during the summer. [[File:Split@night.jpg|thumb|left|Riva promenade at night]]
[[Spaladium Arena]] held events and concerts for popular Croatian musicians like [[Severina (singer)|Severina]], [[Jelena Rozga]], [[Parni Valjak]], [[Nina Badrić]], and international mainstream artists like [[Iron Maiden]], [[Guns N' Roses]], [[The Cult]], [[Zucchero]], [[Simple Minds]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Spaladium Center |url=https://www.archdaily.com/14896/spaladium-center-3lhd-architects |website=ArchDaily |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
British Travel vlog and magazine "''[[Gap360]]''" named Split 6th best party destination in [[Europe]], alongside [[Berlin]], [[Mykonos]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Ibiza]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hemsley |first1=Sarah |title=The 13 Best Party Destinations in Europe |url=https://www.gap360.com/guidebook/the-best-party-destinations-in-europe |website=Gap360 |access-date=19 May 2025}}</ref> Since 2013, Split was a host city for American electronic festival [[Ultra Music Festival]] and its division for Europe – [[Ultra Europe]]. In addition to its main stage and event – which was held on [[Poljud Stadium]] (until 2019), the Ultra Europe also holds party events on Croatian islands of [[Brač]], [[Hvar]] and [[Vis (island)|Vis]]. Ever since its opening, the city of Split welcomed more than 200,000 people annually. The Ultra Europe Festival in Split has been visited by 1,3 million visitors over the past ten years, including people from around forty countries around the world, including the countries of the European Neighborhood, like [[Poland]], [[Germany]], [[Slovakia]], [[Russia]] and [[Czech Republic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dalmatinski san povratnika iz Kanade |trans-title=The Dalmatian dream of a returnee from Canada |url=https://glashrvatske.hrt.hr/hr/hrvatska/dalmatinski-san-povratnika-iz-kanade-11661238 |access-date=19 May 2025 |website=hrt.hr |language=hr}}</ref>
In addition to its main music festival, Split offers [[discotheques]] and [[night clubs]] amongst the City Center or on the beaches. A more traditional Croatian nightlife experience, accompanied by traditional Croatian traditional, pop music, [[klape]] and recently [[rap]], [[dance music|dance]] and [[trap music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Split |url=https://www.muzika.hr/tag/split/ |website=muzika.hr |date=June 2024 |access-date=19 May 2025|language=hr}}</ref>
==International relations== {{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Croatia}}
===Twin towns === Split is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref name="Split twinnings">{{Cite web |url=http://www.split.hr/Default.aspx?sec=526 |title=Gradovi prijatelji Splita |access-date=2013-12-19 |work=Grad Split [Split Official City Website] |language=hr |trans-title=Split Twin Towns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324035937/http://www.split.hr/Default.aspx?sec=526 |archive-date=2012-03-24}}</ref> {{colbegin|colwidth=22em}} *{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Ancona]], [[Italy]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|CHI}} [[Antofagasta]], [[Chile]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Beit Shemesh]], [[Israel]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|GER}} [[Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf|Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Berlin)]], [[Germany]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Cockburn, Western Australia|Cockburn]], [[Australia]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|UK}} [[Dover]], [[United Kingdom]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Gladsaxe]], [[Denmark]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|POL}} [[Kraków]], [[Poland]] *{{flagicon|USA}} [[Los Angeles]], United States<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|BIH}} [[Mostar]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /><ref name="Mostar twinnings">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mostar.ba/gradovi-prijatelji.html |title=Mostar Gradovi prijatelji |access-date=2013-12-19 |work=Grad Mostar [Mostar Official City Website] |language=mk |trans-title=Mostar Twin Towns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030103002/http://www.mostar.ba/gradovi-prijatelji.html |archive-date=2013-10-30}}</ref> *{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Odesa]], [[Ukraine]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Ostrava]], [[Czech Republic]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|POL}} [[Rzeszów]], [[Poland]] *{{flagicon|ALB}} [[Sarandë]], [[Albania]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|NMK}} [[Štip]], [[North Macedonia]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> *{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Trondheim]], [[Norway]], since 1956<ref name="Split twinnings" /><ref name="Trondheim">{{cite web |url=http://www.trondheim.com/content.ap?thisId=93081934 |title=Trondheim – the official website – Vennskapsbyer |date=14 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514032140/http://www.trondheim.com/content.ap?thisId=93081934 |archive-date=14 May 2006}}</ref> *{{flagicon|SVN}} [[Velenje]], [[Slovenia]]<ref name="Split twinnings" /> {{colend}}
===Partnerships=== Split is [[town twinning|partnered]] with: {{colbegin|colwidth=22em}} *{{flagicon|LIB}} [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]] *{{flagicon|IDN}} [[Bandar Lampung]], [[Indonesia]] *{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Cagli]], [[Italy]] *{{flagicon|MNE}} [[Cetinje]], [[Montenegro]] *{{flagicon|CHI}} [[Iquique]], [[Chile]] *{{flagicon|TUR}} [[İzmir]], [[Turkey]] *{{flagicon|IRN}} [[Kermanshah]], [[Iran]]<ref>{{Cite web |title= |script-title=fa:کرمانشاه و اسپیلیت خواهر خوانده می شوند |trans-title=Kermanshah and Split to become sister cities |url=http://www.asriran.com/fa/news/171014/%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529210822/https://www.asriran.com/fa/news/171014/%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF |archive-date=29 May 2020 |access-date=15 March 2012 |language=fa}}</ref> *{{flagicon|GRE}} [[Patras]], [[Greece]] *{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Pescara]], [[Italy]] *{{flagicon|CHI}} [[Punta Arenas]], [[Chile]] *{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Rosario, Argentina|Rosario]], [[Argentina]] {{colend}}
==Notable people==
{{main|List of honorary citizens of Split}}
{{About||more information about people from Split| Category:People from Split, Croatia}}
[[File:Cukela Capt Louis USMC h79333.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Louis Cukela]], Split-born US Marine major, one of 19 two-time recipients of the [[Medal of Honor]]]]
*[[Ivo Politeo]] (1887–1956), lawyer. *[[Louis Cukela]] (1888–1956), Split-born US Marine Major. *[[Emanuel Vidović]] (1870–1953), painter *[[Emil Stock]] (1868–1951), industrialist and businessman *[[Vid Morpurgo]] (1838-1911), industrialist, publisher, politician and bookstore owner. * [[don Frane Bulić]] (1846–1934), priest, archaeologist, historian *[[Franz von Suppé]] (1819–1895), composer, father of the [[Viennese operetta]]. *[[Jakov Gotovac]] (1895–1982), conductor and composer * [[Josip Hatze]] (1879–1959), composer, conductor, and choirmaster *[[Marko Marulić]] (1450–1524), writer *[[Severina (singer)|Severina]] (born 1972), often regarded as most popular female Croatian singer. *[[Jelena Rozga]] (born 1977), Croatian pop-folk singer. *[[Mate Mišo Kovač]] (born 1941), one of the best selling singers of former [[Yugoslavia]], with more than 20 million records sold. *[[Magazin]] (formed in 1979), one of the most popular groups in former [[Yugoslavia]], and in today's Croatia. *[[Doris Dragović]] (born 1961), Croatian pop singer, often regarded as "''Diva of Croatian Music''" and "''Queen of [[Torcida Split|Torcida]]''", 4th runner-up at [[1999 Eurovision Song Contest]]. *[[Oliver Dragojević]] (1947–2018), Croatian pop-ballad singer, songwriter and composer, one of the most popular musicians in Croatia's history and only Croatian who sold out [[Carnegie Hall]], [[Royal Albert Hall]], [[L'Olympia]] and [[Sydney Opera House]]. *[[Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni|Zlatan Stipišić-Gibonni]] (born 1968), Croatian pop singer *[[Slavko Sobin]] (born 1984), Croatian actor known for movies like; ''[[Papillon (2017 film)|Papillion]]'', ''[[97 Minutes]]'' and ''[[The Zookeeper's Wife (film)|The Zookeeper's Wife]]''. *[[Marina Fernandez (actress)|Marina Fernandez]] (born 1981), Croatian actress. *[[Boris Dvornik]] (1939–2008), actor, director, and screenwriter *[[Dino Dvornik]] (1964–2006), Croatian pop singer, known as "King of [[Funk]]". *[[Petar Grašo]] (born 1976), Croatian pop singer *[[Danijela Martinović]] (born 1971), Croatian pop singer, 5th runner-up at [[1998 Eurovision Song Contest]]. *[[Albina Grčić]] (born 1999), Croatian pop singer. *[[Grše]] (born 1995), Croatian rapper, the longest number one song on [[Croatia Songs]] on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' chart. *[[Goran Ivanišević]] (born 1971), Croatian professional tennis player, winner of [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], member of [[International Tennis Hall of Fame]] *[[Ludmila Janovská]] (1907 – after 1962), Czech painter *[[Ivan Perišić]] (born 1989), Croatian professional footballer, [[Croatia national football team]]. *[[Marko Livaja]] (born 1993), Croatian football player, [[Hajduk Split]]. *[[Ante Rebić]] (born 1993), Croatian professional footballer. *[[Toni Kukoč]] (born 1968), former Croatian-American professional basketball player. *[[Slaven Bilić]] (born 1968), Croatian formal football player and current coach. *[[Ivano Balić]] (born 1979), former Croatian [[handball]] player. *[[Stipe Pletikosa]] (born 1979), former professional Croatian goalkeeper. *[[Antonio Plazibat]] (born 1993), Croatian professional [[kickboxer]] *[[Bosiljka Schedlich]] (born 1948), Croatian-German peace activist *[[Ante Žižić]] (born 1997), professional basketball player.
==See also== {{portal|Croatia}} *[[Dalmatia]] *[[Diocletian's Palace]] *[[List of ancient cities in Illyria]] *[[Split-Dalmatia County]] *[[Church of Holy Trinity, Split]] *[[Stato da Màr]]
==References== {{reflist}}
==Sources== {{Refbegin}} *{{Cite book |title=Povijest Splita|trans-title=History of Split |volume=I |last=Novak |first=Grga |author-link=Grga Novak |publisher=[[Matica Hrvatska]] |year=1957 |location=Split}} *{{Cite book |title=Povijest Splita|trans-title=History of Split |volume=II |last=Novak |first=Grga |publisher=Matica Hrvatska |year=1961 |location=Split}} *{{Cite book |title=Povijest Splita|trans-title=History of Split |volume=III |last=Novak |first=Grga |publisher=Matica Hrvatska |year=1965 |location=Split}} *{{Cite book |title=Prošlost Dalmacije|trans-title=Dalmatia's Past |volume=I |last=Novak |first=Grga |publisher=Marjan Tisak |year=2004a |location=Split |isbn=953-214-181-2}} *{{Cite book |title=Prošlost Dalmacije|trans-title=Dalmatia's Past |volume=II |last=Novak |first=Grga |publisher=Marjan Tisak |year=2004b |location=Split |isbn=953-214-182-0}} *{{Cite book |title=Povijest Hrvata; pregled povijesti hrvatskog naroda 600.–1918.|trans-title=History of Croats; overview of the history of the Croatian people 600-1918 |last=Šišić |first=Ferdo |author-link=Ferdo Šišić |year=1920 |location=Zagreb |publisher=St. Kugli}} {{Refend}}
==Further reading==
*{{Cite book |publisher=Robert Adam |location=London |author=Robert Adam |url=http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/DLDecArts.AdamRuins |title=Ruins of the palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia |date=1764}} *{{Cite book |author=Andrew A. Paton |title=Highlands and Islands of the Adriatic: Including Dalmatia, Croatia, and the Southern Provinces of the Austrian Empire |year=1849 |publisher=Chapman and Hall |volume=1 |page=232+ |chapter=(Spalato) |chapter-url=http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008366290}} *{{Cite book |publisher=R. Bentley |location=London |title=The eastern shores of the Adriatic in 1863 |author=Emily Anne Beaufort Smythe Strangford |date=1864 |oclc=1475159 |chapter=Dalmatia (Spalato) |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/easternshoresad00stragoog#page/n241/mode/2up}} *{{Cite book |publisher=Macmillan and Co. |location=London |title=Sketches from the subject and neighbour lands of Venice |author=Edward Augustus Freeman |date=1881 |oclc=679333 |chapter=Spalato |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/sketchesfromsubj00freeiala#page/136/mode/2up |author-link=Edward Augustus Freeman}} *{{Cite book |publisher=[[Murray's Handbooks for Travellers|J. Murray]] |location=London |author=R. Lambert Playfair |author-link=Lambert Playfair |title=Handbook to the Mediterranean |edition=3rd |date=1892 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/handbooktomedit01firgoog#page/n36/mode/1up |chapter=Spalato |ol=16538259M}} *{{Cite book |title=Austria-Hungary, Including Dalmatia and Bosnia |publisher=Karl Baedeker |location=Leipzig |date=1905 |oclc=344268 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/austriahungaryi00firgoog#page/n464/mode/2up |chapter=Spalato |ol=20498317M}} *{{Cite book |publisher=McClurg & Co. |author=F. K. Hutchinson |location=Chicago |title=Motoring in the Balkans |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/motoringinbalkan00hutc#page/104/mode/2up |date=1909 |oclc=8647011 |chapter=Spalato |ol=13515412M}} *{{Cite book |publisher=Sturgis & Walton Company |location=New York |title=Roman Cities in Italy and Dalmatia |author=Arthur L. Frothingham |date=1910 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/romancitiesinita00frotuoft#page/308/mode/2up |chapter=Spalato |ol=7027058M |author-link=Arthur Frothingham}} *{{Cite encyclopedia |editor=Trudy Ring |title=Southern Europe |series=International Dictionary of Historic Places |volume=3 |year=1996 |publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn |oclc=31045650 |chapter=Split}}
==External links== {{subject bar|auto=y|d=y}} *{{official website|http://www.split.hr/}} {{in lang|hr}}
{{Geographic location |Centre=Split |North={{cvt|15|km|0}} to [[Mali Kozjak|Kozjak]] |Northeast={{cvt|34|km|0}} to [[Sinj]] |East={{cvt|86|km|0}} to [[Imotski]] |Southeast={{cvt|18|km|0}} to [[Brač]] |South={{cvt|49|km|0}} to [[Hvar (city)|Hvar]] |Southwest={{cvt|58|km|0}} to [[Vis (island)|Vis]] |West={{cvt|30|km|0}} to [[Trogir]] |Northwest={{cvt|80|km|0}} to [[Šibenik]] }} {{Split, Croatia}} {{Split settlements}} {{Split-Dalmatia}} {{County seats of Croatia}} {{Croatian cities}} {{Illyrians}} {{World Heritage Sites in Croatia}} {{Mediterranean Games}} {{Authority control}}
[[Category:Split, Croatia| ]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Croatia]] [[Category:Dalmatia]] [[Category:Illyrian Croatia]] [[Category:Greek colonies in Illyria]] [[Category:Kingdom of Dalmatia]] [[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Croatia]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Croatia]] [[Category:Populated places established in the 3rd century BC]] [[Category:Populated places in Split-Dalmatia County]] [[Category:Port cities and towns of the Adriatic Sea]] [[Category:World Heritage Sites in Croatia]] [[Category:Territories of the Republic of Venice]]