Split (city)

Split (city)
Name	Split
Coordinates	43, 30, N, 16...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Croatia
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Split-Dalmatia County
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Ivica Puljak
Area total km2	79.38
Population total	178,102
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	CET
Utc offset	+1
Timezone DST	CEST
Utc offset DST	+2
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	21000
Area code	+385 21
Website	www.split.hr

Split (city). Split is the largest city in the Dalmatia region of Croatia and the second-largest city in the country after the capital, Zagreb. Situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, it is centered around the monumental Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. The city serves as the administrative seat of Split-Dalmatia County and is a major transportation hub and economic center for the central Dalmatian Coast.

History

The city's origins are intrinsically linked to the construction of Diocletian's Palace between 295 and 305 AD, a lavish retirement complex for the emperor near his birthplace in the Roman province of Dalmatia. Following the fall of Salona to the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century, inhabitants sought refuge within the palace's fortified walls, marking the city's continuous urban life. Throughout the early Middle Ages, Split developed as an important commune within the Byzantine Empire and later the Kingdom of Croatia, with the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska established as a major ecclesiastical center. After a period of contested rule, it accepted the sovereignty of the Republic of Venice in 1420, remaining under Venetian control for nearly four centuries, a period that shaped much of its Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Following the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, the city was ruled by the Habsburg monarchy, briefly by the First French Empire under the Illyrian Provinces, and then again by the Austrian Empire and Austria-Hungary. After World War I, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War II, it was occupied by Fascist Italy and later Nazi Germany before being liberated by the Yugoslav Partisans. It subsequently became a major industrial and port city within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Following the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, during which it was shelled by the Yugoslav People's Army, Split emerged as a key city in modern independent Croatia.

Geography and climate

Split is located on a peninsula between the Split Channel and the Kaštela Bay in central Dalmatia, with the steep Marjan hill forming its western boundary. The city's immediate hinterland is dominated by the Dinaric mountain range, notably the massif of Mosor and the Kozjak mountain. The climate is classified as a hot-summer Mediterranean climate under the Köppen climate classification, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average summer temperature often exceeds 29°C, while the Bora and Sirocco winds are notable meteorological features influencing the area.

Demographics

According to the 2021 census, the city of Split has a population of 178,102, with the wider metropolitan area home to over 350,000 people. The vast majority of residents are Croats, with small minority communities including Serbs, Bosniaks, and Albanians. Historically, the city had significant communities of Italians and Jews, whose presence diminished after World War II. The primary language is Croatian, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism.

Economy

Split's economy has historically been based on its port, Port of Split, which handles significant passenger ferry traffic to the Dalmatian Islands such as Brač, Hvar, and Šolta, as well as international routes. Key industrial sectors have included shipbuilding, with the historic Brodosplit shipyard, food processing, and chemical production. In recent decades, the economy has shifted decisively toward tourism and services, with the city being one of the most visited destinations on the Adriatic coast. Other important economic activities include commerce, administration as the county seat, and higher education centered around the University of Split.

Culture and landmarks

The historic core of Split, built within and around Diocletian's Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's primary cultural landmark, featuring structures like the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. Major cultural institutions include the Croatian National Theatre in Split, the Mestrovic Gallery dedicated to the sculptor Ivan Meštrović, and the Archaeological Museum. The city is famous for the traditional Sinjska alka knights' tournament and the Split Summer Festival. Local cuisine is distinctly Dalmatian, with specialties like pašticada and fresh seafood, and the nearby vineyards produce renowned wines such as Plavac Mali.

Transport

Split is a major transportation node for coastal and insular Croatia. The Port of Split is the country's busiest passenger port, with frequent ferry and catamaran services operated by Jadrolinija and other carriers. The city is connected by the A1 motorway to Zagreb and other parts of the country. Split Airport, located near the town of Kaštela, provides domestic and international flights. Public transportation within the city is managed by Promet Split and includes an extensive network of bus lines, while the main railway station, Split railway station, offers connections along the Lika line to Zagreb.

Category:Split Category:Cities and towns in Croatia Category:Port cities and towns of the Adriatic Sea