Split is the largest city in Dalmatia, the second largest in Croatia and the administrative centre of Split-Dalmatia County. The core of the city is the ancient Diocletian's Palace, which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1979.
The first inhabitant of Split was the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who decided to build a luxurious imperial villa around 293 AD in which he withdrew after his abdication. Many authorities, from Croatian kings in the 10th century AD, Hungarian and Venetian administrations, to French rulers and the Austro-Hungary monarchy ruled the city. Regardless, even 17 centuries later, elements like the palace walls, entrance, corner towers, and the central Peristyle square, along with the emperor's mausoleum, continue to captivate visitors.
There are many beaches in the city and its surroundings, of which the most famous is the sandy beach Bačvice almost in the centre of Split. It is rich in cultural and entertainment life, especially in summer, when Split with its squares, courtyards and other areas turns into a huge open-air stage. In the high season, a traditional 'Split Summer Festival' is organized where visitors can see plays, operas and concerts.
