A Walk Through Time: The Enchanting Streets of Split

As a former professor of European history, I have always been drawn to the ancient cities that dot the continent, each with its own story to tell. Split, a city that has long intrigued me, finally found its way onto my travel itinerary. My wife and I embarked on a journey to explore the Split’s Ancient Roman City and were immediately captivated by the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture.

Our guide, Marko, was a masterful storyteller, weaving together the threads of Split’s past with the fictional world of Game of Thrones. As we wandered through the cobblestone streets, Marko’s enthusiasm was infectious. He brought to life the grandeur of Emperor Diocletian’s reign, painting vivid pictures of the emperor’s rise to power and the legacy he left behind. The tour was not just a walk through history; it was an immersive experience that left us in awe of the city’s ancient roots.

The Magic of Diocletian’s Palace

The heart of our journey was Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire. As we entered through the Golden Gate, I was struck by the intricate niches that once held statues of Roman emperors. Marko explained the ingenious design of the palace’s “human mousetrap,” a mechanism of double doors that protected the emperor from potential threats.

Inside the palace, we found ourselves in the Peristyle, the main square where Diocletian’s mausoleum now serves as the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Here, a 3,500-year-old sphinx posed a riddle, a silent guardian of the past. The Vestibulum, with its soaring dome, provided a perfect setting for an a cappella group to serenade us with traditional Dalmatian songs, adding a layer of cultural richness to our experience.

The palace’s substructures, once the setting for Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons in Game of Thrones, were a highlight for fans of the series. Marko’s use of a tablet to show scenes from the show in real-time was a stroke of genius, allowing us to see the fictional world come to life in the very place it was filmed. It was a perfect blend of history and fantasy, a testament to Split’s unique charm.

A Love Affair with Split

Our tour concluded at the Riva Harbor, where the Adriatic Sea stretched out before us, a shimmering expanse of blue. Marko provided us with recommendations for the remainder of our stay, from the best local eateries to the most picturesque beaches. His passion for his city was evident, and it was impossible not to share in his love for Split.

As we strolled along the harbor, my wife and I reflected on the day’s journey. The tour had set a high bar for the rest of our vacation, a standard by which all other experiences would be measured. Split had captured our hearts, and we knew that this was only the beginning of our love affair with Croatia.

For those who share my passion for history and architecture, the Split’s Ancient Roman City is an experience not to be missed. It is a journey through time, a chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors and explore the hidden corners of a city that has stood the test of time. Whether you are a fan of Game of Thrones or simply a lover of history, Split offers a magical blend of the real and the imagined, a city that will leave you enchanted and eager to return.