Split / Stobrec – the first impression

Hmm, how to say…. I arrived with big expectations towards Split. The city has been described with all possible positive adjectives like impressive, beautiful, romantic, amazing – simply a place to stay.

I had a bit of bad luck with the weather – I admit this might have had an influence on my first impression. Due to the heavy rain in the morning I had to postpone my first trip to the city center. But at lunchtime the sun found its way through the clouds and I hopped into a bus, together with hundred of other crowded people, and got to Split.

Arriving at the bus station I followed the crowd and strolled through the alleys down to the Riva. And I was there only 10 Minutes later. Well. That was quick.

So back to the small paths. But somehow, I don’t get the feeling. Where exactly is this Diocletian Palace? And really, this is it?

To get a better overview about the city, I book a walking tour with English-speaking Guide. Natasa is great, she tells the story of the city and solves the mystery of the palace: it is a living place, people used to live here all the time. That’s why a lot of structure has been changed over time. Additionally the palace is being prepared to show the opera Aida – it’s definitely helpful that Natasa explains what is piece of scenery and what is “real”. 🙂

Golden Gate

 

Arcade in the Diocletian Palace

– In the background you see the second row of arcades integrated in a later built house

 

I like this: Dalmatian singers are protected cultural heritage

Video deleted (file size)

 

I find the anecdote about the sculptor Ivan Mestrovic really funny – he didn’t know how the faces of the famous people that he modeled looked like, so he just formed his own face and put it on top of his figures.

Gregor von Nin – Skulptur of Ivan Mestrovic

After 75 Minutes the tour is over and I am sitting again down at the Riva. This time with Cocktail. I try to find out what else can be visited. But all Blogs, tour operators, travel recommendations just write the same: old town, Riva, trips to the islands. I don’t want to believe that this is everything Split can offer. Unfortunately dark clouds are heading over and the street cafés are closing to avoid getting wet in the upcoming thunderstorm. Exploring the city is over for the day – I flee into my hostel.

Panoramapicture of Stobrec (my Hostel is ca. 7 km away from Split)

Today I continue – my plan: Visiting the cathedral, the Marjan hill and strolling around. Unfortunately I still did not fine any other recommendations what to do directly in the city. But I’m looking forward to get the feeling for the city.