Promenading in Split, Croatia, Split, Croatia

Split is the second largest city in Croatia An unusual characteristic, the wide promenade known as Riva stretches along the sea front reminiscent of some elegant French resorts. The original Riva was established two centuries earlier when this area was ruled by the French under Napoleon.

Cafés and restaurants line the land side of Riva against the dramatic backdrop of an imposing wall. This is the south section of the wall that surrounded Diocletian’s Palace

This palace was built in 295 AD by the Emperor Diocletian. He ordered it to be built as a residence for himself when he retired. It took ten years to build and he lived there until he died in 313 AD. Roman rulers used the palace as a retreat but by the end of the sixth century it was becoming dilapidated. Since then very little of the original palace remains as it became incorporated in in the medieval town of Split. When Diocletian lived there the sea lapped around the south wall as he had a vision – he would sail his boat into the palace. It was so close to the sea the windows were set high in the walls in case the sea level should rise. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).