Split 226329 226032825 2008-07-16T15:04:08Z Ragusino 960771 {{otheruses4|the [[Croatia]]n city}} {{Infobox Settlement |official_name = City of Split |other_name = Spalato until 1909 |native_name = Grad Split |nickname = ''The Most Beautiful City in the World'', ''The Center of the World'' |settlement_type = |motto = |image_skyline = Split from Marjan.jpg |imagesize = 300px |image_caption = Split, as seen from [[Marjan]] hill |image_flag = Flag of the City of Split.gif |flag_size = 150px |image_seal = Split (grb).gif |seal_size = 90px |image_shield = |shield_size = |city_logo = |citylogo_size = |image_map = Split map.jpg |mapsize = 260px |map_caption = Map of the Split City area. |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 = |image_dot_map = |dot_mapsize = |dot_map_caption = |dot_x = |dot_y = |pushpin_map = Croatia |pushpin_label_position = |pushpin_map_caption = Location of Split in Croatia |pushpin_mapsize = 250 |subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]] |subdivision_name = [[Croatia]] |subdivision_type1 = [[Region]] |subdivision_name1 = [[Dalmatia]] |subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Croatia|County]] |subdivision_name2 = [[Split-Dalmatia County]] |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = Mayor |leader_name = Ivan Kuret ([[Croatian Democratic Union|CDU]]) |leader_title1 = |leader_name1 = |established_title = [[Greek colonies|Greek colony]] of Aspálathos established |established_date = 6th century BC |established_title2 = [[Diocletian's Palace]] built |established_date2 = 305 AD |established_title3 = Diocletian's Palace settled |established_date3 = 639 AD |area_magnitude = |unit_pref = Metric |area_footnotes = |area_total_km2 = 63 |area_land_km2 = |area_water_km2 = |area_total_sq_mi = |area_land_sq_mi = |area_water_sq_mi = |area_water_percent = |area_urban_km2 = |area_urban_sq_mi = |area_metro_km2 = |area_metro_sq_mi = |population_as_of = 2007 |population_footnotes = |population_note = |population_total = 221,456 |population_density_km2 = 3515 |population_density_sq_mi = |population_metro = 408,251 |population_density_metro_km2 = |population_density_metro_sq_mi = |population_urban = |population_density_urban_km2 = |population_density_urban_sq_mi = |population_blank1_title = |population_blank1 = |population_density_blank1_km2 = |population_density_blank1_sq_mi = |timezone = [[Central European Time|CET]] |utc_offset = +1 |timezone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] |utc_offset_DST = +2 |latd= 43|latm= 30|lats= 0|latNS= N |longd= 16|longm= 26|longs= 0|longEW= E |elevation_footnotes = |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = |postal_code_type = Postal code |postal_code = 21000 |area_code = 21 |blank_name = [[Croatian vehicle registration plates|Licence plate]] |blank_info = ST |blank1_name = Lowest point |blank1_info = 0 m |blank2_name = Highest point |blank2_info = 189 m ([[Marjan]]) |website = [http://www.split.hr/ www.split.hr] |footnotes = }} '''Split''' ({{lang-gr|''Ασπάλαθος, Aspálathos''}}; {{lang-la|Spalatum}}; {{lang-it|Spalato}}) is the largest and most important city in [[Dalmatia]], the administrative center of [[Croatia]]'s [[Split-Dalmatia County]], and the country's second-largest city. It is a [[Mediterranean sea|Mediterranean]] city, situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the [[Adriatic Sea]].<br />Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, dating more that 1700 years, although some new archeological researchs show the possibility of the city being even older. ==History== {{see also|History of Dalmatia}} ===Antiquity=== [[Image:SPLIT-Hebrard overall color restitution.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, around which the city emerged.]] Although the beginnings of Split are usually linked to the building of [[Diocletian's Palace]], the city was founded as a [[Greek colonies|Greek colony]] of ''Aspálathos'' much earlier. The [[Greeks|Greek]] settlement lived off trade with the surrounding [[Illyrians|Illyrian]] tribes, mostly the [[Delmatae]], who inhabited the (much larger) nearby city of [[Salona]]. <br> In time, the [[Roman Republic]] became the dominant power in the region, and conquered the Illyrians in the [[Illyrian Wars]] of 229 BC and 219 BC. Upon establishing permanent control, the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] founded the [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|province of Dalmatia]] with Salona as the capital. The name of the nearby town thus changed from ''"Aspálathos"'' to ''"Spalatum".'' After almost dying from a sickness, the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Diocletian]] (ruled [[284|AD 284]] to 305), great reformer of the late [[Roman Empire]], decided to retire from politics in AD 305. The Emperor ordered work to begin on a retirement palace near his hometown, and since he was from the town of ''Dioclea'' near Salona, he chose the nearby seaside town of Spalatum for the location. Work on the palace began in [[293|AD 293]] in readiness for his retirement from politics. The palace was built as a massive structure, much like a Roman military fortress. It faces the sea on its south side, with its walls 170 to 200 meters (570 to 700 feet) long, and 15 to 20 meters (50 to 70 feet) high, enclosing an area of 38,000m² (9½ acres). The palace water supply was substantial, fed by an aqueduct from [[Jadro Spring]]. This opulent palace and its surroundings were at times inhabited by a population as large as 8,000 to 10,000 people,<ref>[http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17691 C. Michael Hogan, "Diocletian's Palace", The Megalithic Portal, A. Burnham Ed, October 6, 2007]</ref> who required parks and recreation space; therefore, Diocletian established such outdoor areas at [[Marjan]] hill.<ref>Frederick Hamilton Jackson, (1908) ''The Shores of the Adriatic'', J. Murray, 420 pages</ref> The palace was finished in [[305|AD 305]], right on time to receive its owner, who retired exactly according to schedule, becoming the first Roman emperor to voluntarily remove himself from office.<ref>[http://w3.mrki.info/split/diokl.html Diocletian's Palace<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After a few years, a group of Roman Senators came to Diocletian's palace, asking the former emperor to return to Rome and help the Empire to overcome growing political problems. Diocletian refused, and while he was showing them his garden, he told them that he could not leave his beautiful garden which he had created by his own hands. This gesture showed that he remained bound by his word to leave political life after 10 years of ruling the Roman Empire. Following the fall of the [[Western Roman Empire]] in [[476|AD 476]], Spalatum fell under the rule of the [[Byzantine Emperor]]s. It grew very slowly as a satellite town of the much larger Salona. However, around [[639|AD 639]] Salona fell to the invasion of [[Eurasian Avars|Avars]] and [[Slavs]], and was razed to the ground, with the majority of the displaced citizens fleeing to the nearby [[List of islands in the Adriatic|Adriatic islands]]. Following the return of Byzantine rule to the area, the Romanic citizens returned to the mainland under the leadership of the nobleman known as Severus the Great. They chose to inhabit [[Diocletian's Palace]] in Spalatum, because of its strong (more "medieval") fortifications. The palace was long deserted by this time, and the interior was converted into a city by the Salona refugees, making Spalatum much larger as the successor to the capital city of the province. Today the palace constitutes the inner core of the city, still inhabited, full of shops, markets, squares, with an ancient [[cathedral]] (formerly Diocletian's [[mausoleum]]) inserted in the corridors and floors of the former palace. As a part of the [[Byzantine Empire]], the city had varying but significant political autonomy. ===Middle Ages=== [[Image:SPLIT-Adam S front view.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Walls of the Roman [[Diocletian's Palace]] in Split.]] The [[Middle Ages|Medieval period]] in Split's [[Dalmatia]] province is marked by the waning power of the Byzantine Empire, and by the struggle of the neighboring powers, namely the Venetian Republic, the Kingdom of Croatia, and (later) the Kingdom of Hungary, to fill the power vacuum.<ref>[http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/dalmatia614802.html History of Dalmatia: 614 to 802 AD]</ref> The arrival of the [[South Slavs]] (mostly [[Croats]]) in the 7th century AD profoundly influenced the area. The hinterland and the islands were predominantly populated by the Croats, who began influencing the city itself. The early [[Medieval Croatian state]] (later the [[Kingdom of Croatia (Medieval)|Kingdom of Croatia]]) founded neighboring littoral cities (such as [[Šibenik]]), and encompassed the vast majority of the hinterland. In the following centuries Split developed an increasingly Croatian character, which can be seen in the architecture (particularly of churches) in the city and its surroundings. The city's Romanic population increasingly mingled with the surrounding populace. To the north, the [[Venetian Republic]] began to influence the Dalmatian region from the 10th century, using its growing economic influence to gain control over the islands and the coastal cities. It gained control over the city during several periods, due mostly to the temporary weakness of the Croatian or Hungarian state. With the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Croatia held ''de-facto'' suzerainty over the city, granting it significant autonomy due to the state's feudal character. In the year 1102, Croatia was forced into a [[personal union]] with the [[Kingdom of Hungary in the Middle Ages|Kingdom of Hungary]] (see [[Pacta conventa (Croatia)|Croatian pacta conventa]]) by its King, Coloman. The city however maintained its significant degree of independence, and in 1312, it issued statues as well as currency of its own. ===Venetian and Austrian rule=== [[Image:SPLIT-Adam city view.jpg|thumb|left|330px|Split in the [[Early modern period]].]] During the 20-year Hungarian civil war between King [[Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor|Sigismund]] and the [[Capetian House of Anjou]] of the [[Kingdom of Naples]], the losing contender, [[Ladislaus of Naples]], sold his "rights" on Dalmatia to the Venetian Republic for a mere 100,000 [[ducats]]. The much more centralized Republic took over the city by the year 1420, it was to remain under Venetian rule for 377 years (1420 - 1797).<ref>http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/croat13011526.html History: 1301 to 1526 AD</ref> <br> The population was by that time largely [[Croatian language|Croatian]], but besides Slavic, the common language was also [[Italian language|Italian]] (a mixture of [[Tuscan dialect|Tuscan]] and [[Venetian dialect|Venetian]] dialects). The autonomy of the city was reduced: the highest authority was a prince-captain, always of Venetian birth. Despite this, Split eventually developed into a significant port-city, with important trade routes to the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]]-held interior through the nearby [[Klis]] pass. Culture flourished as well, Split being the hometown of [[Marko Marulić]], a classic Croatian author. Marko Marulić's most acclaimed work, ''[[Judita]]'' (1501), was written in Split, and was published there in 1521. It is widely held to be the first modern work of Croatian literature. Still, it should be noted the advances and achievements were reserved mostly for the [[aristocracy]]: the [[illiteracy]] rate was extremely high, mostly because Venetian rule showed little interest in educational and medical facilities. Split was ruled by the Venetian Republic up to its downfall in 1797. After a brief [[Illyrian Provinces|period of Napoleonic rule]] (1806&ndash;1813), the city was allocated to the [[Empire of Austria]] by the [[Congress of Vienna]]. Large investments were undertaken in the city during that period, new streets were built and parts of the ancient fortifications were removed.<ref>[http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/balkans/illprov.html The Illyrian Provinces, 1809-1813]</ref> During the period of the [[Austrian Empire]] Split's region, the [[Kingdom of Dalmatia]], was a separate administrative unit. After the [[revolutions of 1848]] as a result of the [[romantic nationalism]], two factions appeared. One was the pro-Croatian ''Unionist faction'' (later called the ''"Puntari"'' faction), led by the ''People's Party'' and, to a lesser extent, the ''Party of Rights'', both of which advocated the union of Dalmatia with Croatia-Slavonia which was under Hungarian administration. This faction was strongest in Split, and used it as its headquarters. The other faction was the pro-Italian ''Autonomist faction'' (also known as the "[[Italia irredenta|Irredentist]]" faction), whose political goals of which varied from autonomy within the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]], to a political union with [[Kingdom of Italy|Italy]]. [[Antonio Bajamonti]] became mayor of Split/Spalato in 1860 for the Autonomist Party (pro-Italian) and - except for a brief interruption during the period 1864-65 - held the post for over two decades until 1880. Bajamonti was also a member of the Dalmatian Sabor (1861-91) and the Austrian Chamber of Deputies (1867-70 and 1873-79). In 1882 the Autonomist Party of Bajamonti lost the elections, being elected for the first time in the history of the city a Croatian mayor, the lawyer [[Dujam Rendić-Miočević]]. The political alliances in Split shifted over time. At the beginning, the ''Unionists'' and ''Autonomists'' were allied together, against [[centralism]] of [[Vienna]]. After a while, when the national question came to prominence, they separated. Under Austria, however, Split can generally be said to have stagnated. The great upheavals in Europe in 1848 gained no ground in Split, and the city did not rebel. ===20th century=== [[Image:SPLIT-Overall view 1910.jpg|300px|thumb|right|An early photograph of Split from the year [[1910]].]] ==== Kingdom of Yugoslavia ==== After the end of [[World War I]] and the dissolution of [[Austria-Hungary]], the province of [[Dalmatia]], along with Split, became a part of [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]] (which in 1929 changed its name to ''Kingdom of Yugoslavia''). Since both [[Rijeka]] and [[Zadar]], the two other large cities on the eastern Adriatic coast, were annexed by [[Italy]], Split became the most important port in Yugoslavia. In the new country, Split became the seat of new administrative unit, [[Littoral Banovina]]. The Lika railway, connecting Split to the rest of the country, was completed in 1925. After the Cvetković-Maček agreement, Split became the part of new administrative unit (merging of Sava and Littoral Banovina plus some Croat populated areas), [[Banovina of Croatia]] in Kingdom of Yugoslavia. ====World War II==== {{main|Yugoslav People's Liberation War}} In [[April]] 1941, following the [[invasion of Yugoslavia]] by the [[Nazi Germany]], Split was occupied by Italy and formally annexed one month later. Italian rule met heavy opposition from the Croat majority and almost a third of the total population joined [[Josip Broz Tito]]'s [[Yugoslav Partisans|Partisans]]. The local football clubs refused to compete in the Italian championship; [[HNK Hajduk Split|HNK Hajduk]] and [[RNK Split]] suspended its activities and later both joined the Partisans along with their entire staff. Soon after Hajduk became the official football club of the Partisan movement. In [[September]] 1943, following the capitulation of Italy, the city was liberated by Tito's brigades with thousands of people volunteering to join the [[Partisans (Yugoslavia)|Partisans]], only to be placed (by the [[Wehrmacht]]) under the occupation of the Nazi puppet [[Independent State of Croatia|NDH]] (the so called "Independent State of Croatia") just a few weeks later. During the occupation, some of the port facilities as well as parts of the old city were damaged by NDH and German bombing. In a tragic turn of events, besides being bombed by axis forces, the heavily pro-Partisan city was also bombed by the Allies, causing hundreds of deaths. Partisans finally liberated the city on [[October 26]], [[1944]]. On [[February 12]], [[1945]] the [[Kriegsmarine]] conducted a daring raid on the Split harbor, damaging the British cruiser ''[[HMS Delhi (D47)|Delhi]]''. Until the end of war Split was the provisional capital of Croatia. ====SFR Yugoslavia==== {{main|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Socialist Republic of Croatia}} After World War II, Split became a part of the [[Socialist Republic of Croatia]], itself a constituent sovereign republic of the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]. During the period the city experienced its largest economical and demographic boom. Dozens of new factories and other companies were founded with the cities population increasing three times during the period. The city became the economic center of an area far exceeding the borders of Croatia and was flooded by waves of rural migrants from the undeveloped hinterland who found employment in the newly built factories, a part of large-scale [[industrialization]] and investment by the Yugoslav Federal government. [[Image:Split (SRH grb).gif|thumb|120px|right|The current Coat of Arms of Split is a modification of the one created in the [[SFR Yugoslavia]].]] The shipbuilding industry was particularly successful, with Yugoslavia becoming one of the world's top nations in the field. Many recreational facilities were also constructed with federal funding, especially for the 1979 [[Mediterranean Games]], such as the [[Poljud Stadium]], an architectural marvel. The city also became the largest passenger and military port in Yugoslavia and the center of the [[Yugoslav People's Army]]'s ([[Serbo-Croatian language|Croatian or Serbian language]]: ''Jugoslavenska Narodna Armija,'' JNA) Coastal Military District (equivalent of a [[field army]]) along with the headquarters of the [[SFR Yugoslav Navy|Yugoslav War Navy]] (''Jugoslavenska Ratna Mornarica,'' JRM). In the period between 1945 and 1990, the city was totally transformed and expanded, taking up the whole of the [[peninsula]]. In the same period (considered its [[golden age]]) it achieved an as yet unsurpassed GDP and employment level, far above the present day's, and became one of the largest cities in the whole of Yugoslavia. ====Republic of Croatia==== When Croatia declared its independence in 1991, Split had a large garrison of JNA troops (drafted from all over Yugoslavia), as well as facilities and the headquarters of the Yugoslav War Navy (JRM). This led to a months-long tense stand-off between the JNA and Croatian National Guard and police forces, occasionally flaring up with various incidents. The most tragic such incident occurred in [[November 15]] 1991, when the JRM light frigate ''Split'' fired a small number of shells at the city and surroundings. The damage was insignificant, but there were a few casualties. In this attack three general locations were bombarded: old city core, city airport and uninhabited part of hills above Kastela between airport and Split. This was the only time in history that a city was bombarded by a military vessel bearing its name. {{Fact|date=December 2007}} Sailors of the JRM who had refused to attack Croat civilians, most of them Croats themselves, were left in the vessel's brig. <br> The JNA and JRM evacuated all of its facilities in Split during January 1992. The economic recession soon began. <br clear="left" /> ==Government== The mayor of Split is [[Ivan Kuret]] of the [[Croatian Democratic Union]] while the City Council currently has the following makeup:<ref>[http://www.split.hr/Gradsko_vijece.htm Split City Council]</ref> {| border="0" !align="left" |Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) | 6 seats |- !align="left" |[[Social Democratic Party of Croatia|Social Democratic Party]] (SDP) | 5 seats |- !align="left" |Velo Misto List | 3 seats |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Party of Pensioners]] (HSU) | 2 seats |- !align="left" |[[Croatian People's Party]] (HNS) | 2 seats |- !align="left" |Independent City List | 2 seats |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Social Liberal Party]] (HSLS) | 1 seat |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Democratic Republican Party]] (HDRS) | 1 seat |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Party of Rights]] (HSP) | 1 seat |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Bloc]] (HB) | 1 seat |- !align="left" |[[Croatian Pure Party of Rights]] (HČSP) | 1 seat |} ==Economy== {{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}} [[Image:Split 2004.jpg|300px|thumb|]] {{see also|Economy of Croatia|Croatian privatization controversy}} Split's economy has slowly begun to emerge from the [[recession]] caused by the transfer to a [[market economy]], and the [[privatization]]. During this shadowy privatization process and the breakdown of law and order caused by the dissolution of [[SFR Yugoslavia]], a large number of the city's prosperous companies were utterly ruined by [[criminal activity]] and corruption as people enjoying the new [[government]]'s support scrambled to make as much money as possible by dismantling the industry and selling its property off piecemeal. <br> However, in the Yugoslav era the city had been a highly significant economic center with a modern and diverse industrial and economic base including [[shipbuilding]], [[food industry|food]], [[chemical industry|chemical]], [[plastics industry|plastics]], [[textile industry|textile]], [[paper industry]], etc. Today most of the factories are out of business (or are far below pre-war production and employment capacity) and the city has been trying to concentrate on commerce and services, consequently leaving an alarmingly large number of factory workers unemployed. It has nevertheless managed to relatively maintain its position as an important transportation, commercial, and administrative center of Dalmatia, ensuring stable, though lethargic economic growth. The prospects for the future perhaps look somewhat brighter. The new A1 motorway, integrating Split with the rest of the Croatian freeway network, has helped stimulate economic production and investment, with new businesses being built in the city center and its wildly sprawling suburbs. The entire route was opened in [[July]] 2005. Today, the city's economy relies mostly on [[trade]] and [[tourism]] with some old industries undergoing partial revival, such as food ([[fishing]], [[olive]], [[wine]] production), paper, [[concrete]] and chemicals. A government report in late [[October]] 2006 released somewhat positive information regarding Split's economy. In 2005 and 2006, 4,000 new jobs were created in Split's rather large province. Foreign investment in the first six months of 2006 grew by 76%, and for the first time export levels were greater than import levels. Also, Split's economy in the first half of 2006 grew at a 6% rate. Additionally, 2006 brought to Split many shipbuilding jobs, which signify the beginning of revitalization for the once-massive shipbuilding industry in Split. ==Geography and climate== {{climate chart |Split |5|9|83 |6|11|68 |8|13|75 |11|17|66 |15|22|56 |19|27|51 |21|29|28 |21|29|50 |18|25|61 |14|20|79 |10|15|108 |6|11|100 |source=[http://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/h/HR13334.html#data] |float=right }} Split is situated on a [[peninsula]] between the eastern part of the [[Gulf of Kaštela]] and the [[Split Channel]]. The [[Marjan]] hill (178m), rises in the western part of the peninsula. The ridges [[Kozjak]] (779m) and his brother [[Mosor]] (1339m) protect the city from the north and northeast, and separate it from the hinterland. Split has a [[Mediterranean climate]]: hot, dry summers (maximum air temperature in July reaches 42 °C) and warm, wet winters (average annual [[rainfall]] is 900mm). Split is one of the sunniest places in Europe. Vegetation is of the evergreen Mediterranean type, and subtropical flora ([[palm-tree]]s, [[agaves]], [[cactus|cacti]]) grow in the city and its surroundings. The Marjan hill is covered with a large cultivated [[forest]]. ==Demographics== According to the 2001 census, the city of Split had 188,694 citizens, in 2007 this rose to 221,456. There are approximately 410,000 people in the Split metropolitan area. Split has one of the largest [[demographic]] growths in Croatia. The entire [[Split-Dalmatia county]] has around 470,000 residents, with Croats making up 95.15% of the population.[http://www.dzs.hr/Eng/censuses/Census2001/Popis/E01_02_02/E01_02_02_zup17.html] 88.37% of the residents of the city are [[Roman Catholics]].[http://www.dzs.hr/Eng/censuses/Census2001/Popis/E01_02_04/E01_02_04_zup17.html] ==Transport== [[Image:Grgur ninski statue.jpg|left|170px|thumb|Statue of [[Gregory of Nin]], created by [[Ivan Meštrović]] in 1929.]] Split is an important transport center for [[Dalmatia]] and the wider region. In addition to the [[Zagreb]]-Split freeway ([[A1 (Croatia)|A1]]), all the road traffic along the Adriatic coast on the route [[Zadar]]&ndash;[[Dubrovnik]] flows through the city. The city also has an impressive series of expressways and avenues, enabling efficient, fast transit by car around the city and its suburbs.<br> City public transport is conducted by [[bus]], the city being inadequate for [[trams]] due to its hilly structure. The local public transport company [[Promet Split]] has recently renovated its fleet with the latest models. The [[Split Airport|airport]] in [[Kaštela]] is the second largest in Croatia in terms of passenger numbers (1,190,551 in 2007), with year-round services to Zagreb, London, [[Frankfurt]] and the [[Cologne Bonn Airport]] in [[Germany]], as well as heavy tourist traffic in the summer. <br> The expansion of the terminal is scheduled to commence in 2008. The Split passenger seaport is the third busiest port in the [[Mediterranean]], with daily coastal routes to [[Rijeka]], [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Ancona]] in Italy. During the summer season Split is connected with other Italian cities as well, such as [[Pescara]]. Most of the central Dalmatian islands are only reachable via the Split harbour (with [[Jadrolinija]] and [[Split Tours]] [[ferry|ferries]]). This includes the islands of [[Brač]], [[Hvar]] and [[Šolta]], as well as the more distant [[Vis (island)|Vis]], [[Korčula]] and [[Lastovo]] . Split is the southernmost integrated point of the [[Croatian Railways|Croatian Railway]] network. Within Split's city centre, railway traffic passes two tunnels before reaching the Central Station. The line to Split is unremarkable; a journey from Split to Zagreb or Rijeka takes around 5 hours, as the line is unelectrified and consists of only one track. Currently, there are no definite plans to upgrade the line, but with the start of work on the new Zagreb-Rijeka railway line in October 2007, the line to Split may very well see renovation in the near future. {{Fact|date=April 2008}} The [[Split Suburban Railway]] network opened in early December 2006. It currently has one line, running from the Split city harbour to [[Kaštela|Kaštel Stari]]. The line is expected to get a second track and be fully electrified by 2008. New, low-floor trains are expected to be implemented as well. This line will also be lengthened, to encompass the aforementioned Split International Airport, and continue on to the towns of [[Trogir]] and [[Seget Donji]]. <br> Split also plans to construct a mini-metro that is to be operational by 2009. ==Culture== {{Infobox World Heritage Site | WHS = Historical Complex of [[Split]] with the [[Palace of Diocletian]] | Image = [[Image:Diocletian's Palace.png|300px|A view of the peristyle towards the entrance of Diocletian's quarters]] | State Party = {{CRO}} | Type = Cultural | Criteria = ii, iii, iv | ID = 97 | Region = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Europe|Europe and North America]] | Year = 1979 | Session = 3rd | Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/97 }} Since 1979, the historic center of Split has been included in the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation|UNESCO]] list of [[World Heritage Site]]s. Split is also known as one of the centers of Croatian culture. Its literary tradition can be traced to medieval times, and includes names like [[Marko Marulić]], while in more modern times Split excelled by authors famous for their sense of humor. Among them the most notable is [[Miljenko Smoje]], famous for his TV series [[Malo Misto]] and [[Velo Misto]], with the latter dealing with the development of Split into a modern city.<br> Despite colorful settings and characters, as well as a cinema tradition that could be traced to early 20th century works of [[Josip Karaman]], there were relatively few films shot in or around Split. However, the city did produce several famous actors, most notably [[Boris Dvornik]]. Also well known is [[Ivo Tijardović]], and his famous operetta "Little Floramye" (''Mala Floramye''). Both Smoje and Tijardović are famous artists thought to represent the old Split traditions that are slowly dying out due to the city being overwhelmed by large numbers of rural migrants from the undeveloped hinterland. The old Split families still cling to the littoral Dalmatian way of life and values, often publicly stating their disgust at the ruralization of the ancient city. Split also houses two important archaeological museums - one dedicated to antiquity, another to the early medieval period. The most recognisable aspect of Split culture is popular music. Notable composers include [[Ivo Tijardović]], [[Zdenko Runjic|Zdenko Runjić]] - some of the most influential musicians in former Yugoslavia. There is great cultural activity during summers, when the prestigious [[Split Music Festival]] is held, followed by ''Split Summer (Splitsko ljeto)'' theater festival. The largest pop-concerts in Split since Croatian independence have been held by [[Mišo Kovač]], [[Thompson (band)|Thompson]], and a night of traditional klapa singers from across Dalmatia, all at Poljud Stadium.<ref>http://www.vjesnik.hr/html/2006/09/05/Clanak.asp?r=pis&c=1 Klapa Woodstock</ref> ==Sports== [[Sportsperson|Sportsmen]] are traditionally held in high regard in Split, and the city is famous for producing many champions. The most popular sports in Split are [[football (soccer)]], [[tennis]], [[basketball]], [[swimming]], [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]], [[sailing]], [[waterpolo]], [[Athletics (track and field)|athletics]], and [[handball]]. The main [[football (soccer)]] [[football club|club]] is [[HNK Hajduk Split|HNK Hajduk]], arguably the most popular club in Croatia, while [[RNK Split]] is the city's second club. The largest football stadium is the [[Poljud Stadium]] (HNK Hajduk's ground), with 35,000 capacity (55,000 prior to the renovation to an all-seater). [[Basketball]] is also popular, and the city basketball club, [[KK Split]] (Jugoplastika Split), holds the record of winning the [[Euroleague]] three consecutive times (1989-1991), with notable players like [[Toni Kukoč]] and [[Dino Rađa]] both of whom are Split natives. [[Image:Split stadium.JPG|thumb|400px|right|The [[Poljud Stadium]], innovatively designed, was built by the Yugoslav Federal Government for the 1979 [[Mediterranean Games]].]] Split's most famous [[tennis]] stars are the retired [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] champion [[Goran Ivanišević]], and [[Mario Ančić]] (''"Super Mario"''). Members of the local [[Rowing (sport)|rowing]] club [[HVK Gusar Split|HVK Gusar]] won numerous [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] and [[World Rowing Championships|World Championship]] medals. Swimming also has a long tradition in Split, with Đurđica Bjedov (1968 Olympic Gold Medal and Olympic record in the 100 m breaststroke), [[Duje Draganja]] and [[Vanja Rogulj]] as the most famous swimmers from the city. As a member of the ASK Split athletics club, the champion [[Blanka Vlašić]] also originates from the city. The biggest sports events to be held in Split were the 1979 [[Mediterranean Games]], and the 1990 [[European Athletics Championships]]. Split will be one of the host cities of the [[2009 World Men's Handball Championship]]. The city will have a new arena built for this event. The cost of the arena will be evenly divided between the city and the government.<ref>[http://www.javno.com/en/croatia/clanak.php?id=68630 Cabinet And Split Participate In Financing Hall]</ref> [[Picigin]] is a traditional local sport (originating in 1908), played on the famous sandy beach Bačvice. It is played in very shallow water (just ankle deep) with a small ball. Picigin is played by five players. The ball is the peeled tennis ball. There is a tradition of playing picigin in Split on New Year's Day, regardless of the weather conditions, in spite of the sea temperature rarely exceeding 10 °[[Celsius|C]].{{Fact|date=January 2008}} ==Gallery== <gallery> Image:Croatia.Split.Riva.jpg|Decorations of the new controversial ''Riva''. Image:Split, Croatia from Ferry.JPG|A view of the City Harbour from the sea. Image:Sv. Duje cathedral, Split, Croatia.JPG|[[Bell tower]] of the Split city cathedral. Image:Croatia - Split - Riva under night.JPG|''Riva'' at night. Image:Narodni Trg (Pjaca).JPG|Main [[city square]], the ''Pjaca'' (''Narodni Trg'', People's Square). Image:Split4161.jpg|The sea walls of the [[Diocletian's Palace]], overlooking the ''Riva''. Image:Split-Roman walls.jpg|Walls of the Roman [[Diocletian's Palace]], the city center. Image:Split riva photo.jpg|Split City Harbor (''Gradska luka'') and the ''Riva''. Image:Split harbour 01.jpg|A view of the City Harbour (''Gradska luka''). Image:Split riva.jpg|Split's ''Riva'', after its recent controversial renovation. Image:Cathedral of Split 2.jpg|The City's trademark [[bell tower]] of the ancient Split cathedral. Image:Bacvice.jpg|Split's favorite [[beach]], ''Bačvice bay'', located near the city center. </gallery> ==Sister cities/towns== *{{flagicon|USA}} [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[USA]] *{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Ancona]], [[Italy]] *{{flagicon|Chile}} [[Antofagasta]], [[Chile]] *{{flagicon|Chile}} [[Punta Arenas]], [[Chile]] *{{flagicon|Israel}} [[Bet Shemesh]], [[Israel]] *{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Cockburn, Western Australia|Cockburn]], [[Australia]] *{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Dover]], [[United Kingdom]] *{{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Gladsaxe]], [[Denmark]] *{{flagicon|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} [[Mostar]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] *{{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Odessa]], [[Ukraine]] *{{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Ostrava]], [[Czech Republic]] *{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Pescara]], [[Italy]] *{{flagicon|Macedonia}} [[Štip]], [[Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia]] *{{flagicon|Norway}} [[Trondheim]], [[Norway]] *{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Velenje]], [[Slovenia]] *{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf]] of [[Berlin]], [[Germany]] Recently, the city has received and charter of sisterhood from [[Rosario, Argentina]] ==See also== *[[Split-Dalmatia county]] *[[Diocletian's Palace]] *[[Jadro River]] *[[Marjan, Croatia|Marjan]] *[[HNK Hajduk Split]] *[[Marko Marulić]] *[[Antonio Bajamonti]] == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Split}} *[http://www.split.hr/ Official Split web page] *{{wikitravel}} *[http://w3.mrki.info/split/ Split information (including Diocletian's palace)] *[http://www.seesplit.com Split Dalmatia ] {{Croatian cities}} {{Split-Dalmatia}} {{World Heritage Sites in Croatia}} {{CoorHeader|43|30|0|N|16|26|0|E|type:city(189000)_region:HR}} <!-- THIS IS ALREADY CREATED BY THE INFOBOX!!! no longer seems to be the case---2007-08-04--> [[Category:Split| ]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Croatia]] [[Category:Coastal cities]] [[Category:World Heritage Sites in Croatia]] [[Category:Port cities in Europe]] [[Category:Split-Dalmatia County]] [[ar:سبليت]] [[bs:Split]] [[bg:Сплит]] [[ca:Split]] [[cs:Split]] [[da:Split]] [[de:Split]] [[dsb:Split]] [[et:Split]] [[el:Σπλιτ]] [[es:Split]] [[eo:Split]] [[fr:Split]] [[fy:Split]] [[hsb:Split]] [[hr:Split]] [[id:Split]] [[it:Spalato]] [[he:ספליט]] [[la:Spalatum]] [[lv:Splita]] [[lb:Split]] [[lt:Splitas]] [[hu:Split]] [[nl:Split]] [[ja:スプリト]] [[no:Split]] [[nn:Split]] [[pl:Split (miasto)]] [[pt:Split]] [[ro:Split]] [[ru:Сплит (город)]] [[sk:Split]] [[sl:Split]] [[sr:Сплит]] [[sh:Split]] [[fi:Split]] [[sv:Split]] [[tr:Split]] [[vec:Spàłato]] [[vo:Split]] [[zh:斯普利特]]