Coastal drive to Split (after return trip on the ferry), over the Peljesac Bridge - Croatia’s link to southern Croatia (I.e. Dubrovnik) that bypasses having to travel thru Bosnia and Herzegovina’s short strip of land (12 miles wide) to the Adriatic Sea (which meant border checks and lineups).
Republic Square - Old Town Split and before entering the Diocletian Palace - 4 gates to enter thru- the Gold most ornate), the Silver, the Brass and the Iron.
The Pirja Fountain - constructed during the 1990’s - difficult time for Croatians (Yugoslav War and economic downturn). Clenched hand with the thumb between the pointer and middle fingers - known as the ‘figs’ sign to the locals - a sign of stubbornness and resilience. The water is totally safe to drink - as was all water in Croatia, whether taps or fountains.
The Peristyle, or central square of the Diocletian Palace - summer home of the emperor - built around 300 AD.
The Diocletian’s mausoleum - to hold his remains - with genuine Egyptian sphinxes at the entrance.
The mausoleum was converted to a Christian cathedral in 653 AD.
Looking up thru the now roofless Vestibule (entrance) to the Diocletian Palace - the niches once held marble statues of Roman gods.
In the Treasury - 14th century silver head of St Batholomew - the reliquary on his forehead contains a relic of him - some of his physical remains! Reliquary of St Vincent from the 12th century.
Local market outside the palace walls.