Split: The Heart of Dalmatia

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [Oh-pros-tee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-broh. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee eng-lehs-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vye-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubljen sam
  [Eez-goob-lyen sahm]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-less-tahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je preskupo
  [Toh yeh prehs-koo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pod-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-cher]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh)]

Split, originally named Aspalathos, was founded as a Greek colony in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. This early settlement laid the groundwork for the vibrant city that would develop over the millennia.

One of Split's most iconic landmarks, Diocletian's Palace, was constructed in the early 4th century AD. Roman Emperor Diocletian had it built as his retirement residence, and it covers an area of 30,000 square meters. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site and forms the historic center of the city.

During the early medieval period, Split evolved from a Roman imperial residence to a bustling medieval town. The city was part of the Byzantine Empire and later came under the control of the Croatian Kingdom. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian's mausoleum, was consecrated in the 7th century and remains a significant historical site.

In the 15th century, Split fell under the control of the Venetian Republic. The Venetians fortified the city with walls and towers to protect it from Ottoman incursions. This period saw significant architectural and cultural development, blending Venetian and local styles.

Following the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Split became part of the Habsburg Monarchy. Under Austro-Hungarian rule, Split experienced industrial and urban growth. The construction of new infrastructure, such as the Riva promenade, transformed the city's landscape.

Split played a crucial role during World War II as a center of resistance against Fascist and Nazi forces. After the war, Split became part of Socialist Yugoslavia. The city expanded rapidly, with new residential and industrial areas developing around the historic core.

Since Croatia's independence in 1991, Split has become one of the country's major cultural and economic hubs. The city is renowned for its blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy, attracting millions of tourists each year to its historic sites, beautiful coastline, and lively festivals.

Split is accessible through Split Airport (SPU), located about 24 kilometers from the city center. The airport serves numerous international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the city. Alternatively, Split is well-connected by ferry to several Adriatic destinations, including Ancona and Pescara in Italy. The city is also accessible by train and bus from major Croatian cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

Split offers various transportation options, including public buses, taxis, and bike rentals. The public bus service, operated by Promet Split, covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. For a more scenic and leisurely option, consider renting a bike to explore the city. The city center is quite walkable, especially around the historic Diocletian's Palace. Car rentals are also available for those looking to explore the Dalmatian coast.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center and at the airport. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is customary.

Split is generally a safe city for tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially around the Riva promenade and Diocletian's Palace. Exercise standard precautions: keep your belongings secure, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant will ensure a safe visit.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Split has several hospitals and clinics, including KBC Split, the largest medical facility in the city. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach but not in the city center. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and being quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don't forget to offer your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A simple handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including seafood and Dalmatian specialties. Don't forget to say 'Hvala' (Thank you) when someone serves you.

To experience Split like a local, visit the Green Market (Pazar) near Diocletian's Palace for fresh produce and local products. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes along the Riva promenade, a favorite pastime for locals. Attend a 'klapa' performance, a traditional form of a cappella singing unique to the Dalmatian coast. For a quieter beach experience, head to Bene Beach, a bit further from the city center but favored by locals.