Marjan Hill: The Green Heart of Split

• HelloBok
  [bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-vee-jeh-nyah]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprosti
  [oh-pros-tee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [doh-broh ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [goh-voh-reesh lee ehn-glehs-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, mogu li vidjeti jelovnik?
  [moh-leem vahs, moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lohv-neek]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh yeh-dehm meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMolim vas, želim platiti
  [moh-leem vahs, zheh-leem plah-tee-tee]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Zovite policiju!
  [zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Zovite doktora!
  [zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna sam
  [boh-leh-stahn/snah 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-shtah]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-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-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [yoo-cher]
• TodayDanas
  [dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [deh-seht]

• 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]

The Marjan peninsula has a history that traces back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence in the area from the Neolithic period. Archaeological findings, such as tools and remnants of settlements, indicate that this region was inhabited by early humans who appreciated its natural beauty and resources.

During the Roman Empire, the Marjan area was a favored retreat for the wealthy citizens of Salona, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The lush Mediterranean landscape served as a recreational area, and remnants of Roman villas and structures can still be found, highlighting the area’s importance as a leisure destination.

In the 6th century, with the decline of the Roman Empire, Marjan became a site of monastic life. The establishment of the Monastery of St. Nicholas in the 11th century marked a significant development in the area, as it became a center for spiritual life and education, contributing to the cultural landscape of Split.

During the Renaissance, Marjan emerged as a cultural hub. The area attracted artists, writers, and scholars who found inspiration in its natural beauty. The construction of the 'Marmontova staza,' a pathway that traverses the peninsula, began in the early 19th century, enhancing access to Marjan and fostering its growth as a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

The early 20th century saw the establishment of parks and recreational areas in Marjan, solidifying its role as a green oasis for the citizens of Split. The area became a preferred location for leisure activities, with the construction of walking paths, viewpoints, and various sports facilities, reflecting the changing social dynamics and the importance of outdoor spaces in urban life.

In recent decades, efforts to preserve Marjan’s natural and historical heritage have intensified, particularly after it was declared a protected area in 1964. The Marjan Forest Park serves as a crucial ecological and recreational space, balancing the need for urban development with the preservation of nature, making it an integral part of Split's identity and culture today.

Marjan is conveniently located near the city center of Split. From Diocletian's Palace, you can walk to Marjan in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use rideshare apps like Uber for a quicker option. Public buses also connect various parts of Split to Marjan, with the nearest bus stop located at the base of the hill.

Marjan is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as its winding paths and scenic views are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can rent bicycles from local shops or use the city's bike-sharing program. Public transport options, like buses, are limited within Marjan; however, the city buses can take you to the outskirts. Taxis are available for those looking for a more direct route.

Marjan is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, as with any popular tourist area, it is advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in densely populated places. Avoid wandering alone at night, especially along the less lit paths of the park. There are no specific high-crime areas, but petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are equipped to handle urgent health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns, and you can find English-speaking staff in many tourist areas.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for the Mediterranean climate. Don’t wear beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting holy sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to those in need. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local seafood and wines. Don’t drink in public places outside designated areas.

To experience Marjan like a local, start your day with a morning jog or walk along the paths that wind through the pine forest. Visit the viewpoint at the top of the hill for stunning views of Split and the surrounding islands. Stop by local cafes for a coffee and chat with residents. Additionally, try to visit during the off-peak seasons for a more tranquil experience.

While in Marjan, make sure to visit the Marjan Forest Park, which offers numerous hiking and biking trails. Don't miss the 12th-century church of St. Nicholas and the 19th-century Jewish cemetery, both of which provide insight into the area's history. The beaches along the coast are perfect for a relaxing afternoon, and you can also find several lookout points with breathtaking views.

Marjan has a variety of dining options, from casual konobas (taverns) serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine to upscale restaurants offering seafood specialties. It's advisable to try local dishes like pašticada or fresh grilled fish. Many places offer outdoor seating with views of the sea, enhancing your dining experience.