Celebrating 17 centuries of the City of Split
1995 marks an important anniversary year in Dalmatian
cultural history. Exactly 1700 years ago, the Roman
Emperor Diocletian began building his spectacular
palace, where he spent the final years of his life.
Diocletian's Palace was strategically constructed
on the Adriatic coastline, only four miles from Salona
which was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
White limestone was transported to the coast from
the rich quarries on the island of Brac. This limestone
is recognized as the finest quality in the world and
it was used to build the many outstanding structures
located in the Palace. One of these structures is
the monumental Peristyle, which is among the most
magnificent and unique historical courtyards in the
world.
Today, the Peristyle captures perfectly the essence
of the Diocletian's Palace. It is hang-out spot for
the city's youth. Its character is a mixture of living
history as well as modern culture. The Palace has
molded the personality of down town Split, where most
of the city's significant historical building are
found as well as its most successful businesses or
shops and cafes are located. Diocletian's Palace is
one of the most unique architectural and cultural
construct in Europe. Thus, its historical and cultural
significance far transcends its local importance due
to its extraordinary level of preservation.
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