Split, Croatia is a major transportation hub of the Dalmation coast and has a very urban feel to it. The centerpiece of Old Town (Stari Grad) is the ruins of the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, which covers about the right two-thirds of the picture. It was essentially his retirement home in the fourth century A.D.

The palace was eventually abandoned, but was reoccupied in the seventh century. When the Venetians tok over the Dalmation Coast in the 15th century, they added a layer of Gothic-Renaissance architecture to Split.

Diocletian's Cellars (Podromi)

The land on which Diocletian's Palace was built sloped down to the sea, so a series of cellars were built to level out the floor.

Inside the walls

Bell Tower

For 5 kuna (about a dollar) you can go up the bell tower, which is part of the Cathedral of St. Dominus (Katedrala Sv. Duje). The lower part consists of very steep stone steps, but once you get to the level of the bells, it turns into an open staircase.

Around the Palace

Ivan Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Meštrović)

Ivan Meštrović is probably Croatia's most important artist. The gallery used to be Meštrović's residence, studio, and exhibition space.

Kaštelet Chapel

The Kaštelet Chapel is just down the road from the gallery, and contains 28 wood reliefs depicting Jesus' life, carved over a 30-year span.