SPLIT and surrounding areas

5/18

After breakfast and getting some kunas, walk to the promenade . Bought tickets for the hop on hop off on a historicaly tour going to Salona ,was an ancient city and the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The name Salona comes from the early inhabitants of this area. Is situated today in the town of Solin. Salona is one of the richest archeological sites in Croatia, on the east Adriatic coast.

Passing through the seven Kastela (7 small settlements) we get to Trogir, a city in the central Adriatic coast of Croatia, it is a UNESCO protected site developed from the ancient Greek town of Tragurion, it is called a town-museum. Mixed of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings is a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. Parts of the medioeval city walls remain intact.

Next stop, Klis Fortress, on high cliffs above Split, 360 meters, had a great strategic importance at the time of the Ottoman invasions of Europe. It is a medieval fortress situated in above a village built probably in the 3rd Century BC. Due to its location the fortress served as a major source of defense in Dalmatia. Today we could see an array of arms, armor and traditional uniforms.

Kils is also being used as a location for the city of Meereen in the series Game of Thrones.

Our first tour guide, Antonella gave us a great short history on Croatia, who was part of Hungary until the collapse of the Austria-Hungary kingdom, then it became part of Yugoslavia, until it got its independence in 1991.

Other facts:

4-5.000 euros per square meter value of a house in Split.

Houses in the vicinity of Split has olive trees in each house. Split and vicinity has many vineyards, it is said that the wine Zinfandel comes from Kastela, neighborhood of Croatia.

Croatia is known of being bragging nation , the tie comes originally from Croatia, as well as the Dalmatian’s dogs

Their drink is Travarica (kind of Italian Grappa) as well as Rakia collective name of a fruit brandy popular in the Balkans, with an alcohol content of 40%, but Travarica is the king, acclaimed as a superb digestive aid and tonic. Our tour guide said that her Mom gave it to her to cure almost everything, from a headache, fever, tooth ache…..and she is still alive!!!Dried figs and sugared almonds are often served up at celebrations.

Here we had the chance to stay on that excursion, that would send us back to the start or change for another line that will take us to Vranjaca cave. it contains 2 main halls and corridor connecting them. It is 85 mts deep, too deep, could not do it. I felt short of air so after many steps decided to come up. And our guide waited for us with a shot of travarica and a cookie!!!!

Back to Split, walked under the rain, got a great veggie sandwich that we split ( yes, we split a sandwich in Split) and then ice cream, Italian style.

Had the ice cream while walking in the rain and made it to the hotel.

What a beautiful day we had!!!!!!