2 Best Sights in Central Dalmatia, Croatia

Split's main city square (also known locally as a pjaca) can be accessed from Diocletian's Palace through the western or Iron Gate. Historically this was an important gathering place for Splićani (people from Split), and it remains so today. In the 15th century, several major public buildings were constructed here: the Town Hall, which today houses a contemporary art gallery, plus the Rector's Palace and a theater. The latter two were sadly demolished by the Hapsburgs in the 19th century. A Secessionist building at the west end of the square stands as a testament to that era. Once the city center of administration, it is now a prime location for kicking your feet up and indulging in one of the many restaurants and cafés that line the white marble square.

From Roman times to the present day, this has been the main public meeting place within the palace walls, featuring a spacious central courtyard flanked by Corinthian marble columns and richly ornamented cornices linked by arches. There are six columns each on the east and west sides and four more at the south end, which mark the monumental entrance to the domed Vestibul. During summer, two costumed Roman guards stand watch on the square and live concerts take place occasionally.