As the oldest remains of human life on the territory of Marjan set out prehistory remains on the hill Bambina glavica, on the southern slope of the hill. From Roman times to meet a variety of names related to Marjan such as Marulianus, Marnanus, and Mons Kyrielson toward religious processions which were performed on him.

Find traces of the Romans and the Roman map (in the form of so-called. Peutingeriana Tabula), which is marked, even before the construction of Diocletian’s Palace, on Cape Marjan temple of Diana, goddess of hunting, and the way of settlements Spalatum to it. This testifies that the Marjan time was forested, probably covered with deciduous oak forest. Already in the Middle Ages (IV century) found in Split on the prohibition of the charter for cutting wood, and the first guard of Marjan, which shows the concern the then government for the protection of this area. Hermit life in Split was developed already in the Middle Ages. Chancel sv.Cirijaka bound in tradition for sv.Jeronim figure, which was reportedly lived alone.

In the later era of Venetian administration of Split, especially in the time of the Turkish wars, is not carried out more stringent oversight Marjan deciduous forest, and she, as a result of cruel cutting completely disappears. The end of 19th Marjan century began to systematically get wood and he takes on an entirely different look. Today is Marjan Forest Park, which also offers a variety of options: from a holiday in the quiet and shade of thick pine forests to the cultural, historical, touristic and recreational-sports facilities.

Marjan Hill is a low lying mountain landform on the peninsula of the city of Split, in Croatia’s Dalmatia region. It is covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest and completely surrounded by the city and the sea, making it a unique sight, originally used by Diocletian’s Palace in the third century AD as a park. It is a favourite weekend excursion destination and a recreational center of the local populace. It is also the setting of numerous beaches and jogging trails as well as tennis courts and the city zoo, all surrounded by the scenic forest. Also, the tip of the peninsula houses the “Institut za Oceanografiju i Ribarstvo” (IZOR) (Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries). The hill is 189 meters tall and offers a breathtaking view on the entire city, the surrounding islands, and the nearby mountains of Mosor and Kozjak

History

In ancient times Emperor Diocletian built his palace a few minutes walk from Marjan Hill. This opulent palace city actually was inhabited by a population of 8000 to 10,000 people, who required parks and recreation space; therefore, Diocletian established such outdoor areas at Marjan Hill There is also a small rustic 13th century AD church situated on Marjan Hill.

Marjan has become a symbol of Split in the last century and a half. Before that it was considered an ordinary part of the landscape. As the city grew, however, it was left out because of its rocky and difficult terrain, and became, in effect, a part of the wilderness next to the very center of the city. Soon the citizens started to frequent it as a picnic spot and a romantic retreat, its many beaches adding to its popularity as well.

During the Second World War, Marjan was the subject of a popular Partisan song “Marjane, Marjane”, sung by the Split (and Dalmatian) members of that anti-fascist movement and was reportedly a favorite song of resistance leader and future president of the new SFR Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. Indeed the flamboyant Partisan leader was so fond of the hill itself, he chose it as the site for the summer residence of the Yugoslav president, Vila Dalmacija. In the 1950s, during the period of the second Yugoslavia, the Federal Government, in conjunction with local Split authorities, undertook a massive project for the transformation of the wild hill into a forest park, recreating the park setting Diocletian had established 1700 years earlier.

The hill was intensively forested (large parts of it were barren until then), many recreational facilities were built, including jogging tracks, a road system encircling the peninsula, a maritime research institute, the Split City ZOO (now fallen into disrepair), botanical garden (recently abandoned) and a water pipeline reaching all the way to the top of the hill. The authorities also constructed the city weather station and two vidilice, or “look-out points”, as resting places connected with a long stairway all the way to the Diocletian’s Palace, the “Riva” promenade and the rest of the city center.

Split’s historic centre has been classed as a UNESCO world heritage site and therefore has much to offer on a sight seeing holiday.

The most famous landmark in the city is Diocetian’s Palace built in the 3rd century AD for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Almost a city within a city, the maze of streets and alleyways, buildings, temples, columns, walls and ruins are fascinating and you are almost obligated to visit.

The Cathedral and Bell Tower are also well worth visiting; built in a Romanesque style the octagonal cathedral holds an array of beautiful religious items and for a minimal fee you can climb to the top of the bell tower for some fantastic views across Split. Another cathedral worth visiting is the Saint Duje Cathedral which is possibly the oldest in the world.

There is a large variety of museums and galleries in Split too one of the most popular being the Archeological Museum. The oldest museum in Split, it contains archeological objects from prehistoric times to the early Medieval ages and provides a fascinating insight into Split’s cultured history.

The City Museum of Split is also one of the most popular housed within a complex of medieval buildings with exhibits from the 13th-14th centuries.

If you’ve got the stamina, a hike up to the top of Marjan Hill is well worth the trouble as you will be rewarded with spectacular views from the 178 meter high peak. There is also a zoo and natural history museum on the hill as well as the church of St. George and the Oceanographic Institute. On the southern slopes there are 15th century caves, the former dwellings of renaissance hermitages, and there is also a small church in front.

The best way to take in the sights of Split is on a walking tour of the Old Town where it is like stepping into a new world. The streets are lined with historic and sometimes ancient buildings, with cobbled streets, intriguing alleyways and a medieval atmosphere.