Known as the “lungs of Split” because of its pine-forest fresh air and positioning away from the city of Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, Marjan Hill has been a popular recreation spot since the 3rd Century, when Roman Emperor Diocletian had parts of it reserved as park space. We were drawn to the lush park area because of its magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea and neighboring Croatian islands, jogging and walking trails, and fascinating churches, some of which were built into the cliffs centuries ago.
Whenever we felt the need to escape our home away from home in Split’s bustling Old Town within Diocletian’s Palace walls, we made a pilgrimage to Marjan where we also did a bit of foraging for wild asparagus, and picnicking among the agave plants. On most afternoons we’d see residents walking their beloved dogs or biking, and often we’d spy a ferry bound for islands Hvar, Brač, Šolta, or Vis, or even a string of baby sailboats being piloted by sailing students out on the twinkling Adriatic Sea, tempting us to embark on an island escape ourselves.
A ferry departing from Split heads out to one of the neighboring Croatian islands. Mount Mosor, where we went on a day trip hiking excursion, is visible in the background.
Shawn walks a crushed limestone path framed by agave plants, wild fennel and wild asparagus.
Agricultural plots of land, and island Čiovo off in the distance. On the right, a sculpture of St. John the Evangelist adorns one of Marjan’s churches.
A plaque at the entrance to Marjan Park.
The Church of St. Jerome (Sv. Jere). It dates back to the 15th Century.
The Croatian flag blows in the late-afternoon breeze.
The islands of Čiovo (foreground) and Šolta (background).
Sailing lessons on the Adriatic Sea.
Marjan’s churches are mostly tucked into caves and cliffs on the southern side of Marjan. Here is a 15th Century hermitage.
A bird’s eye view of the Ivan Meštrović Gallery. Meštrović is Croatia’s most famous modern sculptor, and created the Gregory of Nin sculpture at the entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. This stunning seaside villa was built in the 1930s. We visited it during Split’s annual Night of the Museums event, when the grounds were aglow with candlelight and the air was filled with music.
St. Nicholas Church, which dates back to the 13th Century. St. Nicholas is the patron saint to fishermen, merchants and sailors.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- Marjan Hill is a 10-15 minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace. There’s a café there, but it also makes a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic you’ve packed yourself.
- If you’ll be staying in Split for three days or more, be sure to pick up a free Split Card, which gives you free entry to certain museums and galleries, and reduced rates to others. If you’ll be in Split for less than three days you can purchase the card for 5 Euro.
- Need more inspiration? This link contains an index of all my posts from Croatia.
Photography & text © by Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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Filed under: Featured, Travelogues Tagged: Croatia, hiking, Marjan, Split, travel
