A myriad of influences

Now we’re definitely home, I thought the time had come to share a few thoughts about Croatia & our holidays.

One thing that soon strikes you is how many different nationalities have ruled here, leaving their various & varied marks behind. The Greeks, Romans, Ostrogoths, Avars, Slavs, Franks, Byzantines, Venetians, Hungarians, Tartars, Austrians, French, Italians, Ottoman Turks, Germans & Serbs, all have tried to hold this land.

Solin, where we stayed, is noted above all for the vast ruins of Salona, an ancient Roman city. It’s still being dug up. Apparently it’s most impressive ruin is the amphitheatre capable of seating 20,000 people. Unfortunately we were unable to visit it because of my wheelchair. However we did see some parts of Salona.

Part of Salona

Other places we visited showed different influences. Split is dominated by Diocletian’s Palace. Diocletian retired as Roman emperor to here in AD295 & had this palace built. Even today it is a much lived in place. Hotels, homes & shops, all huddle together within its walls. It gives it a very lived-in feel, a part of the modern world & not just an ancient ruin as Salona is.

The peristyle, the heart of Diocletian's Palace

The semi-underground chamber of Diocletian's Palace, now a crafts market

Also in Split you are aware of the narrow, rather Venetian, feeling passages that open up into little squares or piazzas. Further along the riva (promenade to you & me) you find the Trg Republike, very reminiscent of St Mark’s Square in Venice.

A typical Split alleyway

A typical Venice alleyway

Trg Republike

St Mark's Square Venice

Venice too can be seen in the buildings & alleys of Trogir, further up the coast. Marmont’s Pavilion still stands as a memorial to the man who did his best to improve life when Napoleon held this land.

Each week we had a quiz evening. One question appeared each time. “Name three peoples who have ruled this Croatia.” There was never a shortage of possible correct answers.

A clock tower in Trogir that wouldn't have looked out of place in Venice