A rooftop view over the mediaeval town of Dubrovnik
of the palace is the Peristyle where the interior courtyard of the Roman complex is truly impressive where layers of centuries of building can clearly be seen. The slender columns bordering 3 sides rest on a high plinth and have highly decorated capitals. Croatia has always been a place of turmoil, due mainly to its strategic location. The Romans used to find their comings and goings in the Adriatic restricted by the native peoples and after a couple of hundred years of fighting Augustus finally managed a decisive conquest in around 9 AD. Over the years that followed, Augustus made the Balkans part of the Roman empire and 'civilisation' was brought to the region; cities and roads were built and the inhabitants became Roman citizens and were therefore allowed to run for public office. Illyria (as the region was then known) produced several emperors including Septimus, Severus, Arelian, Cluadius II, Probus, Valens, Valentinian, Probus and perhaps the most famous of them all Diocletian. Diocleatin's palace in Split is extremely well-preserved and was built originally directly on the sea as a sort of retirement home for Diocletian when he eventually left office. The old city walls are remarkably-well preserved and you can enjoy an interesting tour around the town and city gates. Today, just outside the old walls, a vibrant and colourful local market thrives selling the local produce, cheeses, honey, and lavender as well as just about every fruit and veg under the sun. Just outside the port of Split lies the ancient remains of the Roman city of Salona,
destroyed in 614 but with many of its features still recognisable, especially the amphitheatre. Further south, down the Dalmatian coastline lies the jewel of the Adriatic, the ancient city of Dubrovnik. A medieval city with ancient churches, magnificent squares, twisting streets and impressive towers. One of the best known monuments in the city is the Big Fountain of Onofrio, built by a Venetian architect, was originally a two
overlooking the sea. Unfortunately, Dubrovnik suffered heavy, relentless bombing during the war in the 1990's and much of the city suffered damage. UNESCO and the European Union set up as special commission for the reconstruction of the city and much of the damage has been repaired. The ancient city is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Once again the strategic location of the city has had a direct bearing on its history and it's a city which has been much fought over
The Roman Peristyle
storey building with the upper story being destroyed in the earthquake of 1667.
The thriving market at Split, with every type of fruit and vegetable available
Due to its history and rich culture this is a destination of international importance with many, many tourists stopping here to enjoy this ancient city and to walk along its 10th century walls
A Celebration of Life in East Devon
right up till the present day. The Venetians, the Hapsburgs and the French all have some history in this region and Maximillian of Hapsburg built a palace at Lokrum (one of the small islands off Dubrovnik) which is now a nature reserve where there are many exotic plants. - continued overleaf
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