If I google the City of Split, most of the images are of Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town, including the Riva Waterfront and marina area. But Split is a HUGE sprawling city. The more I explore this part of Croatia, the more I admire life outside of Old Town.
Old Town
I have a previous post about Old Town. It is extraordinarily beautiful. At the core is Diocletian’s Palace inside the ancient roman walls right on the waterfront. There are small neighbourhoods on either side of the Palace that are also considered ‘Old Town’. The charm and beauty of these area’s is what attracts most visitors to the city.
But what about everything else?
Distinct Architecture
In my very first post about Split, I mentioned the concrete. Upon first arrival, I noticed a stark difference in architecture between old town and the rest of the city. And of course, there would be, being built at completely different ages.
The architecture elsewhere is almost distinctly unadorned. Even the new buildings that cannot be more than 5 years old are without decorative features. It is remarkable and so very interesting.
The city does not sport many vibrant colours either. Most buildings are tan, buff, light peach, cream, off white and rarely are the older buildings freshly painted. There are many high rises, not soaring into the clouds but perhaps 12 stories high.
I see a definite beauty in the simplicity outside of Old Town. Clean lines and simple shapes are the norm.
Doors
Following this trend are the doors. I have only seen one single brightly coloured door to one house in Old Town. Every other door, shutter and window casing has been at most forest green. A traditional colour of shutters on the old stone houses. I admire the rustic plainness of the doors here. They are formidable.
Simplicity
This trend follows through to all walks of life. As I explore the streets and neighbourhoods, I see most people are dressed in black. If they are wearing a colour, it is probably muted and without pattern. There is very little flamboyancy, no lace, no frills, no sequins. This morning, I saw a tourist wearing a bright neon orange dress and it almost blinded me. It really shocked my eyes.
I make these comments purely out of intense interest and I do not see these things in a negative light. I am fascinated by the difference for example, between here and Italy where I have just arrived from. Only separated by the Adriatic Sea, but the polar opposite in all walks of life.
This is why I travel. To expand my mind, to challenge beliefs and to see and ponder different human societies. Split is fascinating and a city, most definitely worth exploring outside of the tourist zones.
