Salona Archaeological Site – Split

Visit one of the most important archaeological sites on the central part of the eastern Adriatic coast. Salona is the ancient metropolis of the Roman province of Dalmatia. It is located in the central part of the eastern Adriatic coast, and in antiquity it was the capital of the Roman province. At the time of the migration of peoples, Salona was abandoned, and after a certain period the Croatian medieval town of Solin grew up a little further east.

Six kilometres north of Split, in present-day Solin, lie the remains of the ancient city of Salona. It was the metropolis of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The city developed quickly and without hindrance, thanks to its favourable geographical position in the middle of the eastern Adriatic coast and its location at the bottom of the sheltered Bay of Kaštela. In addition, the city's development was aided by the fact that it lay right next to the delta of the river Salon (today the Jadro), as well as good road links with the interior.

Because of its great historical importance, more significant archaeological research into this site began as early as the end of the 19th century. The greatest credit for this belongs to Don Frane Bulić, who had the memorial collection and working space of the Archaeological Museum built on the occasion of the First International Congress of Early Christian Archaeology, held in Solin in 1894.

Besides him, we must also give credit to other scholars, such as Friar Lujo Marun and the historian Mirko Cecić.

Salona today offers a rich cultural tourism experience in Split and its surroundings

Today we can boast that the town of Solin has significantly developed cultural and religious tourism. These forms of tourism are increasingly being improved and, over time, are becoming richer for visitors who enjoy history and culture.

An indicator of the quality of the offer is certainly also the figures, which are rising year after year. Visitors to the site are very satisfied, having plenty to see and certainly plenty to learn. The beautiful walls of the old town's buildings complete the overall impression, so we can say that guests enjoy themselves in a very special way.

Today Solin has become a town of cultural tourism, whose tourist offer is based on the ancient site of Salona, but also on numerous other landmarks, such as Gašpina's mill from the 18th century, the Hollow Church as the coronation basilica of King Zvonimir, and Gradina, a fortress from Roman times.

Besides the sites mentioned, tourists are also drawn to Solin by Our Lady's Island, the oldest Marian shrine among the Croats. An increasing number of pilgrims come to visit this Marian shrine.

We should certainly not overlook the natural beauty of Solin and its surroundings. The greenery surrounding this beautiful town is regularly visited by families from all parts of Croatia and abroad. Families gladly come on excursions, especially to the pleasant setting along the river Jadro.