Split Riva — Attraction in Grad Split

It was an old photo in my hotel room which stirred my interest. This is what I found out…

Split’s Riva: 🌴⛲ Hard to imagine now, but Split’s famous waterfront wasn’t always lined with palm trees. The first one was planted in 1920, ordered from the nearby island of Vis. By 1930, there were 84 palms, and today the Riva proudly hosts 105 of them A. They were planted in stages to give the promenade a southern Mediterranean flair and they’ve become a symbol of the city ever since.

But the Riva’s story goes deeper. Back in 1880, Split’s then-mayor Antonio Bajamonti commissioned a grand fountain to celebrate the arrival of fresh water to the city. Designed by Italian sculptor Luigi Ceccona, the Monumental Fountain, known locally as Bajamontuša, was a masterpiece of allegorical sculpture, featuring sea creatures, mythological figures, and symbols of the Adriatic and the river Jadro B C.

It was officially unveiled in 1888, after years of political wrangling. Sadly, in 1947, the fountain was destroyed by the post-war communist authorities, using dynamite and sledgehammers, who saw it as a symbol of the old fascist and Italian regime. Only fragments remain today, preserved in the Museum of the City of Split B. Today in its place stands a modest, modern basin-style fountain, originally designed in 1947 by architect Milorad Družeić . This very year 2025 the fountain was refurbished and upgraded with 156 water jets, a central motor for shaping the jets, and 54 color-changing light fixtures, and refreshed surrounding landscaping.

So next time you stroll the Riva, sipping coffee under the palms, take a moment to imagine the grandeur of Bajamontuša and the civic pride that once flowed...

Riva started to look the way it does today two centuries ago, when the French, in time of Napoleon ruled these parts through Marshal Marmont. Today this promenade is the cities living room, the most popular and most important public place in Split. In the meantime it has been widened and reconstructed several times, but it was always blessed with the most spectacular set, the south facade of the Diocletian Palace, with the entrance into the Substructures, and later on with the buildings that were built west of the Palace, also the Franciscan monastery with the church of St. Francis, and the Bajamonti Dešković Palace and last but not least the Port Authorities building on the east end. Riva today is a pedestrian heaven, thrusting with Cafés and restaurants, an ideal place for having your morning or afternoon coffee, or for an evening out with friends over drinks. Riva is the stage of the city life of Split, a venue for numerous cultural and entertainment events, boisterous Split carnival, as well as the stage for meeting Split sportsmen after countless successes, such as Goran Ivanišević, Hajduk football club players and Jugoplastika basketball players, Olimpic medal winners... Riva is also a political forum, with decades of political opportunities being depicted through mass rallies. Naturally, Riva is always at its best in time of Sudamja, a celebration dedicated to St. Domnius, the patron...

Split is a beautiful city located on the Croatian coast, with a rich historical and cultural heritage that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The beauty of Split lies in its numerous attractions: from sandy beaches with crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, to ancient monuments such as the Diocletian's Palace, one of the largest preserved Roman buildings in the world, to the charming cobblestone streets of the old town.

The old town is a true treasure, with its white stone buildings, narrow and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants. The walk along the Riva, the seaside promenade, is an experience not to be missed, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the mountains rising behind the city.

But the beauty of Split is not limited to its monuments and natural landscapes. The city is also famous for its lively nightlife, with a multitude of bars and clubs that never close their doors. The people of Split are also known for their warm hospitality, passion for local cuisine, and love for life.

In summary, Split is a city that offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and nightlife. Its beauty is not limited to aesthetics, but also reflects in the unique atmosphere of the city and the hospitality of its people. Anyone who visits Split can only be amazed by its enchanting charm and...