Republic Square

You’re standing in one of Split’s most elegant squares: the Republic Square. But if you ask a local for directions, you might want to call it by its real nickname, the Prokurative! That’s what it’s known as here, a nod to the Procuratie, the three grand buildings that line St. Mark’s Square in Venice. One glance around and you’ll see why. Surrounded on three sides by arcaded buildings with soft red façades and graceful arched windows, the square has a distinctly Neo-Renaissance charm. The Italian flair is no coincidence, it was chosen in the 19th century by Split’s then-mayor, Antonio Bajamonti, a passionate admirer of Venice. At the time, Split was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Italian cultural influences still ran deep along the Dalmatian coast. For generations, the Prokurative has been a hub of Split’s social and cultural life, and it still is today. Concerts, performances, open-air events, the square regularly transforms into a stage under the stars, especially during the famous Split Festival of Popular Music each summer. First held in 1960, this six-day event is one of Croatia’s most influential music festivals, drawing all kinds of performers to this stunning setting. And here’s another striking feature: the square’s open south side frames a view of the sea and the palm trees along the Riva, inviting you to wander down to the waterfront and soak up the Dalmatian sunshine. If you’re ready for a break, just grab a seat at a café terrace, let the atmosphere work its magic, and enjoy this little slice of Venice with an Adriatic twist.