Salona

Salona is one of the largest archaeological sites in Croatia. It lies 6 km north of Split, and west of the centre of Solin.

In winter, when the bura eases and the sun lights up the slopes of Kozjak, Salona becomes a favourite outing spot for many residents of Solin and Split. Strolling along the paths among the ancient walls, outdoor birthday celebrations, badminton and various other games on the meadow, lazing about and soaking up the sun are the favourite activities of the many lovers of the outdoors.

It is extremely popular among young people!

Salona was once the metropolis of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Its origins are tied to the Illyrian Delmatae, who had a stronghold and harbour here. In the 3rd century BC, the population also included a fair number of Greek settlers from nearby colonies, as well as Italics. The first walls date back to the 2nd century BC, and after the Roman victory over the Illyrians, Salona came under Roman rule, and in 48 BC it gained the status of a Roman colony and the centre of the province of Illyricum (later Dalmatia).

It was a serious city with all the accompanying infrastructure — baths, temples and an amphitheatre with a capacity of 19,000 spectators (about 600 m west of the main site). Later, basilicas and numerous other buildings were erected, and at its greatest extent it encompassed a walled area measuring 1600 x 700 m. Together with its surroundings, it numbered over 60,000 inhabitants and exuded a spirit of cosmopolitanism.

Later, with the onslaught of the Avars and Slavs, it was abandoned, and the population sought refuge within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, out of which Split would arise.

In Salona one of the most famous archaeological finds in our country was discovered, the Djevojka iz Salone (The Girl from Salona), a marble portrait from the early 3rd century, now kept in the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb.