Split, historically known as Spalato (from Venetian and Italian), is the second-biggest megacity of Croatia and the largest metropolis in Dalmatia and the Croatian seacoast. It lies on the eastern bay of the Adriatic Sea. As an intra regional transport mecca and popular sightseeing destination, it is linked to the Adriatic islands and the Apennine Peninsula.

Split was created as the Greek colony of Aspálathos on the coast of the Illyrian Dalmatae. It later became a Byzantine province and then drifted into the sphere of Venice and Croatia. However, for most of the High and Late Middle Ages, Split enjoyed autonomy as a free zone of the Dalmatian state, caught between a struggle with Venice and Croatia for control over the Dalmatian metropolises.

Split has a humid tropical and Mediterranean climate in the Köppen bracket since only one summer month has lower than 40mm (1.6 in) of downfall, precluding it from being only a sticky tropical or Mediterranean. Instead, it has brisk, relatively dry summers and mild, wet, colder seasons, which sometimes feel frigid because of the strong northern winds.

Known for its thriving arts scene, some of the most prominent galleries in Split are:

• The Archaeological Museum

• The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments

• The Split City Museum

• The Croatian Maritime Museum

• The Ethnographical Museum

In 1979, the Split historical center was included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Split is considered one of the pivotal points of Croatian culture. Its literary heritage is traced to medieval times and includes names like Marko Marulić. In current times, Split is known for its authors with a unique sense of humor. One of the most famous is Miljenko Smoje, famed for his television series Malo Misto and Velo Misto.