Your first impressions of Split may well be the immense stone buildings that surround the city and its orange terracotta roofs clashing with the serene blue sea in the foreground. Yet there is a greener side to the city that deserves a mention.
The Marjan Forest Park is the so called ‘lung’ of the city. Located west, the hill is 178 metres high and at its highest point is 3.5 km long. Its forestation process began in 1852 and over time has seen the park become a haven for locals and visitors.
Few inhabitants can resist the peace and tranquillity the park offers, the great little getaway from the rushes of life. The biodiversity of species is vast from small mammals and bird inhabitants as well as the reintroduction of game (rabbit, partridge, roe deer…). Aleppo pine dominates the area along with the dispersal of flora and fauna.
When strolling through the park the churches, galleries, museums and monuments recount the glory of Split. Highlights include the 15th century Church of Saint Jere with the relief of Saint Geronimo and close by there is the Ascetic Cave where Saint Geronimo supposedly resided. There is the Meštrović Gallery, the Karepića Tower used for shelter against invaders and the famous Marjan Steps offer amazing photo snapshots.
Almost the entire area of the Marjan is a network of stone drywalls, a construction made of natural stone which has been a part of the Croatian coast and the Mediterranean since the prehistoric times.
Jogging and cycling tracks attract many fitness goers and the St. Benedict Bay, also known as Bene, has a Sports and Recreation Centre great for young and old. The beachside facilities are second to none.
Come for a picnic, take in some fresh air or simply discover the alluring Marjan Forest Park in all its glory, a park which has enchanted generations of Split residents.
Public Institution for the Marjan Forest Park, Cattanijin put 2, phone (+385-21) 38 40 97, tajnica@marjan-parksuma.hr, www.marjan-parksuma.hr.