SOLIN
The ruins of the ancient city of Solin (Roman Salona), lying between the vineyards at the foot of the mountains, a short distance northeast of Split, are the most interesting archaeological discovery in Croatia. Solin, today it is surrounded by busy roads and industrial plants, was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, since, when Julius Caesar gave it colony status. Salona resisted the invasions of the barbarian tribes for a long time. Only in 614 r. was abandoned by the inhabitants, who fled to Split and the surrounding islands when faced with threats, which the attacks of Avars and Slavs carried.
Sightseeing
A good place to start exploring is the large car park near the Salona snack bar. Monasteries, fenced area behind the parking lot, originally located outside the ancient city, was the burial place of the first Christian martyrs. The most interesting are the remains of the cemetery and the basilica from the 5th century. Tusculum, rising above the Manastirine, it is an archaeological museum with interesting sculptures placed in the walls and in the garden. The Manastirine and Tusculum complex is part of an archaeological reserve, which can be visited between. 7.00-14.00.
The path overgrown with cypresses leads south, to the northern part of the city walls of Solina. Note the aqueduct running on the inside at the base of the walls. The ruins visible from the walls were once the center of the religious life of the first Christians. It included a three-nave cathedral from the 5th century. and a small baptistery with columns in the center. There are public baths adjacent to the cathedral from the eastern side.
In the south-west there is the eastern city gate, Porta Caesarea, later absorbed by the city expanding in all directions. In the gate, you can still see the ruts in the stone road, left behind by ancient chariots.
Going west along the city walls, after approx. 500 m reaches the basilica Kapljuc, standing on the right, one more place of eternal rest for the martyrs. At the western end of Salona there is a great amphitheater from the 2nd century., destroyed only in the 17th century. by the Venetians, not willing, to serve as a place of refuge for the Turkish invaders.
Journey
The city ruins can be reached by city bus #1, who goes to the Salona snack bar, co 30 min from Trgu Republike in Split. Bus #16 also passes through Solin, but you have to get off on the road to Sen I and the city walls, then follow the old road approx. 1 you do a new snack.
Trogir is easily accessible from the amphitheater in Solina, getting on at the stop on the nearby road to the bus going west #37 (earlier purchase of a bus ticket in Split on 3 zones). However, if you want to come back to Split, go through the underpass to the other side of the road and get on the bus #37, going east (ticket for 1 zone).