Split, my second home, sits by the blue Adriatic, where the sunlight hits the sea and old stone walls hold whispers of the past. People who visit often talk about how lovely it is, but one question makes me grin every time: “Where does the name come from?”
Have you ever wondered, why is Split in Croatia called Split? The name holds centuries of history, so let me take you back in time.
From Aspalathos to Spalatum: The Greek Beginnings
To get why Split has its name, let’s go way back to the 3rd century BCE. Greek settlers from Croatian Island of Vis, called Issa back then, came to this spot. They set up a little town and named it Aspalathos. The name came from a plant, the Aspalathos – a thorny bush with yellow flower known also as Spiny Broom or Spanish Broom (Croatian: Brnistra). It’s a common plant that grows in Mediterranean in spring and it still grows on Marjan Hill today.
Though small and simple back then, the location caught the Greeks’ attention for its fertile land and natural harbors. It was beautifully protected from bad weather conditions, but also from potential barbarian threats, so Greeks decided to build one of their many settlements along the Adriatic coast.
Roman Changes: Spalatum and the Palace
When Romans took over Dalmatia, they changed everything, even the name Aspalathos. By the 1st century CE, they Latinized it to Spalatum. Its role grew immensely in the 3rd century when Emperor Diocletian made it the spot for his grand retirement palace today known as Diocletian’s Palace. This wasn’t just a home—it was a huge, stunning work of architecture. Today, inside its walls is where the center of Split stands.
The name Spalatum has long puzzled experts. Some say it directly came from the Greek word Aspalathos, shaped by Latin use. Others think it ties to Latin word “palatium,” meaning palace, hinting at Diocletian’s retirement home. Some even think it could simply mean “spacious palace”. Yet, the connection to the plant seems most enduring.
Slavic Influence: From Spljet, Splet to Split
By the 600s, the Roman Empire was breaking down, and Slavic tribes came into Roman province of Dalmatia. When the nearby Roman city of Salona was ruined, its people ran to Diocletian’s Palace to stay safe behind the walls of the Palace. They started building small houses inside the Palace, which later became City of Split.
Over time, as the Slavic people settled in this new territory, their language began to shape the names of places, including the city’s name.
The name Spalatum that the Romans used began to shift as it moved through Slavic tongues and ways of speech. The name changed shape based on how people talked in certain areas. Croatian language, which comes from Slavic language, has three main dialects —Chakavian, Shtokavian, and Kajkavian — and each influenced how the name evolved. This is why, in some parts of Croatia, the city was called Spljet, in other parts it was called Splet, and later it officially became Split, because in Dalmatia, where the city is located, people use Chakavian dialect.
Learn more about Croatian dialects
A Blend of Cultures
Name Split is more than just word play — it’s a sign of its rich past. Tied to Greek roots, shaped by Roman power, and later strengthened by Slavic grit, Split has grown from many cultures. The Venetians ruled for hundreds of years, leaving their touch on the city’s architecture and language. Then, the influence of Austro-Hungarians and Ottomans added more layers to the city’s soul.
As you walk the old stone streets, the past greets you at every turn. Gothic windows on aged walls, Baroque fronts on homes, and Roman pillars stand together, telling a shared story. No other place on Earth holds such a rare mix of cultures and deep past blending together in the city of only 160 500 inhabitants.
Return to the Plant – The Legend of Aspalathos
Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the plant that started it all. The Aspalathos isn’t just a thorny shrub; it’s a symbol of resilience and beauty, much like the city itself. In Greek mythology, plants often carried divine significance, Aspalathos was a sign of protection and prosperity.
Locals today still celebrate this connection to nature. On a warm spring day, when Aspalathos starts growing, you can find many locals hiking up Marjan Hill, breathing in the fresh air, and appreciating how first settlers found inspiration in something as humble as a wildflower.
From Medieval to Modern Times
As Split grew into a town in the Middle Ages, its name stayed the same. By the 12th Century, the city ruled itself as a small commune, flourishing under Croatian and Hungarian kings while holding onto its Roman and Byzantine roots. In the 15th Century, the Venetians took control and shaped the city’s politics and culture. They left behind vast influence, including words like campanile, meaning bell tower, and piazza, meaning square. Instead of Split, Venetians called it Spalato, referring back to its Roman heritage.
In modern times, Split became a center for trade and industry, especially during the Austro-Hungarian period. Yet, despite the changing rulers and evolving times, the name “Split” endured. It’s a testament to the city’s ability to adapt while staying true to its roots.
The Spirit of the City Behind the Name: Why is Split in Croatia Called Split?
To me, the name “Split” is more than just a word—it’s a feeling. It captures the city’s unique energy, where ancient history and modern life coexist seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering through the maze of Diocletian’s Palace, savoring fresh seafood at a seaside konoba (tavern), or cheering on Hajduk Split at Poljud Stadium, you’re living a piece of that history.
Split is a city of contrasts: old and new, serene and bustling, rugged and elegant. Now you know the fascinating history behind why Split in Croatia is called Split. Its name, with its complicated and yet interesting past, mirrors this duality. It’s a reminder that no matter how much the world changes, the essence of Split—its resilience, charm, and beauty—remains timeless. Split is a name that has stood the test of time, just like the city itself.
