Often called the green lung of Split, Marjan is the forested hill that rises on the western side of the city and has long been part of Split’s identity. It was already mentioned in the 8th century, and over time it became a place where the people of Split went to walk, rest and enjoy the sea views.
Historically, Marjan was not just a scenic backdrop but also a protected and useful part of the peninsula. Older references show that it had different names, and its slopes were tied to agriculture, woodland use and even religious life, including the area near the headland of St. Jure, where traces of much earlier sacred sites survived into the medieval period. Today, that layered past still gives the hill a quieter, more reflective atmosphere than the lively old town below.
What you can visit on Marjan is impressively varied for such a compact area. There are walking and cycling paths, viewpoints such as Vidilica and Telegrin, chapels and hermitages, the remains of the Jewish cemetery, and the Šantine rocks, which are especially striking for both their history and views. The hill also leads naturally towards spots like the Marjan promenade, the town zoo area, and the beaches at Kašuni, Kaštelet and Bene.
In practice, Marjan is one of the best places in Split for combining culture, exercise and sea air in a single visit. You can start close to the old town, climb into the shade of the pines, pause at a café with a panoramic view, and then continue towards one of the beaches or all the way to the higher viewpoints. Don’t miss the final 314 steps to the top! It is the sort of place that feels both local and timeless, which is exactly why it stays memorable long after leaving Split.
Marjan
Split
Croatia
Loading map...
