03/02/2023
Marjan Park - Forest is a unique green area near the center of Split. It has exceptional natural and cultural values, and is popularly called the "lungs of the city".
Under the Law on Nature Protection, Marjan has declared a forest park in 1964 to better preserve its flora, fauna, and natural and cultural sights.
The name Marjan is of Roman origin and was first confirmed in writing on the will of Prior Peter in the first half of the VIII century century as Marulianus.
Marjan is also depicted on the Tabula Peutingeriana, a copy of an old Roman map dating back to before the construction of Diocletian's palace. On that map, in the area of Marjan, the temple of the hunting goddess Dijana and the road from the Spalatum settlement to it are marked.
In the 13th century, Marjan was considered a municipal forest, and the protection of Marjan dates back to the 14th century. This is evidenced by the Split Statute from 1312. To preserve the forest as well as possible, in 1358 the city's Great Council introduced the institution of permanent guardians of Marjan. At the time of the Venetian administration over Split, and especially during the Turkish wars, supervision over the Marjan forest was weak, and the expansion of settlements, uncontrolled felling, grazing, and burning led to the fact that in the 17th century, Marjan was already completely devastated and reduced to exposed karst.
Systematic afforestation of Marjan began only in the 1980s century thanx to Split naturalist and professor Juraj Kolombatović. Afforestation began in the area of the Jewish cemetery, which was established before 1573. It is one of the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Croatia and is a protected cultural asset.
Hotel Cvita is situated near the park and forest Marjan and allows you fast access for light hiking and nature enjoyment.
