Solin

Some 2000 years ago, Solin was the largest Roman settlement on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, on the River Jadro and surrounded by the mountains of Kozjak to the north and Mosor to the east. Solin and its surroundings are thought to have been home to a population of around 60,000. Evidence of this is found in impressive archaeological sites; walls with towers and gates, a forum with temples, theatre, the palace-like administration building and an amphitheatre. There are unique memorials to the diocesan city and the early Christian church in the churchyard where martyrs from the time of the Diocletian’s persecution are buried. Solona, to give the town its Italian name, is often referred to as the Croatian Pompeii. The one-time Roman city lay buried for centuries. Excavations at the site first began in 1927 and so far only about 20% of the urban area of Solona has been excavated and opened for public viewing. The site, near the city of Split is of considerable significance and the largest complex of its kind in Croatia. A walk through the ruins is an experience enjoyed by many tourists throughout the year. Further excavations will continue once the difficult task of draining water from the excavation site into the nearby river has been accomplished, in order to prevent flooding of further structures as yet unearthed.