Split is the largest city in Dalmatia, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, on a peninsula between Kastela Bay and the Split Channel. It is the economic, cultural, and tourist center of Dalmatia. Thanks to its rich history, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and numerous attractions, Split is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.
The city is best known for the famous Diocletian's Palace, which is protected by UNESCO. Visitors are also attracted by the lively Riva promenade, numerous museums, restaurants, and the proximity of the Dalmatian islands and natural attractions. The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is located along Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica. It is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Split and a true treasury of early medieval Croatian heritage. The museum offers visitors an interesting insight into the life, art, and development of the Croatian people from the 7th to the 15th century, with special attention given to the period of the first Croatian dukes and kings. The institution was founded in 1893 in Knin under the name First Museum of Croatian Monuments, making it one of the oldest museums in Croatia. Due to wartime events during the Second World War, the valuable collections were relocated several times — first to Sinj, then to Klis, and finally to Split, where the museum still operates today. Since 1976, the collection has been housed in an impressive monumental building designed by architect M. Kauzlaric, which itself represents an interesting example of modern museum architecture. The museum collection contains around 20,000 archaeological artifacts, including various examples of jewelry, weapons, tools, and everyday objects.
Particularly valuable are the stone reliefs, church decorations, and altar screens from early Croatian churches, decorated with the characteristic interlace ornamentation considered one of the most recognizable symbols of old Croatian art. Great interest is also drawn to the epigraphic monuments with Latin inscriptions dating from the 9th to the 12th century. These stone inscriptions preserve the names of Croatian rulers, nobles, and church dignitaries, which is why they are often referred to as the stone archive of Croatian history. Due to their exceptional historical and cultural value, the museum today preserves one of the most important collections of this type of monuments in Europe. A visit to the museum is interesting both for history enthusiasts and for visitors who wish to better understand the origins of the Croatian state and the rich cultural heritage of Dalmatia. The exhibition spaces are clearly organized and guide visitors through different periods of the early Middle Ages. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum frequently organizes temporary exhibitions, professional lectures, and cultural events. The museum is not only dedicated to exhibiting historical artifacts, but also actively participates in archaeological research in the area between the Cetina River and Zrmanja River, which is considered the cradle of Croatian statehood. Through its research, publishing, and exhibition activities, the museum makes an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of Croatian cultural heritage.
For visitors to Split, the museum represents an excellent opportunity to discover, alongside the famous Diocletian’s Palace, a lesser-known yet exceptionally rich story about the beginnings of Croatian history and medieval art.