Pocitelj

Pocitelji is a historic town downriver from Mostar originally founded by Bosnian King Tvrtko I in the 14th century.

The Hungarians fortified the town in the 1460s, but it was captured by the Ottomans in the 1470s.

The town fell into decay under Austro-Hungarian rule, starting in 1878.

The locals live in the lowland behind Pocitelj.

Croatian forces caused extensive damage to Pocitelj during the Bosnian War in the 90s, and much of the town had to be rebuilt.

The main mosque in town was originally built in the 16th century, renovated in the 17th century, destroyed in the 20th century, and rebuilt in the 21st century.

Pocitelj is a great place to explore, and is a short drive from Split and Mostar.

Mostar

Mostar is a historic city in Bosnia and Herzegovina located a short drive from Split and Dubrovnik.

This parking structure was used as a sniper tower during the conflict between Serbs, Bosnians, and Croats in the 1990s.

Some artists incorporate the bullet holes in the walls in their pieces.

Many buildings around Mostar are still destroyed from the conflict it endured. The Mostar Gymnasium on the right has been restored to its former glory.

Mostar's streets are lined with quaint centuries old mosques.

Famous Muslim residents' tombstones have turbans on them, headgear that denoted high rank in Ottoman society.

Roofdog

Mostar sits astride the Neretva river; the old town embraces water features channeling the river.

Stari Most, or the Old Bridge, was originally built at the command of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557. Croatian forces destroyed the bridge in 1993, and it was rebuilt in 2004.

Trogir

Trogir is a historic Venetian town located on a small island north of Split that serves as a bridge between a larger island and the Croatian mainland.

Trogir Cathedral started being built in the 12th century and was completed in the 17th century.

The most famous feature is the the gateway made by Radovan in 1240.

That rooster has a nice comb.

This speaks for itself.

Trogir is like a mini-Venice.

The Trogir promenade

Like Venice, Trogir has terrible flooding problems.

The entrance to Kamerlengo Castle was blocked by water; we were barely able to escape the town it became so flooded.

Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress, overlooking Split, has been fortified since the time the Illyrian tribes ruled the coast. It was the seat of many Croatian Kings, and fortified by the Ottoman Empire once they conquered it after a 25 year siege that ended in 1537. The Venetians made the final improvements after seizing it in 1669.

A friendly cat escorted us to the castle gates.

An excellent defensive position

Bye cat

Croatian pirates called Uskoks inhabited the castle for a time and made their living plundering Ottoman and Venetian shipping.

Scenes from the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones were filmed at the castle.

Where are my dragons?

Salona

Salona became the ancient capital of Dalmatia after siding with Julius Caesar in his civil war with Pompey. It was originally inhabited by Illyrians, then Greeks. Diocletian killed Christians in this amphitheater during his reign.

Five Christian martyrs were buried in this cemetery-basilica in the 4th century. 

Salona probably has a zombie problem.

The largest portion of Salona was built in the 5th century A.D.

Salona was probably destroyed by Croatians or Avars in the 7th century, prompting the remaining population to move inside the well fortified Diocletian's Palace.

Split

Split is a Croatian city on the Adriatic famous for Diocletian's Palace. The coat of arms, featuring the Palace and Cathedral of Saint Domnius, is on display in the center of town.

The west gate to Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace, built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, is 2x2 large city blocks. The bell tower on the Cathedral of Saint Domnius on the left, built in the 12th and 7th centuries respectively, honor Saint Domnius, the bishop of neighboring Salona in Diocletian's time, who was killed at the pagan emperor's command.

There are many Egyptian sphinxes in Split brought over by Diocletian, but all but this one were destroyed by Christians.

Derpy lion, much better

Inside the Cathedral

The oldest image of a Croatian King, from the 11th century

The ceiling of the Temple of Jupiter

Locals live comfortably within the Palace blocks.

And less comfortably in the walls

One can also visit the cellars of Diocletian's Palace under the main complex. There are many shopkeepers inhabiting them as well.

The Venetians ruled Split for over 300 years. During that time they built this tower.

Split has an excellent walkway by the sea.