Republic Square

Welcome to Republic Square, or as the locals affectionately call it, the Pro-koo-rah-tee-veh. As you stand here, you might for a moment believe you have been transported across the Adriatic to Venice. …

We begin our detailed look at the square by focusing on the East Wing. Notice the regularity of the arches and the precision of the neoclassical ornaments. …

Moving to the northern end of the square, we find the connecting arcade that unifies the composition. This is the ideal vantage point to consider the man behind this project: Antonio Bajamonti. …

The West Wing completes the U-shaped enclosure of Republic Square. While it mirrors the East Wing in its design, it has its own unique relationship with the city’s cultural history. …

Step out from the shade of the arcades into the center of the plaza. This vast, open space is the 'floor' of our urban drawing room. …

We now move to the southern opening of the square, where the architectural formality of the Prokurative meets the vibrant, palm-fringed energy of the Riva. This is perhaps the most iconic view in Split. …

In our final stop within the square, let us consider its role in the 21st century. While the Prokurative is a historical monument, it is far from being a museum piece. …

As our tour of Republic Square comes to an end, I hope you carry with you a sense of the grandeur and the complexity of this site. We have explored its Venetian inspirations, the political visions of Antonio Bajamonti, and its…