October 17, 2020 - The cities and the municipalities that make up the urban agglomeration of Split will soon be connected by a public bicycle system. 

The project for the development of public bicycle systems in the Urban Agglomeration of Split plans to further popularize the use of bicycles as an alternative form of public transport in the UAS, by developing and improving the cycling infrastructure network that will enable faster access to public transport stops, but also serve as an upgrade and supplementing the existing form of public transport on the daily routes of the inhabitants of the urban agglomeration.

The project is called "Choose a bicycle!", which was applied for co-financing with European Union funds within the ITU Call "URBAN MOBILITY - Development of public bicycle systems in the Urban Agglomeration of Split."

As part of the activities of this integrated project, the City of Split and 7 partners - cities and municipalities from the Urban Agglomeration of Split (Solin, Trogir, Kaštela, Podstrana, Klis, Dugopolje and Dicmo), will receive 41 new stations with a mixed contingent of 242 bicycles and two bicycle roads will be established - in Split (in the area of Trstenik Bay) and Trogir (in the area of Brig-Lokvica). Through project activities, an analytical basis will be prepared - a document for establishing an integrated system of bicycle roads in the Urban Agglomeration of Split, which will be the basis for establishing a planned integrated system of bicycle roads in the Urban Agglomeration of Split.

These 41 new locations with bicycle terminals will be distributed in eight local self-government units per the analysis of needs and possibilities for the implementation of the system, as follows:
City of Split: 16 terminals with 50 electric and 20 classic bicycles;
City of Solin: 6 terminals with 12 electric and 26 classic bicycles;
City of Trogir: 3 terminals with 10 electric and 10 classic bicycles;
City of Kastela: 6 terminals with 30 electric and 30 classic bicycles;
Municipality of Podstrana: 2 terminals with 6 electric and 6 classic bicycles;
Municipality of Klis: 2 terminals with 4 electric and 8 classic bicycles;
Municipality of Dugopolje: 4 terminals with 10 electric and 10 classic bicycles;
Municipality of Dicmo: 2 terminals with 4 electric and 6 classic bicycles.

The project's total value is HRK 13,609,435.83, of which the grant amounts to a total of HRK 10,893,396.68. It is planned that the activities for implementing the public bicycle system will be carried out by June 2021, and the construction and marking of bicycle roads by mid-2022. The project application was prepared by the Development Agency Split - RaST d.o.o., with the support of the Service for International and EU Projects of the City of Split.

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October 16, 2020 - Split is the first Croatian city to join the European Green Cities program for reconstruction and development, thus developing environmentally-friendly infrastructure.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara and Victoria Zinchuk, Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for Croatia (EBRD), the development of the 'Green City Action Plan' began, according to the EBRD and OECD methodology, and Split is thus the first city that intends to become a 'green city' in Croatia, the city reported on its Facebook page.

"Today's agreement is a confirmation and continuation of the successful cooperation of the City of Split with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is one of the key partners in the development of large urban projects through international experience and support by financing the Masterplan study of urban regeneration of Split, technical assistance for documentation for the ESCO model of public lighting in the City of Split and crediting the construction of drinking water treatment plants," said Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

The EBRD has started the procurement procedure for the developers of the 'Green City Action Plan.' It will begin to be developed by the end of this year, in cooperation with many stakeholders working on the green city concept for many years. Areas highlighted by the City of Split, which will be given special attention during the drafting of the Action Plan, are waste disposal, water supply, and sewage, city roads and lighting, public transport and sustainable urban mobility, development of cycling infrastructure, the energy efficiency of public buildings, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency of energy infrastructure and parks and afforestation of neglected green areas.

Among the first projects under the Green Cities program, the European Bank will finance a drinking water purifier in Split with a 20m-euro loan. According to Director Zinchuk, it is ready to provide further support in co-financing EU projects in the agglomeration. The EBRD launched the Green Cities program in 2016 for 5 years and with a EUR 250 million budget. Due to high demand and popularity, the program budget was renewed after only two years, and in the meantime, program funding has quadrupled. The EBRD's Green Cities program also supports the Green Climate Fund.

The EBRD's Green Cities Program supports cities in addressing key environmental and quality of life challenges. Participating cities access the program with the help of the EBRD and investments in projects that improve environmental infrastructure. The Green Cities program also includes developing an action plan for the development of green communal infrastructure. The action plan identifies the key challenges that each city faces in environmental protection and climate change, defines the necessary investments in basic infrastructure, and suggests changes in public policy measures towards broader strategic goals.

The EBRD is the originator of financing projects that promote renewable energy and the fight against climate change and has become a leading investor in renewable energy sources in Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the southern and eastern Mediterranean. Through its strategic GET (Green Economy Transition) approach, the EBRD intends to increase investments in green projects to 40% of its total annual investment by the end of 2020 or to 50% of total investments by 2025. Through its GET strategy, the Bank encourages the construction of environmentally sustainable economies, reduces carbon emissions, and increases the resilience of economies to climate change.

Globally, cities generate 70% of energy consumption and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions and therefore pose a major challenge in combating climate change and the negative impact on the environment. This is particularly the case in cities in countries where the EBRD operates, where outdated urban infrastructure reduces residents' quality of life, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents society from adapting more quickly to climate change.

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October 16, 2020 - This year, if the circumstances allow, the people of Split and visitors to the Dalmatian city will enjoy Advent, but without the famous holiday houses (kućice) on the Riva. A closer look at Split Advent 2020.

Dalmatinski Portal reports that since the event was first organized, the holiday houses on the Riva have been its trademark. However, for the 2020 season, they are no longer in favor because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We chose the locations that are best epidemiologically covered, those where it is easier to create a controlled situation to meet epidemiological measures," says Ante Šunjić, director of Spalatum DMC, the city agency that issued a public call to participate in the Split Advent 2020/2021 event.

The Split Tourist Board has announced a call for offers for the ice skating rink in Đardin park.

This year, the houses will be located at that location and in front of the Art Gallery and the Croatian National Theater in Split. Šunjić claims that there will not be fewer of them than usual. They will be offered in the price range of 3,500 to 30 thousand kuna, depending on the location and activity.

"We are working as if everything will be fine, but we are also ready if everything is canceled at the last minute before the opening, as well as the possibility of work being stopped in the middle of the event. We explained everything in detail in terms of the tender. We will refund the money if Split Advent is canceled, that is, we will only charge the part that was used," says Šunjić.

Spalatum DMC said on Thursday:

In cooperation with the city of Split, the Split Tourist Board announced today a public call for a skating rink in Đardin and Spalatum DMC, a public call for renting houses located in Đardin, Kralja Tomislava Street (Gallery), and Gaja Bulat Square. The event should last from 28.11.2020. to 06.01.2020.

The public invitation for all interested parties and the draft and locations of the houses was published on the websites of the Split Tourist Board: www.visitsplit.com and Spalatum DMC: www.spalatum-dmc.hr.

Thus, in Đardin, there will be: a skating rink, a central stage, 9 catering houses, 4 trading houses, and 3 sweet houses with fritters, Kralja Tomislava Street near the Gallery is a location for 4 trading houses and Trg Gaje Bulata 2 catering and 2 trading houses. The plateau in front of Fina and Prokurative should have a children's train this year as well.

The event's realization will depend on the epidemiological situation, and a music program is planned that will be held daily on the central stage in Đardin. Still, to avoid large gatherings, several smaller music programs will be held. The organization of all parties and events will depend on the epidemiological situation and the Headquarters' recommendations.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous events worldwide have been postponed, but also in Croatia. It remains to be seen what the situation will be with the number of patients in the world, Europe, and Croatia in the winter months. Given that the conditions and possibilities of holding certain events have changed significantly due to the pandemic, we are currently developing possible scenarios. It is necessary to take care of the health and safety aspect, and then of all other things that make up a particular event. In that sense, we are in contact with the competent authorities of the City of Split and the National, County, and City Civil Protection Headquarters.

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October 15, 2020 - The first masked fashion show held in Split took place last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel!

Ahead of the Lifestyle Check In event, at the Radisson Hotel, a dinner was held for exhibitors and elite guests according to the strict measures in place for catering facilities. Given the obligation of masks indoors, they were also worn by models at the fashion show.

Keeping a 1.5-meter distance between tables with protective masks did not prevent Croatian and Austrian entrepreneurs from connecting with each other. Split Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara and the President of the Split County Chamber, Jozo Tomaš, also proved to be excellent hosts to the Austrian delegation led by Ambassador Josef Markus Wuketich.

The meeting held last night welcomed local and Austrian entrepreneurs from the fields of fashion, cosmetics, home decoration, car, and nautical industry, and technology had the opportunity to meet, exchange opinions, ideas, and visions before presenting their products and services to the general public.

Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara sent his sincere congratulations to all participants and the young entrepreneur, organizer Monica Ioanitescu:

"I congratulate you on your courage and determination to organize this event despite increasingly stringent measures, and I congratulate the Croatian and Austrian entrepreneurs who arrived in Split, an ideal city for both life and entrepreneurship."

Austrian Ambassador Josef Markus Wuketich, who visited Austrian companies based in Split during the day, conveyed their satisfaction with investments and business development, emphasizing the importance of organizing business meetings, cooperation, and community of our countries.

The Radisson Blu menu for 25 participants included local and Austrian delicacies, and during the evening, skillfully moderated by Nenad Hervatin, a short presentation of fashion creations took place by Austrian entrepreneur and fashion designer Dali Oleschko and the brand "Teralli by Vukušić," founded by sisters Dora and Lara Vukušić to maintain the vision of their deceased mother, an award-winning fashion designer. 

The dresses were presented in cooperation with the Croatian bag brand "My Lovely Bag," the hairstyles of the models were taken care of by the experienced hands of hairstylists of the international brand Keune. The "Callegari" school was in charge of make-up.

During the evening, all epidemiological measures were respected, so the models wore face masks during the show because it was impossible to maintain a distance of more than two meters indoors. This was unusual at first glance but definitely did not detract from the beauty of the creations and the audience's overall experience. It was the first masked fashion show held in Split, and probably in the country.

The Lifestyle Check In event takes place today at the Radisson Blu Split Hotel. Exhibitors will present their products and services in hotel rooms that become exhibition spaces. For this occasion, Dr. Kaliterna will hold a workshop on skin health and beauty in cooperation with his cosmetics brand MySkin from 6 pm fashion show will be on the program from 8 pm under masks.

Dali Oleschko will show her entire collection that focuses on an elegant woman. Simultaneously, the proposal for the upcoming seasons will be given to men and women by "No7 by Šime Kovačević" in collaboration with the unique "La Koffa" bags.

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October 15, 2020 - The Lifestyle Check IN series is an event that focuses on products and services that nurture a philosophy of comfortable living such as fashion and fashion accessories, cosmetics, home decoration, the automotive and nautical industries, and technology.

The first partner country is Austria, so in addition to Croatian products, visitors will also be able to enjoy the products of Austrian lifestyle brands in the exhibition rooms of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Split on Thursday from 1 pm.

After the first two events in Austria, this will be the first edition of the event held in Croatia, and given that any private initiative is a rarity among local, let alone among foreign entrepreneurs due to the epidemiological situation, organizer Monica Ioanitescu revealed why she chose Split for the premiere edition in 2020.

"Split embodies the philosophy of comfortable and beautiful living and is an ideal place to live and do business, so your city this year is also my choice for permanent residence. On Thursday, Croatian lifestyle brands and colleagues from Austria will present their products to the domestic business and general public.

To avoid grouping visitors and provide them with a pleasant stay while allowing them to observe and enjoy undisturbed conversation with exhibitors, the exhibition spaces will be hotel rooms located on different floors of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. Also, we limited the number of visitors to a hundred, with the hotel being so spacious that keeping a distance of two meters can be easily respected. Still, masks are, of course, mandatory if, at some point, you cannot maintain a distance. Health is our priority, but we should not stop living and stop all our private and business activities. It is only necessary to invest a little more creativity in the organization of events in these new circumstances," said Ioanitescu.

What type of visitors are expected at the Lifestyle Check In event?

"Lifestyle Check In addresses the general public, the citizens of Split, but also local and foreign entrepreneurs. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are sold through entrio.hr, but the number is limited. Part of the guests will come with an invitation that we sent primarily to local entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to connect with Austrian companies from the sector. Entrepreneurs I approached presented the concept and suggested a presentation, both domestic and Austrian; most of them accepted with enthusiasm; entrepreneurs want to work and create. We need to allow them to continue creating."

Apart from the lifestyle brand products themselves, what else will welcome visitors on Thursday?

"Most of the brands are for ladies, and a hair & makeup corner has been designed for them, but we also thought of men who will be taken care of by the Marevo Cigar Club, and we have also provided a corner for the youngest. Then, from 4 pm, Radisson's happy hour starts, and at 6 pm, the workshop 'My skin by dr. Kaliterna' whose products have delighted ladies of all generations in recent years. At 8 pm, the program includes a fashion show by renowned Austrian designer Dali Oleschko, who will present the clothes she creates for the modern woman, colorful and of the highest quality fabrics. We will be introduced to the brand No7 by Šime Kovačević, which many Split residents already know, but those who are not familiar with his work, I would advise you to join us definitely!"

Source: Dalmatinski Portal

You can learn more about Radisson Blu HERE

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October 14, 2020 - At the Sanus Association, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban welcomed three super marathon cyclists - Tomislav Mrkonjić, Marko Marić, and Miljenko Mrkonjić - on their 1,500-kilometer-long humanitarian "Road to Life" from Frankfurt to Imotski.

 The money raised in this commendable action will be donated, and half of the amount is intended for "Sanus", the club of parents of children suffering from malignant diseases.

As Slobodna Dalmacija reports, Miljenko Mrkonjic, a 26-year-old young man from Zmijavec near Imotski, was born and lives in Germany. As a boy, he contracted lymph node cancer and embarked on a difficult and uncertain battle with a malignant disease with his parents.

 The effort paid off, and family friends and strangers came to the rescue. Ten years later, Miljenko is close to fulfilling his life vow, so he sat on a bicycle with two friends in Frankfurt, and today he arrived in Split. His destination is - Imotski.

"I want and hope to attract people's attention, to involve them as much as possible, and to help this action with my donations. Just one call to my Tomislav was enough and as a real man, he bought a plane ticket, flew to Frankfurt, took a bicycle, and trained with Marko.

In the first days, we collected more than 6000 euros. There will be more and that makes us happy. I want to be a pebble in the mosaic of goodness and contribute to at least help a child and his parent in that fight. Because treating that disease costs both nerves and money. I overcame my malignant disease exactly 10 years ago.

However, a lot of nice things happened to me during that period because I was lucky and had a lot of help from all sides. The money we will collect together will go to the associations "Sanus" in Croatia and "Hilfe für krebskranke Kinder" from Frankfurt.  These two associations are selflessly fighting for a better tomorrow every day and I am very grateful to them for that", said Miljenko Mrkonjic.

Diligent travelers have come close to the finish line, and we can conclude that perseverance pays off and that a good voice is heard far and wide.

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October 13, 2020 - The latest news for flights to Croatia as Eurowings operates on four lines to Croatia in November.

Croatian Aviation reports that Eurowings, a German low-cost carrier, plans to operate to two airports in Croatia in November this year - Split and Zagreb.

Eurowings was among the first to establish traffic to Croatia after the borders opened and the lockdown was lifted. The company operated in this year's summer flight schedule to all airports in Croatia, as it did in the last summer season (Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Osijek) but with significantly fewer weekly flights and in a shorter duration (Osijek and Dubrovnik had only one month of regular flights).

In the previous winter months, the company operated to Split, Zagreb, Rijeka, and one year, even to Pula. There will be no direct flights to Pula and Rijeka this autumn and winter, which means that Eurowings will remain present only in Split and Zagreb.

Zagreb connected with Stuttgart and Cologne

In November, Eurowings will continue to operate on two routes to Zagreb, from Stuttgart and Cologne.

The Stuttgart - Zagreb line should run four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. A319 aircraft have been announced on the route, which has a capacity of 144 passengers in the fleet of this carrier.

The Cologne - Zagreb line should also run four times a week, on the same days as the line to Stuttgart, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This line will have one less flight per week compared to the summer flight schedule (canceled on Saturday).

Two lines to Split

In last year's winter flight schedule, Eurowings had four international routes to Split (Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Dusseldorf). This winter, there will be only two in traffic with a minimum number of weekly flights.

The Dusseldorf - Split line will operate once a week, on Saturdays, while the Stuttgart - Split line will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday.

All other seasonal routes to Croatian airports will end with traffic for this year by the end of October (October 24), when the summer flight schedule also ends.

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October 10, 2020 - What was found long ago in the Split neighborhood of Manuš is not an odeon, nor an amphitheater, but a late antique macellum. That is, an ancient Roman indoor market!

Sloboodna Dalmacija writes that this is a site that has surprised with its invaluable discoveries for the history of Split for over a hundred years. Katja Marasović from the Department of Architectural Heritage at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split, archaeologist Anita Penović from "Temenos" and archaeologist Nebojša Cingeli from "Neira" are digging in to find out more.

As early as 1897, the historian and archaeologist Luka Jelić concluded that the ancient settlement of Spalatum existed in the area of ​​Split before the construction of Diocletian's Palace. He believed that its center was in  ​​the old suburb of Manuš, along the road that led from Solin to the bay of Split. This position on the Tabula Peutigeriana is marked Spalato. Jelic based his conclusion on the findings of architecture and graves from the second or beginning of the third century, found during the excavation of the railway near the Bulat and Tara mansions and the Girometta vineyards.

Subsequent research has shown that in Manuš and Dobri, on both sides of Solinska cesta (today Ulica Domovinskog rata and the northern part of Livanjska), there are remains of architecture and graves that can be dated to the 1st and 4th century. In the latest research in Manuš, inside traditional houses, the foundations and lower parts of the walls of late antique buildings were found, which gave new data on the distribution and urban scheme of Spalatum.

In 1954, south of the Austrian reservoir on Domovinskog rata Street, archaeologists led by Duje Rendić-Miočević found a part of an early Christian three-nave basilica with a characteristic trapezoidal ground plan with a semicircular apse on the east side and preserved floor mosaics in places. A few years later, experts from the Urban Institute found the southwest corner of the basilica and part of the east wall and apse of another early Christian basilica. Based on historical sources, Tomislav Marasović concluded that it was a site "ad basilicas pictas - on painted basilicas," where a provincial church synod was held in 1185, and he dated the basilicas themselves to the fifth and sixth centuries.

Twenty years ago, archaeologists from the Institute for the Protection of Monuments found an early Christian baptistery with a cross-shaped baptismal font lined with precious alabaster slabs at the same site. However, the remains of an earlier building with three concentric walls within orthogonal walls were also found. Researchers interpreted the findings as remnants of an ancient odeon (theater), and according to movable findings, they dated it to the first or second century. Through the efforts of the head of the Conservation Department, dr. Radoslav Bužančić, new archeological excavations were carried out seven years ago west of that locality, below Domovinskog rata Street. It was then determined that the circular walls continued further east, so Bužančić assumed that it was not a theater but an amphitheater. However, the latest evidence from the three researchers says otherwise.

"The described archeological discovery shows that there was a large central building in Spalatum, of which only the foundations and in some places the lowest parts of the walls have been preserved to this day. The remains found lead to the conclusion that it is a square floor plan with a round courtyard surrounded by a porch in the middle. Around the porch were trapezoidal rooms, bordered by two circular walls and radial walls. The main axis of the building, in the north-south direction, coincides with the axis of the historic road that led from Salona to the northern gate of the Palace," said Dr. Marasović, Penović, and Cingeli, explaining that the small thickness of the walls (55 to 70 cm) and the construction technique show that for reasons of stability they could not be higher than five to six meters, which means that the building was a ground floor or a single story.

The ground plan of the large late antique building has a circular courtyard thirty meters in diameter, surrounded by a porch oriented to 24 rooms of about 25 square meters. With a square floor plan, where another 28 rooms of 30 to 70 square meters can be assumed, with one entrance in the middle of each façade, it is suggested that it is a macellum - an ancient Roman indoor market! This assumption was also confirmed by the architect Jean-Louis Paillet, a French expert in ancient architecture.

This is supported by movable findings such as a measuring cup for grain and money from the fourth to the sixth century. Findings of lavish marble cladding, which do not lag behind those in Diocletian's Palace in terms of quality, show that the building was lavishly decorated. And some metal elements, such as bronze ornaments in the shape of leaves, confirm such a conclusion. It can be assumed that the Split macellum, like the others in the Roman Empire, was equipped with public toilets, the architects concluded, contributing to a new historical sensation of this archaeological site.

"The foundations of the macellum are intersected by the aqueduct canal of Diocletian's Palace from the northeast to the southwest. At the junction of their walls, it is clearly seen that the foundation of the macellum leaned against the already existing wall of the aqueduct canal, which is clear evidence that it was formed after the aqueduct. It is reliably known that the emperor Diocletian settled in the Palace in 305, after his abdication in Nicomedia, and lived there until he died in 316. Except for some movable findings from the first and second centuries, which prove the earlier phase of the site's life, most pottery findings date from the fourth to the sixth century, and money from Maximian (286-310) to Justinian (527-565). The most common coin found at the site is that of Constantine the Great (307-337). For now, the building cannot be dated more precisely. Still, it is difficult to imagine that the initiator of the construction of such a large building in Spalatum was anyone other than the emperor Diocletian," says Dr. Marasovic.

Diocletian spent the last ten years of his life in his palace. It can be assumed that he had a monumental building built, square in plan, measuring 67 by 67 meters, located north of the Palace, with four entrances, a circular courtyard of 30 meters in the middle, and with more than fifty rooms facing the courtyard or outside.

Based on the floor plan and the movable archaeological material, it can be assumed that it is a Roman food market. The outer walls appear to have been built of stone and decorated with half-pillars or pillars. A porch with about 28 pillars surrounded the courtyard. The interior was lined with marble paneling.

Looking at this building in a broader context, some questions arise related to its location and purpose, to which we have no answers yet. What is the reason for building a market in the small Roman settlement of Spalatum, which is next to the Roman markets of Ephesus, Durres, and Pozzuoli and is one of the largest in the Empire? Was it selling anything other, more valuable, or more durable than groceries that could attract buyers from the wider region? Its position in the axis of the main communication of Salona - Diocletian's Palace differs from the usual accommodation of macellums, which are usually along the main streets, but never on them.

Such accommodation was obviously chosen to emphasize the monumentality of the building, and therefore the road traffic had to be redirected around the macellum. We hope that future archaeological research will provide answers to the questions asked and that the results of our research will be useful when planning future research, concluded Marasović, Penović, and Cingeli, who will publish their research in the "Journal of Dalmatian Archeology and History."

You can see photos at Sloboodna Dalmacija

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October 9, 2020 - The new Marjan Zoo will bring life to an area that has been neglected for years. A look at the plans for this once-famous Split attraction.  

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that if you climb to the Marjan Zoo, which, already dilapidated, attracts many visitors on sunny days, you are greeted by an unrecognizable illustration of what will one day be in this Split landmark. 

Surprised by the picturesque display of the potential hidden by this neglected location, Nediljko Zevrnja, the director of the Natural History Museum and the Zoo, is convinced that the best is yet to come.

"The presented conceptual design for the construction of the Zoo as an educational center with traditional native breeds was made at the beginning of the year based on the proposal of Mate Santic, Mirko Ruščić et al. Frane Strikić, who conceived this concept in 2014.

It was made by Katja Marasović, with the support of architect Rea Vidović. Unfortunately, we will not end the year with the preparation of project documentation because, like everyone else, we were hampered by the coronavirus, but we hope that this item will enter the budget for next year because we have the support of city authorities," says Ževrnja, emphasizing that the investment is more than one million kuna, without which the project cannot apply for tenders available through EU funds and provide funds for the planned works.

As Slobodna Dalmacija found out, this is a unique zoo template for Croatia, which at this stage nurtures the basic task of recognizing and preserving native breeds, such as bush cattle, donkeys, Croatian. white goats, Dalmatian pramenka sheep, and Dubrovnik ore sheep. There are also traditional breeds, such as the Dalmatian pony, Dalmatian turkeys, and Dalmatian hens, better known as pogrmuša.

The latter is the subject of special interest to Zevrnja, who, through cooperation with associations at the institutional level, advocates for the recognition of the origin of the breed, which, he says, would make it easier to protect it from extinction, which is another task of this institution.

"As this is a breed that is important for Dalmatia, we hope that the City and County will support us because recognizing the originality of this breed would be a big plus in terms of protecting the traditional and cultural values of this area. That hen was a treasure of the inhabitants of Dalmatia, and I believe that even today, we know how to recognize it as such," he adds.

The current animal fund, he says, is a kind of compromise between what they strive for and what they can support at the moment, especially considering the upcoming works, i.e., the possibilities of taking care of animals in the period of building new capacities. 

"In the center of the garden will be a small children's zoo, where children and adults will be able to make direct contact with animals, pet them, and feed them because we see that this is a favorite activity of our visitors," reveals Ževrnja, emphasizing that especially tourists delight in the possibility of interacting with animals they do not have the opportunity to meet elsewhere.

On the edge of the garden, on the north side, animal dwellings with green roofs will be built, along which a panoramic promenade will be stretched. Simultaneously, in the existing Art Nouveau facilities and the planned upgrade, several facilities will find their place, which will complete this zoo's offer.

"Such a space, if only intended for sightseeing, is neither sustainable nor purposeful. The usual contents, such as recreational and entertainment, must be expanded, and we will do it primarily through education, introducing laboratories and workshops, where children will be able to use microscopes, research, listen to lectures and the like," adds Ževrnja.

On the first floor of the main building, which is about to be extensively renovated, there will be a multimedia room for lectures, exhibitions, and more. On the ground floor, in addition to the children's section, there will be official laboratories, where materials will be prepared for the gene bank, which, with the support of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine from Zagreb, will preserve the genetic material of the original breeds.

Along with this house, according to the original design, the neighboring, also Art Nouveau building will be restored, which, he explains, was demolished just before it was declared a cultural property due to dilapidation and endangering animal safety. It will serve as an entrance to the park and souvenir shop.

Employees and the veterinary service will get new premises around the perimeter of the garden. In the building where the existing entrance is located, visitors will enjoy a catering facility.

"In the central part, two new spaces for education would be created, namely for honey extraction and cheese production, and one large incubator, as well as an entertainment space for children in the form of a theme park.

You know, our children, when you mention milk to them, they don't know where it comes from, or where the egg comes from, and where the chicken comes from. Life is like that, there are almost no animals in the countryside anymore, so the connection that connects man with animals has been lost," he adds, emphasizing that he hopes that this project will restore that connection.

The entire space will also be fully adapted for people with disabilities.

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October 9, 2020 - Restaurant Week returns to Croatia for its 21st edition on October 9, 2020. Foodies around the country can enjoy three-course meals at various participating restaurants for 100/125 kuna! 

Yes, you heard that right. From October 9 to 18, Restaurant Week returns to Croatia. 

So, what is Restaurant Week anyway?

Restaurant Week is the idea of Željka Marjanović and Ozren Drobnjak, who wanted to find a way to promote Croatia’s gastronomic scene in cooperation with its catering establishments.  Restaurants participating in the action meet the needs of guests through a special promotional offer. The concept of this action is modeled on world capitals and adapted to the Croatian market. During the event, participating restaurants offer various three-course menus at promotional prices. It is held twice a year, usually in late February and late September, but in this case, in October.  

For example, the Croatian capital has 30 participating restaurants this time around, though we'd like to focus on what Dalmatia has going on, too. 

Namely, for the 21st edition of Restaurant Week, there are 14 restaurants you can choose from in Split. 

Restaurant Week veteran Brasserie on 7, for example, is offering guests:

Starters

Pecipala - basil pesto, goat cheese mousse, paprika coulis, arugula, toasted pine nuts
Provencal mussels - leeks, white wine, tomato concasse & fresh parsley
Seafood risotto - "bisque" of scampi, shrimp, finger clams, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy parmesan

Mains

Pork fillet - beans, ricotta gnocchi, charcuterie sauce
Slow-boiled beef rib burger (12 h) - sriracha aioli, lettuce, carrots, pickled purple onion
Sea bass fillet - cream of celery, zucchini & fennel salad

Dessert

Selection from the cake display case

Newcomers on the list, like Ami Pub has prepared something a bit heavier for the beer lovers in Split.

Starters

Ami's spicy dip

Cold platter with homemade honey and chutney sauce

Dalmatian collards with bacon

Mains

Mon Ami beer sausages with a side dish

Beer tingul

Game with gnocchi

Dessert

Cheesecake

Chocolate Rhapsody

Semifreddo

But this is only a portion of the offer. You can find the restaurant list for Restaurant Week in Split and all of Croatia on the official website. 

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