The Procurative, officially known as Republic Square (Trg Republike), is a prominent Neo-Renaissance square in Split, Croatia, located west of Diocletian's Palace and adjacent to the Riva waterfront promenade. Designed to emulate Venice’s Procuratie around St. Mark’s Square, it is a cultural and social hub in Split’s Old Town, known for its elegant architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and role as a stage for events like the Split Festival of Pop Music. Initiated in the mid-19th century by Mayor Antonio Bajamonti, the square reflects his vision to transform Split into a modern European city, blending Italianate influences with local identity. Its open southern side offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, making it a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists.
Neo-Renaissance Design: The Procurative is framed on three sides by
U-shaped Neo-Renaissance buildings with distinctive arches, colonnades,
and reliefs above the windows evoking ancient and Renaissance motifs.
The architecture, inspired by Venetian Procuratie, features red-hued
facades and ornate details, creating a theatrical ambiance reminiscent
of an Italian piazza. The southern side remains open, providing
unobstructed views of the harbor and waterfront.
Construction Phases:
The complex was built in stages:
1859: The central Teatro Bajamonti,
designed by G. B. Meduna, was inaugurated on December 27, 1859, forming
the backbone of the square. It was destroyed in a fire on May 15, 1882,
and later rebuilt as a cinema (Marjan and Youth Theater).
1863–1867:
The western wing was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style, also by
Meduna.
1905: The western wing was renovated, with cement masquerades
and friezes added.
1909–1928: The eastern wing was built in two
phases (1909–1911 and 1927–1928), completing the U-shaped complex.
1899: A stone pillar fence, designed during Bajamonti’s era, was erected
on the southern side of Marmont Field, enhancing the square’s
definition.
Urban Context: The square was created after the
dismantling of Split’s Baroque fortifications during the Napoleonic era,
filling an urban void west of Diocletian’s Palace. Its tripartite plan,
with administrative palaces, reflects a deliberate nod to Venetian
grandeur.
Bajamonti’s Vision: Antonio Bajamonti, mayor from 1865 to 1880,
spearheaded the Procurative’s development, aiming to elevate Split from
a neglected provincial town to a “città del avvenire” (City of the
Future). Guided by the motto “Volere è potere” (Wanting is power), he
founded the Associazione Dalmatica to fund his urban projects. His
Italian heritage and emphasis on Venetian aesthetics sparked political
tensions with Croatian nationalists, notably Gajo Bulat, leading to the
project’s partial halt in 1880 after financial controversies.
Cultural Hub: The Procurative has been a stage for cultural events for
over half a century, most notably the Split Festival of Pop Music, held
annually since 1960. The festival, which expanded to a 10-day event by
2022, features prominent Croatian artists and draws crowds to the
square. Other events, like Split Summer performances, reinforce its role
as Split’s cultural heart.
Venetian Influence: The square’s design
explicitly references Venice’s Procuratie, reflecting Split’s 400-year
Venetian rule (until 1797). This Italianate character, championed by
Bajamonti, underscores the city’s layered history, blending Roman,
Byzantine, Venetian, and Croatian identities.
Social Space: With
cafés, restaurants, and benches lining the square, the Procurative is a
lively gathering place. Its open layout and sea views create an inviting
atmosphere, often compared to an Italian piazza, where locals and
tourists mingle.
The Procurative is situated just west of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and steps from the Riva promenade, Split’s bustling waterfront lined with palm trees, cafés, and shops. The square opens onto Trg Franje Tuđmana to the south, enhancing its connection to the Adriatic and harbor. Nearby Marmontova Street, a pedestrianized shopping artery, links the square to the Croatian National Theatre, adding to the area’s cultural vibrancy. The Procurative’s Neo-Renaissance buildings, vibrant cafés, and seafront views create a Mediterranean ambiance, often likened to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. Pigeons, music from events, and the hum of conversation contribute to its lively yet relaxed feel, especially during festivals or sunny days.
Accessibility: The Procurative is a public square, open 24/7 with no
entry fee. It is easily accessible on foot from the Riva (a 2-minute
walk) or Diocletian’s Palace. Public transport and parking are available
nearby, and the square is wheelchair-friendly.
Experience: Visitors
praise the square’s “Italian” atmosphere, with its arches, sea views,
and vibrant cafés earning comparisons to Venice. The Split Festival,
held in late June to early July, is a highlight, featuring artists like
Neno Belan and Massimo. Some note the square’s smaller size compared to
St. Mark’s but appreciate its charm and accessibility. Cafés like Bistro
Prokurative offer local cuisine, while events add energy.
Nearby
Attractions: Diocletian’s Palace, with its Peristyle and Cathedral of
St. Domnius, is a 5-minute walk east. The Riva promenade, Marmontova
Street, and the Croatian National Theatre are adjacent. The Fish Market,
Marjan Hill, and the Archaeological Museum (a 10-minute walk north)
complement a visit. Guided walking tours, bookable via platforms like
GetYourGuide, often include the Procurative.
The Procurative is a stunning tribute to Split’s Venetian heritage, but its history reflects complex cultural dynamics. Bajamonti’s Italian-centric vision, while transformative, clashed with Croatian nationalist movements, as evidenced by Gajo Bulat’s opposition and the 1880 halt of construction. This tension highlights Split’s dual identity as a Croatian city with deep Venetian roots, a nuance sometimes oversimplified in tourist narratives. The Teatro Bajamonti’s destruction and incomplete restoration underscore the fragility of 19th-century urban ambitions. While the square’s Neo-Renaissance style is celebrated, its emulation of Venice could be seen as derivative, prioritizing foreign aesthetics over local innovation. Modern critiques note occasional overcrowding during festivals and the need for better maintenance of the historic buildings. Nonetheless, the Procurative’s role as a cultural and social hub, paired with its architectural elegance, ensures its enduring appeal.