Why visit Split and Saint Domnius Cathedral in May

Who was St. Domnius or St.Duje as people from Split usually say?

St. Domnius was a Catholic bishop from Salona (the ancient Roman city near Split) who was executed in the time of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and according to his laws. Today his relics are guarded in the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in the center of Split. The irony is that Emperor Diocletian founded Split and today St. Domnius is considered to be the saint patron of the city. Furthermore, Diocletian's mausoleum is now turned into Saint Domnius Cathedral.

Diocletian's Palace in Split

About Diocletian and his palace, we have already written. If you are interested to find out more, please consider our blog: Following the steps of Emperor Diocletian meet today’s Split.

Diocletian’s Palace in the past

The festivity of Saint Domnius

Traditionally there is the Holy procession through the city when the bishop and other priests pass through the center of Split with the holy relics of Saint Patron. The procession ends at Riva, the Split Promenade where an Eucharistic celebration is held. In the past, the mass was held in front of the Cathedral, but there were too many people who wanted to attend and thus it was repositioned to Riva.

The Cathedral of St. Domnius Split

Riva Promenade in Split during the festivity

On Riva, there is also a fair where you can see and buy traditional souvenirs, wooden tableware, and also children's toys like wooden butterflies, which usually work till you get home, but dare not to buy them to your children when they see them. :-)

In the afternoon there is the traditional bingo called Tombola. It is held on Riva, the promenade and everybody is welcome to participate. Finally, in the evening there is usually a concert on the Riva which ends with the fireworks.

Split Riva Promenade

Each year the full program of Sudamja (Saint Domnius) Festivities can be seen on theSplit tourist board’s official site.

Where to stay when you visit Split?

No matter when you visit Split, in Sudamja time or later, if you are looking for luxury accommodation browse through the rich selection of villas in Split and book your luxury vacation in Croatia with VIP holiday booker.

Furthermore, we have selected several large villas in Split for all our guests who will plan to visit Croatia. Check the video from our Youtube channel:

Book one of them and travel to Croatia.

Finally, if you are interested in more details about Split in May feel free to check our other blog post: Here is Why You Should Visit Split in May. We wish you a pleasant stay in our beautiful city!