SOLID AS A ROCK- PART 2

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MARJAN is a hill on the peninsula of the city of SPLIT, the largest city of Croatia's Dalmatia region. It is covered in a dense Mediterranean pine forest and completely surrounded by the city and the sea, making it a unique sight. 

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Originally used as a park by the citizens as early as the 3rd century, it is a favorite weekend excursion destination and a recreational center for the city.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

In ancient times Emperor DIOCLETIAN built his palace a few minutes walk from Marjan. This opulent palace-city was actually inhabited by up to 8,000 to 10,000 people, who required parks and recreation space. Therefore, Diocletian organized some areas of Marjan nearer to the palace as a park. As the city grew, however, it was left out because of its rocky and difficult terrain, and became, in effect, a part of the wilderness next to the very center of the city. Soon, the citizens started to frequent it as a picnic spot and a romantic retreat, its many beaches adding to its popularity as well.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Today Invitation To Inspiration duo wants to share with you more photos from this beautiful location where we had the photo shoot published here.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

On the hill of  Marjan there is a considerable number of churches, some of which are very old and valuable archaeological monuments.  

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

On the vertical cliffs on the west lies the church of SAINT JEROME. It is Gothic single nave church ( with a Renaissance courtyard ) built in the second half of the 15th century. The inside of the church hides a valuable relief of  St. Jerome in the cave ,  made ​​by the sculptor ANDRIJA ALEŠI ( in 1480 ).

   

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Invitation To Inspiration is always inspired by details...in this case the details on the cover of the well...  

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Near the church there are few hermitage caves where, supposedly, lived St. Jerome himself.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

...An incredible place? Don't you think...?

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

It is known that St. Jerome spent a part of his life in Syrian  desert, where many monks lived as hermits. Jerome lived there in solitude, night vigils, penance and work. Croatian Pontifical Institute in Rome is named after St. Jerome, the patron of Dalmatia, but also many other cities, small towns, religious provinces, monasteries and churches. 

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The church of St. Jerome on Marjan is a favorite place for walking, relaxation and meditation in the sun... a place of true contemplation and spiritual peace...

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

For a long time, Marjan and its mysterious caves had been a haven for hermits...

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Invitation To Inspiration duo loves when Nature becomes an Architectural element.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The picturesque location in the shadows of a rock surrounded by cypresses and agaves bears the true spirit of the Mediterranean scenery...

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Marjan hill is 178 m tall and offers a view over the entire city, the surrounding islands, and the nearby mountains...

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Once, an ordinary part of the landscape...
Today, a symbol of our hometown Split...

Have a wonderful day ahead...

Love, Martina & Matea