The best Split museums and galleries

Probably the most rewarding of Split's cultural attractions is Ivan Meštrović's own Gallery, a neo-classical villa built by the man himself in 1931. Not only does it display the range of work created by Croatia's most renowned sculptor - statues large and small, even portraits - and its influences (Classical, folk, Modernist), but it tells his remarkable story as he grew up through what would become Yugoslavia. Visits can be combined with entry to the nearby Kaštelet which houses his religious works.

This museum in the heart of the palace is mostly worth visiting for the 15th-century Gothic building itself rather than for the sundry paintings and weaponry within. You'll also find photographs, documents, maps and old papers but the permanent collection appeals more to historians than offer someone from the general public a rough idea how this fascinating port developed.

On the other side of the National Theatre stands the Archaeological Museum where key historical finds from the nearby Roman capital of Salona are the main draw: mosaics, sarcophagi and such like. The displays cover the Greek and Roman periods, as well as pagan and medieval. All in all, a worthy attraction a shortish walk from the city centre.