JEWISH COMMUNITY OF SPLIIT

Split is amongst the oldest Croatian cities and the center of the Split-Dalmatia County. The city was founded in the 7th century inside of a monumental palace built for a Roman emperor Diocletian in 305 AD. Today, that palace forms the nucleus of the city and is full of hidden treasures and charming squares and streets.

The Jewish community of Split is one of the oldest in Europe. The archaeological excavation from the nearby Roman Salona prove that the Jews had lived there with the Romans before moving to Split. Those Jews were known as the Romaniote Jews.

The community was enlarged in 1500 by the arrival of expelled Sephardic Jews and again in 1700 by the Ashkenazim. However, it has always been and remained a small community. Nevertheless, the Jews have often been the ones who have contributed greatly to the development and the wellbeing of the city. They were responsible for the first dock and the quarantine of the city harbor, first bookstore, first library, first distillery…

The last synagogue was built in 1510 and it is one of the three synagogues in Croatia that have survived the Second World War. While there is a unique story when it comes to war times, the Jews shared the same cruel destiny with the rest of Europe.

Today there is a small but active community that struggles to keep the tradition alive. It has more visitors than members. There is very personal approach towards the tourists so by visiting the shul, in a way you become its member for a day.