The First Viewpoint, Split, Guida per visitatori e cosa fare nei dintorni

The First Viewpoint (Prva vidilica) is a lookout on the slopes of Marjan Hill in Split, Croatia, with a wide view over the city's rooftops, harbour and the sea beyond. It is an easy first stop above the old town, and it sits close to a Jewish cemetery that dates back to 1573.

The story behind it

Marjan is the forested hill that rises over Split, and the First Viewpoint is the first of the lookouts on its southern side, which is how it got its name. Locals come up here for the view and a break from the crowded streets below.

The viewpoint also has a quieter story attached. Split has been home to many peoples, from the Romans to the Croats, and since the 16th century it has had a small but influential Jewish community. The Jewish cemetery on the slope near the viewpoint dates to 1573 and is a protected historical monument. It is a reminder of how varied the city's past has been.

What to look for

• Look out over the red roofs of the old town and the line of the waterfront, and try to pick out the bell tower that rises above Diocletian's Palace.
• Follow the horizon out to sea, where the islands off Split are visible on a clear day.
• Notice the pines and Mediterranean scrub around you, which make Marjan feel like a forest park on the edge of the city.
• Look at the walled cemetery nearby and its old stones, a sign of the Jewish community that settled in Split centuries ago.

Tips for your visit

• Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the view and a short rest, longer if you want to walk further along the hill.
• Late afternoon is a good time to come, when the light softens over the town and the climb is cooler.
• The viewpoint is a short climb from the old town, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. There is a cafe by the lookout, but check current opening hours.
• Treat the cemetery area as a place of remembrance: keep voices low and respect any posted rules about access.

See it on a quest

The Split Marjan Hill Witch Hunt: Split Best Viewpoints and Panoramic Sights quest passes through the First Viewpoint on foot as one stop in a longer route over Marjan's panoramic spots. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look at the view more closely. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group. You can start whenever you like, with no guide and no group to join.