In the history of Split, Marjan hill has always had a special spot. In Roman times at the very western cape there existed a shrine to goddess Diana. In medieval times the hills was called ‘Mons Kyrieleyson’ after many religious processions taking placing there. Already in late antique times the hill was known for dwellers connected with St. Cyriacus, a saint said to have freed Valeria, daughter of Roman emperor Diocletian, of the devil.
On the cliffs facing south, the Split noble family Karepić built in 1523 a fort outside caves in the rocks. The fort, or cave, was used by Marjan peasants and dwellers to hide in case of attack by Turks. It was accessible via wooden movable steps. Above the door there remains the emblem of the Karepić family with stars, tree and fort crown.
The south side of Marjan, with numerous churches and remnants of dwellings and bountiful Mediterranean vegetation, is one of the loveliest and most impressive areas of the Croatian coast.
