Matejuška
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In front of you is Matejuška – a place that the people of Split do not avoid, and every traveler can see how the city breathes here. This small bay, located between the western walls of Diocletian's Palace and at the foot of Marjan, has been the center of fishing life for centuries. According to some sources, the name Matejuška comes from the church of St. Matthew, but there is also an interesting theory that the name actually came from the brothers Mate and Joško, whom their mother called out to brunch every day from the window, and so the place was named after these calls. Matejuška once served as a fishing port, while the main ancient dock was next to the palace itself. Fishing boats are still moored here today. Nearby is a large monument to fishermen – a huge fishhook, which reminds us of how important this part of the city is to the people of Split. Colorful boats, often decorated with red and blue stripes, are not just for decoration. Fishermen painted them to make them easier to recognize in the fog and at sea. Over time, stories about the meaning of these colors emerged – red symbolizes the blood of Saint Duje, the patron saint of Split, and blue the sea that nourishes the city. Throughout history, Matejuška has been the scene of everyday dramas and major events. In 1979, after Hajduk won the championship title, fans celebrated by jumping into the sea from these very walls. A lesser-known, but very interesting fact is that at the beginning of the 20th century, healing sulfur springs gushed out on Matejuška, which is why Diocletian decided to build his palace on this very spot. The city's first hydroport with a line to Prague was also located here, which further increased the importance of this bay in the history of Split. Today, Matejuška is a lively place, where tradition is still cherished. Fishermen, sea lovers and all those who care about the spirit of the city still gather here. In the evening, with the smell of the sea and the sound of seagulls, Matejuška becomes a gathering point, meeting places, stories and new memories.