Next to the Diocletian's Palace and beaches, Marjan forest park is probably the most popular point for any visitor coming to Split. For us who live in Split, this little green hill overlooking and guarding our city is even more important, and it's been described in this blog. There are endless paths, beaches, natural beauty, viewpoints, medieval churches wherever you look, and symbolic meaning of Marjan is deeply written in Split city spirit. It's enough to say that about a hundred years ago the then small town Split managed to create a forest park as we know it today, through public works and land donations.

Unfortunately, Marjan is sick. A bug known as bark beetle attacked its pine forest, killing thousands of trees and causing even danger for everyone who pass through it because of falling branches and trees. It's much longer story why reaction wasn't as fast as needed, but now it changed. Marjan is under kind of shock treatment, which just began. Almost one third of all trees, including those already dead, but also those still green, but under bark beetle threat will be cut and transported out of forest. Plans say that pines will be changed with more sustainable species, like oak. However, it takes time, and a lot of work.

In the next few months different section of Marjan will be under siege of forest workers and transportation means, ranging from tractors to horses, only to bring Marjan its best possible look and health. At some point, those sections will be either closed, or with limited access, because it will be almost like a construction site. Please be patient, follow directions and don't put yourself and others in any kind of danger. That way you won't only stay safe, but also give important contribution in preservation of the hill which has status of symbol of Split.

Thank you, and enjoy Split in all its beauty!