Secret Split: Socialist Architecture & Brutalism

Discover the hidden architectural gems of Split, Croatia, and delve into the fascinating history of Yugoslavia’s urban utopia. Uncover the stories behind the concrete masterpieces and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Papandopulova ulica - The architecture of Split 3 was highlighted in MoMA’s “Toward a Concrete Utopia” exhibition in New York, 2018.
    “Constructed in the 1970s, Split 3—an extension of the Croatian city of Split—was among the final large-scale urban planning projects in Yugoslavia, noted for its ambition and success. It featured megastructure…
What's Included
  • Tour with a licensed tourist guide and certified heritage interpreter
  • Visit the residential area of Split
  • Meet local artists/activists
What's Not Included
  • Tips
Additional Information

Most tours in Split focus on the Roman era.
This tour begins in the 20th century.
Secret Split offers a journey through parts of the city that most visitors never explore—neighborhoods constructed after World War II, when new ideas for living, space, and society were being realized in concrete.
Participants will discover the story of Split 3, a socialist…

Location
Ul. Šime Ljubića 3
Ulica Šime Ljubića
You can take a bus from the only town, and it takes approx 20 min drive to our meeting point. You can message me or call me so I can meet you at the bus station when you exit the bus or somewhere that is easier for you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Zf1980
Feb 25, 2026
Concrete stories - I recently joined a tour around my very own neighbourhood. Our guide Mirjana shared captivating stories of the socialist architecture, its residents and creators, and the whole historical context and social fabric behind this incredible urban project of 1970's Yugoslavia. What really stood out was her natural, flowy storytelling! She effortlessly took us through a hundred years of history, weaving together streets, buildings, and the lives of the people who shaped them. Being in a small group made the experience feel even more intimate, and I left with a completely new perspective on the area I thought I knew. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to truly connect with this city and get a little further under the skin of local life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
495darkok
Feb 23, 2026
Second time on the tour - enjoyed it just as much as the first time! - This was my second time joining this tour and it was just as fantastic as the first! Mirjana is genuinely engaging, and you can clearly feel how much she loves Split’s history and architecture. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon and see a side of Split most people completely miss. Huge credit to Mirjana for creating and running this experience - every local, and anyone who loves Split, architecture, history, or all three, should take this tour. So yes... This walking tour is an absolute must when visiting Split!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
495darkok
Aug 14, 2025
Most informative walk around the block I ever had... - Two things intersected perfectly here - firstly the recent history of Split, which is not talked about much, and secondly our guide Mirjana, who is very knowledgeable, and friendly and clearly enjoys what she does. For anyone coming to Split for the first time, I highly recommend this tour. For locals (especially if they live in Split 3), this tour should be a must!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ivnaj2020
Aug 11, 2025
Different tour of Split - The tour was not only educational but also an eye opening experience. The urban planning of this part of the town is quite impressive. At first glance not so attractive with Mirjanas tour completely made sense. Her tour is unique as is the urban project of Split 3. I would recommend this tour not only to people with urban and architectural interests but also to anyone who wants to have a great time with a local expert.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream50901024239
Aug 10, 2025
Great perspective - Great throwback to recent history through architectural, human and political context. The guide was engaged, factual and gave us a perspective to overthink some of the common narration of the past and to link it with today's life. Mirjana, thank you for a special experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
59minja_
Aug 10, 2025
Hidden gem of Split - The tour was amazing. We had Mirjana as our tour guide. She is not only a fabulous professional but a passionate connoisseur of her home town. The tour was deeply informative and interesting with humorous details and inside information. We would love to recommend this tour to anyone who wants to find out more about this beautiful town and it's marvelous architecture. The tour is easy to walk. Top tour. Thank you Mirjana.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lou_w
Aug 9, 2025
Outstanding - Personalised, very interesting. Loved our time with Mirjana who is clearly very passionate, knowledgeable about her city. Would highly recommend. Perfect if you like brutalist architecture, history, planning, community, local knowledge.
Review provided by Viator
Naurisl2024
Jan 18, 2024
Amazing tour in Split with Mirjana - Tour with Mirjana was really nice ! It was new expierence in Split. It was interesting to see this part of Split and get to know more about history how this area was planned and builded. I would highly reccomend this tour to everyone !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y6757vqkevina
Jan 3, 2024
Impactful view of the Split beyond Split - As we've wandered the outskirts of Split, my wife and I didn't find a lot of 'humanity' in the socialist concrete blocks. This changed given our time with Mirjana. We now see the beauty, not only in the architecture and design elements, but also in the human stories in the web of life that has been created. We've loved Split since the day we arrived. That love has been taken to another level with the understanding of its people and their stories on this tour. A highlight came at the end of the tour as we sat and immersed ourselves in a coffee, this wonderful Croatian practice of nursing a coffee or hot chocolate in good company. No cell phones, no distractions, just wonderful conversation. Love our tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stujameswhite
Jan 2, 2024
Engaging with a warm personality - I would highly recommend the tour, the guild kept you engaged with interesting stories of the area. Was very relaxing with a warm personality! You don’t want to miss this opportunity while in split. Stuart
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $168
up to 9 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).