You can find one of the continent’s oldest bookstores right in the center of Split’s old town. Housed in the same Venetian palace since it’s opening in 1860, it has a mandate that stipulates that the facade can’t change and that the bookstore may never close it’s doors to make room for a different business.
I love bookstores, and make a point to search them out all over the world. For me they’re the quiet heart and soul of a city. Morpurgo was founded by Vid Morpurgo, who in addition to the bookstore also established a library in Split, built a brick factory, founded a bank for farmers, was active in Split’s political life, and, if that’s not enough, launched one of Croatia’s biggest distilleries. The bookstore continued throughout the years to play a strong part in Split’s cultural, intellectual and political life.
>>>Warm thanks to Alan Mandić from Secret Dalmatia, for organizing a truly memorable, and off the beaten path trip for our curious and insatiable group of travelers, and to the Hotel Cornaro for accommodations in Split.