In the Steps of Diocletian, 2022
acrylic on canvas, 130 × 100 cm

“Diocletian’s Palace, built at the edge of the sea by the Emperor of Rome at the end of the third century and the beginning of the fourth, is an extensive architectural complex, where there are houses, restaurants, shops, and hotels located among ancient remains. Late Renaissance stairs lead up to our hotel, with reliefs of vines, grapes, flowers, and angels. The rooms at the front of the hotel have Renaissance balconies with views of church towers and narrow Dalmatian streets. Some even have a view of the Marjan Hll.

The further I went in the hotel’s corridors, the greater the impression this place made on me. Every step uncovered a new bit of history. Despite its modern furnishings, even the hotel restaurant has kept its ancient character. A breakfast served in the Palace cellars attached to Diocletian’s spa tasted different.

Even in October, Split throbbed with life, and music sounded out among the café tables. The intimate character of the restaurants and the hotel enhanced the taste of seafood and ensured peace and calm.

As I fell asleep, I looked at the ancient remains on the walls in my room and I thought about how much history lay hidden behind those ancient walls.”

SEA EU Maritime Universities
in the Paintings of Aneta Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek, Gdańsk 2022