the most renowned dalmatian italian in those years was antonio bajamonti, the last italian mayor of spalato. he spent his entire life and his own activity for this city, but his economic expenses were never reimbursed by the austrians despite repeated promises. he was a moderate irredentist who was the propeller of important public works in his city, including the introduction of lighting gas, building the aqueduct and the hospital, creating technical schools, and doing the foundation of the dalmatian bank. for his initiative split was also given a square surrounded by galleries. his most famous work was the construction of the big fountain that was named later after him. three months later after the second opening of the fountain, antonio bajamonti died (the fountain was destroyed in 1947 by yugoslav authorities who considered it as a symbol of fascism and italian domination of the city). he created the società politica dalmata in 1886 in order to defend the italian characteristics of spalato but died at age 69 in 1891 with debt up to his neck.