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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Facing Split’s seafront promenade, this vast 3rd-century palace – now integrated into the historic centre – was Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement home. The emperor’s apartments overlooked the sea, while servants and soldiers occupied the rest of the complex, which centres on the Cathedral and Peristil, where Diocletian made public appearances.

Later on, medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings were erected within the white marble walls, and it became a city. Today, it’s a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Split’s must-see attraction.

Don’t miss

Located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristil – a magnificent arcaded square – was, and still is, Split’s main public meeting space. On the west side, the ancient Roman arches have been incorporated into a 15th-century palazzo, now the Luxor Café.

On the east side stands the octagonal Cathedral of St Domnius, originally built in the 3rd century as Diocletian’s mausoleum. The interior is round in plan, with eight columns supporting a domed roof.

The 60m-high bell tower was added in stages from the 12th century onwards – climb to the top for a dizzying bird’s-eye view over the old town.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Most visitors choose to explore Diocletian’s Palace independently, wandering the scattered ruins and adapted buildings of the original Roman structure and lingering longest at the Peristil and Cathedral. Better to book on a guided tour that can bring the place alive.

There is no ticket office or designated route; use the four main guard gates to get your bearings – Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron. If you’re going it alone, the tourist office on the Peristil has free city plans, a must if you want to get to grips with the layout of Diocletian’s Palace and the old town.

When to do it

As an integral part of Split’s historic centre, the Palace is accessible all year round.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace

Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace

Split

This tour is a great option if you are short on time or have other plans, but want to learn more about the beautiful city of Split. Your gui...

€14 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [51 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Split & Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour

Split & Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour

Split

Take a walk through Split's 1,700 years of history, accompanied by a local guide who will bring the past to life. Among the sights on this 9...

€14 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [392 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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90-min Diocletian Palace Walking Tour

90-min Diocletian Palace Walking Tour

Split

This tour is a great option if you are short on time or have other plans, but want to learn more about the beautiful city of Split. Your gui...

€14 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [175 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

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Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour in Split

Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour in Split

Split

Explore Diocletian's Palace in Split on a walking tour, and see the highlights of the UNESCO-listed palace complex with an expert local guid...

€24 | Rating 4.35 / 5 [85 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Vestibul Palace

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0 miles]

Small, luxurious boutique hotel with an elegant fine-dining restaurant, tucked away within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace.

Official star rating:

Hotel Peristil

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.1 miles]

Cosy welcoming old-fashioned hotel and restaurant, located within Diocletian’s Palace, between the cathedral and open-air market.

Official star rating:

Hotel Marmont Heritage

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.2 miles]

Slick, comfortable hotel with a popular restaurant in the heart of Split’s glorious old town. The perfect base to explore the city. Adults only.

Official star rating:

Divota Apartment Hotel

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.6 miles]

Hip aparthotel in a cluster of old stone cottages with minimalist interiors, plus a garden spa offering Oriental wellness activities

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Split

Dalmatia, Croatia

With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Split’s Fish Market
Experience

Split’s Fish Market

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.2 miles]

A handsome covered peskarija, popular with the locals, where marble stalls display mounds of freshly caught seafood. Sample the fare at one of the many surrounding cafes and restaurants. Open daily.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Bacvice Beach
Experience

Bacvice Beach

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[0.9 miles]

A Blue-Flag, sandy beach in a sheltered bay just a ten-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace. Locals come here to drink morning coffee at the seafront cafés and play picigin, a bizarre ball game unique to Split.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Classical gallery stands on hill
Experience

Mestrovic Gallery

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[1.8 miles]

Gallery of Croatia’s best-known 20th-century sculptor Ivan Mestrovic – whose work has been compared to that of Rodin and Michelangelo – exhibits 200 of his works. It’s set in a splendid neo-classical villa, his former summer home, with a lovely café overlooking the sea.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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Marjan Peninsula [walking & cycling]

Split, Dalmatia, Croatia[2.6 miles]

A gorgeous peninsula of pines, cypresses and fragrant shrubs, offering fantastic walking and cycling. Just a 10-minute walk from Split’s centre.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 5 hours

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Round-ups that include this experience