Bucket list experience:
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
Split
€14 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [51 ratings]
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Split
€14 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [392 ratings]
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Split
€14 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [175 ratings]
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Split
€24 | Rating 4.35 / 5 [85 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatia, Croatia
With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Throughout human history vast empires have risen and fallen into ruin, their culture and customs lost to the sands of time. Thankfully, some outstanding examples remain. Here’s our round-up of the best.
Multiple countries
Leading European travel writer Dana Facaros, with a passionate interest in archaeological sites, round-ups the best ruins and remnants of arguably the world’s greatest empire.
