Diocletian’s Palace and Split are in many ways synonymous. The city center is defined by the borders of the historic Roman palace. The “skyline” is made up of the fortressed walls and towers. Within those walls, cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels and museums line the labyrinth of streets and cozy courtyards, narrow paths that open up into bustling squares. A living heritage site. Stone architecture remains remarkably in tact in many places. And “ruins” make for awe-inspiring backdrops to the Mediterranean landscape.
a loosely guided wander >>>
It’s easy to get lost in there, and that’s not the worst thing way to explore the palace. But for a general guide for a day of wandering, try this.
Start at Gradska tržnica, a farmers market on one end of the Riva and a stone’s throw from the train station and port. From there, walk away from the water on Hrvojeva street and enter the palace from Srebrena vrata, the Silver Gate.
That should take you directly to the heart of the main famous Peristil square by the Saint Domnius Cathedral and Bell Tower. If you have time and don’t mind the climb, go up to the top of the tower for incredible views.
Otherwise, walk to the end of the square and take a right on Dioklecijanova street. Follow it forward until you reach Zlatna vrata, the Golden Gate. Right beyond is Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera, and the tower and chapel of the Holy Arnir, a statue of Gregory of Nin, and the Benedictine monastery of St. Euphemia.
Walk west (to the right, if you’re facing the Golden Gate), and re-enter the palace from Bosanska street. Shop and wander your way toward Narodni Trg, People’s Square, filled with restaurants and cafes that makes for a perfect break. There, you’ll also see Stara Gradska Vijećnica, the Old Town Hall.
Admire the photogenic Cyprian’s Palace, and take Ul. Ispod Ure just a few meters until you reach Ul. Bajamontijeva. Turn right and walk toward Ulica Pusti me proć’ (the narrowest “street” which literally translates to “let me pass”) and the 3rd century Temple of Jupiter.
You’ll walk out and emerge back in Peristil. This time, take a left on Ul. Peristil and go down into the dungeons, of Game of Thrones fame. Exploring the dungeons is a ticketed attraction, but you can also just walk through the main part onto the Riva.
Follow Ul. Severova to the Vomitorium, the best hidden gem within the palace. Most people don’t wander up here, so it’s remarkably quiet, grasses and flowers grow over the ruins of the palace, and ancient “windows” offer peeks at the sea beyond.
Pop out to the Riva and head toward Marjan Hill for an easy walk down to the other end of the palace to reach Trg Republike, a colorful and photogenic square the looks out to the Adriatic. Go through the other end of the square and turn right on Ul. Kraj Svete Marije and right again Ul. Obrov.
At the end, cross Ul. Zadarska and then continue down Dobrić which will lead you to Voćni Trg, Fruit Square, and you’ll be met with Mletački kaštel, the Venetian Tower. From there, find a restaurant in the palace, or go back out to the Riva for a drink and a view to finish the day.
the details
| Address | It’s kind of the whole city center 21000, Grad, Split, Croatia |
| Website | https://www.diocletianspalace.org/ |
| Tripadvisor | Review |
| @metmuseum | |
| Hours | 24/7, though shops are mostly closed by 8pm, and restaurants and bars tend to close around midnight |
| Price | free to explore (though the dungeons and tower are ticketed) |
| Aesthetic | ancient… Roman… |
good to know
Amount of time to spend: give yourself at least half a day for a general walking tour, but it could easily stretch to a full day or several days with the museums, galleries, churches and other attractions throughout the palace
Local Transportation: Buses from the airport (or between cities) will take you right to the bus terminal, which is a short walk from the palace. The train station and ferries are also right there.
Last visited: May 2016
Last updated: January 2018