Diocletian's Palace: Where Ancient Rome Meets the Sea

A Living Ancient Monument

Unlike most Roman ruins, Diocletian's Palace isn't a preserved museum piece - it's a living, breathing neighborhood where 3,000 people still live within the ancient walls. Built between 295-305 AD as a retirement home for Emperor Diocletian, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the best-preserved Roman palace in the world.

What to See in Diocletian's Palace

The Peristyle

This central square was the emperor's ceremonial court. Today, it hosts concerts and events, with cafes where you can sip coffee among ancient columns.

Underground Cellars (Substructure)

These remarkably preserved basements mirror the layout of the imperial apartments above. They're now home to a market and were famously used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Originally Diocletian's mausoleum, this is now one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world. Climb the bell tower for spectacular views over Split and the sea.

Temple of Jupiter

This small but perfectly preserved temple, later converted to a baptistery, features an impressive sphinx and beautiful carved doorway.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon offers the best light for photography and fewer crowds. The palace is magical at sunset when the warm light bathes the ancient stones in gold.

Combine Palace Visit with a Boat Tour

After exploring the palace, head to the Riva waterfront promenade just outside the walls. From here, you can join a boat tour to see Split's coastline from the sea and visit nearby islands.

Local Tips

• Get lost in the narrow streets - the best discoveries are unplanned
• Try traditional peka at one of the restaurants inside the palace walls
• Visit the Green Market (Pazar) just outside the Eastern Gate for fresh local produce
• The palace is free to explore; only the underground cellars and cathedral have entry fees