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Diocletian's Palace: A Living Roman Monument

Explore Diocletian's Palace in Split: A UNESCO site where Roman history thrives in a vibrant, modern city. Discover ancient gates, temples, and hidden gems.

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Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Split, Croatia, is an ancient Roman palace built by Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD as his retirement residence. Today, it forms about half of Split's Old Town, with thousands of residents, shops, and restaurants thriving within its historic walls.

A brief summary to Diocletian's Palace

  • Split, Grad, 21000, HR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets.
  • Check for live performances in Peristyle Square, which often hosts cultural events.
  • Purchase a combined ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites within the Palace, such as the cellars, cathedral, and bell tower.
  • Take a guided tour or use a self-guided audio tour to fully appreciate the historical context and hidden stories of the Palace.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Diocletian's Palace is centrally located within Split's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most points in the city. From the Riva (seafront promenade), enter through the Bronze Gate (also known as the Southern Gate). Alternatively, you can approach from the Golden Gate on the north side, near the statue of Gregory of Nin. The Palace is a pedestrian zone, so walking is the best way to explore its narrow streets and historical sites. No costs are associated with walking within the main Palace area.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving from Split Airport (SPU), take the Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle bus to the main bus station next to the train station and port. From there, Diocletian's Palace is a short 5-10 minute walk along the Riva. Alternatively, local buses 2, 9, 10, 11 and 15 will take you from the main bus station to the Diocletian's Palace area. A single bus fare within Split costs approximately €1.00-€2.00. If arriving from the Sukoisan local bus terminal, it is about a 10-minute walk to the entrance of Diocletian's Palace.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Split. From Split Airport, a taxi to Diocletian's Palace costs approximately €30-€35. A ride from the main bus or train station to the Palace area is a short trip, costing around €5-€10. Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak season.

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Discover more about Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace, constructed between 295 and 305 AD, stands as one of the most well-preserved Roman palaces and a vibrant heart of Split, Croatia. Built for Emperor Diocletian's retirement, the palace complex served as both a luxurious residence and a military fortress. Diocletian, a Dalmatian-born soldier who ruled as emperor from 284 to 305 AD, chose this location near his birthplace, Salona (modern-day Solin), for his retirement. Originally, the Palace was an impressive fortified structure with residential and garrison wings. It featured lavish apartments, temples, and a ceremonial court known as the Peristyle. After Diocletian's death, the palace continued to be used, eventually transforming into a medieval town. In the 7th century, residents of Salona sought refuge within the palace walls during Avar and Slavic invasions, leading to the organic development of the city of Split within the palace. Today, Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors worldwide with its blend of ancient Roman architecture and Mediterranean ambiance. Key features include the fortification gates (Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze Gates), the Temple of Jupiter (now a baptistery), the Peristyle, and the underground passageways. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian's mausoleum, is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. The Palace also served as a filming location for the popular series "Game of Thrones". Exploring Diocletian's Palace offers a unique glimpse into Roman history and the dynamic city that has grown within its walls.

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