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Diocletian's Palace: A Living Roman Masterpiece

Explore Diocletian's Palace in Split: a unique blend of ancient Roman architecture and vibrant modern city life, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Split, Croatia, is more than just ruins; it's a living city. Built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century as his retirement residence, it has evolved into the heart of Split, with shops, homes, and restaurants thriving within its ancient walls.

A brief summary to Diocletian's Palace

  • Split, Grad, 21000, HR

Local tips

  • Explore the Palace early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the historical site more peacefully.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on ancient cobblestones.
  • Visit the cellars to see well-preserved Roman substructures and learn about the palace's original layout.
  • Check for live performances in Peristyle Square, the palace's central courtyard.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Diocletian's Palace is centrally located in Split and easily accessible on foot from most points within the city center. From the Riva (waterfront promenade), enter through any of the four gates (Bronze, Silver, Golden, or Iron Gate) to find yourself immersed within the palace walls. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus or train, the main bus and train stations are located next to each other, a short 10-15 minute walk to the Palace. Alternatively, from the main bus station, take bus lines 2, 9, 10, or 15 towards the city center. Get off near the Trznica (Green Market) or at the Riva. A single fare is around €1 - €2. From Split Airport, the Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle bus will take you to Split's main bus station in 30-40 minutes for 30 HRK.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Split. A taxi from the main bus/train station to Diocletian's Palace is a short ride, costing approximately €4 - €5. From Split Airport to the city center (near Diocletian's Palace), a taxi will cost around 300 HRK, while Uber offers a flat fee of 225 HRK.

  • Driving

    Parking within the Old Town/Diocletian's Palace is not possible as it is a pedestrian zone. The closest parking options are Riva Parking (adjacent to the Palace, most expensive at €4 per hour), Train Station Parking Lot, and Stari Plac Parking Lot (5-minute walk, more affordable at €1.50 per hour). Be aware that these lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider parking further out (e.g., near Poljud Stadium or Marjan Hill) and walking.

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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 part of Split, Croatia. Originally built for Emperor Diocletian's retirement, the complex served as both a luxurious villa and a military fortress. Diocletian, who famously reformed the Roman Empire and voluntarily abdicated, chose this location near his birthplace to spend his final years. Over the centuries, the Palace transformed from an imperial residence to a bustling city center. In the 7th century, refugees fleeing the destruction of Salona sought shelter within its walls, beginning the Palace's evolution into a medieval town. Today, Diocletian's Palace comprises about half of Split's Old Town, with approximately 3,000 residents living within its boundaries. Visitors can explore the Palace's impressive gates (Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze), the central Peristyle courtyard, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which was once Diocletian's mausoleum. The cellars, once used for storage, offer a glimpse into the Palace's original layout and Roman engineering. The Palace has also served as a filming location for movies and TV series, including "Game of Thrones".

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