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Diocletian's Cellars: A Subterranean Journey Through Roman History

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Uncover the secrets beneath Diocletian's Palace in Split, exploring ancient Roman cellars and substructures.

Explore the remarkably preserved substructures beneath Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. These ancient cellars, once used for storage and to elevate the emperor's living quarters, offer a unique glimpse into Roman engineering and palace life. Today, they host various cultural events and provide a fascinating historical experience.

A brief summary to Diocletian's Cellars

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on ancient stone floors.
  • Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
  • Check for ongoing events or exhibitions happening in the cellars.
  • Note that the free section of the cellars is a tourist bazaar, but you need to pay to enter the museum sections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Diocletian's Cellars are located within Diocletian's Palace in the heart of Split's Old Town. From the Riva (waterfront promenade), enter the Palace through the Bronze Gate. Alternatively, access the cellars via the stairs leading down from the Peristyle. Once inside the palace, follow the signs for 'Podrumi' or the 'Cellars'. Entry fee is approximately €7 for adults. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

  • Public Transport

    Split's public transport is primarily based on local buses. The main bus station is located next to the port and train station, a short walk from Diocletian's Palace. From the bus station, walk along the Riva towards the Palace. Enter through the Bronze Gate to access the Cellars. A single bus fare within Split costs around €1.50. The city center and Diocletian Palace are pedestrianized areas.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Split. Be aware that the Old Town is a pedestrian zone, so the taxi will drop you off at the edge of the zone. From there, it's a short walk to the Bronze Gate and the entrance to the Cellars. A short taxi ride within Split's city center typically costs between €5 and €10.

Discover more about Diocletian's Cellars

Delve into the depths of Diocletian's Palace with a visit to its cellars, also known as the substructures. This underground complex represents one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind in the world. Constructed in the 4th century AD, these massive barrel-vaulted cellars served two primary purposes: to elevate the imperial residential area above and to function as storage space for the palace.During Roman times, these cellars were used to store foodstuffs and wine. A remnant of a large press used in wine production is still visible today. The cellars are a structural replica of the chambers above, enabling historians to reconstruct the layout of the emperor's private residence. In the early Middle Ages, parts of the cellars were repurposed as residential areas. Over time, they were used as waste pits before being rediscovered and excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries.Today, the cellars are open to the public, offering a unique perspective on Roman architecture and history. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine rooms and halls, which host art exhibitions, theater plays, and cultural events. The central hall features souvenir stalls, while other areas showcase the cellars' original Roman design. The cellars are accessible via the Bronze Gate on the Riva or through stairs from the Peristyle.

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