Diocletian's Cellars
Discover the Enigmatic Diocletian's Cellars
Brass Gate: A Passage Through Time
Enter Diocletian's Palace through the unassuming Brass Gate, a historic portal connecting Split's vibrant Riva to ancient Roman roots.
The Brass Gate, or Porta Aenea, is the unassuming southern entrance to Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. Once a direct sea access point for the palace, it now welcomes visitors from the Riva promenade into the palace's substructures, filled with shops and exhibitions.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Brass Gate
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
8:30 am-10 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am-10 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am-10 pm
Thursday
8:30 am-10 pm
Friday
8:30 am-10 pm
Saturday
8:30 am-10 pm
Sunday
8:30 am-10 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the Riva promenade, the Brass Gate is easily accessible on foot. Simply walk along the waterfront, and you'll find the gate located on the southern facade of Diocletian's Palace. It's the most direct entrance to the Palace from the sea. There are no costs associated with approaching the gate on foot.
Public Transport
If arriving by public transport to Split, such as bus or train, the Brass Gate is a short walk from the main bus and train stations. From the stations, head towards the Riva promenade and follow the waterfront until you reach the gate. A single bus fare within Split typically costs around €1.20. The walk from the transport hubs is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Split. Simply request a ride to the Riva promenade, and the driver will drop you off as close as possible to the Brass Gate. Be aware that the Old Town is largely pedestrianized, so you may have a short walk from the drop-off point. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €5-€10.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
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Explore the substructures accessible through the gate; they offer a fascinating glimpse into the palace's original layout.
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Take a guided tour to learn more about the gate's history and its significance within Diocletian's Palace.
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Don't miss the Church of Our Lady of the Belfry above the gate, home to the oldest Romanesque bell tower on the Adriatic coast.
Discover more about Brass Gate
The Brass Gate, originally known as Porta Meridionalis, offers a unique entry into Diocletian's Palace. Unlike the grander Golden, Silver, and Iron Gates, the Brass Gate was designed for practical purposes, providing direct access to the sea. In Roman times, this allowed for the delivery of goods and served as a secure escape route.Today, the gate leads from the bustling Riva promenade into the well-preserved substructures of the palace. These underground halls now host a variety of souvenir shops, market stalls, and cultural events, offering a glimpse into the palace's ancient foundations. Above the gate, the Church of Our Lady of the Belfry stands with its ancient Romanesque bell tower, the oldest on the Adriatic coast.As you pass through the Brass Gate, you're walking through centuries of history, connecting the vibrant modern city of Split with its Roman past. This gate is a testament to Split's enduring maritime heritage and its transformation from an imperial palace to a living, breathing city.
A brief summary to Brass Gate
Use Brass Gate as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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