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Discover A Roman Palace In Split

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Apr 26, 2021
  • 2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

This week we are traveling to the Mediterranean and the second-largest city in Croatia, Split. This ancient Roman city is the largest in the Dalmatian region. This historical city has seen many different empires and was central to many conflicts. Today, Split is the third busiest port in the Mediterranean as it sees more the four million passengers through it in a year. Split is arguably the best destination in all of Croatia because of the sites, climate, and history.


A picturesque view of Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia, as seen from the water. The scene features a prominent light-colored bell tower with multiple levels, rising above a collection of historic buildings with terracotta roofs. A lively waterfront promenade lined with numerous palm trees and outdoor seating areas runs along the edge of the blue water. Distant mountains are visible under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace

The leading destination of Split is Diocletian's Palace. It is considered the founding location of the city in the fourth century AD. The Palace was built as a retirement destination for the Roman emperor Diocletian. The name Palace can be deceiving as it was more of a fortress. Diocletian is said to have brought architects from the Eastern empire, but locals built most of the Palace. The Palace was built in two main sections, a living quarter and an area to house a military garrison.


A vibrant, low-angle shot captures the magnificent Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia, rising majestically into a clear, bright blue sky. The sun bursts from behind the tower, creating a lens flare. In the foreground, a series of light-colored stone arches and columns form a colonnade, framing the view of the tower and hinting at the ancient architecture of Diocletian's Palace.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

This is the oldest building in the Palace and is the resting place of Diocletian. This cathedral combines the storied history of ancient pagan, Christian, medieval and modern heritage. Be sure to take some time to visit and tour this ancient cathedral and learn all of the legacies that come along with it.


A historical photograph of the ancient stone walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia, likely focusing on The Silver Gate. The weathered, multi-toned stone walls feature arched openings, some empty to reveal the clear blue sky, and others with intricate stone work. Parts of the wall show signs of ruin and age. Through one of the arches in the distance, a small, round stone tower is visible, and parts of other buildings can be seen through other openings.
The Silver Gate

The Silver Gate

The Silver Gate is the way to enter the city from the eastern side of the Palace. Though this isn't the main entrance, this is the gate the Diocletian entered through. These gates were closed during the middle ages and were restored in 1952. Visitors can walk along the original pavement. In recent history, Pope John Paul II entered the Palace through the Silver Gate.


A wide, symmetrical shot captures the grand architecture of the Peristyle in Diocletian's Palace, Split, Croatia. The central structure features a large arched entrance flanked by columns and statues, with steps leading up to it. On either side, long colonnades with arches and multiple levels extend, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The foreground is a large, paved courtyard, and the clear blue sky is visible above the ancient stone buildings.
Peristyle

Peristyle

This was the central hub of the Palace. It was the Palace that was dedicated to Emperor Diocletian. He was celebrated as the living son of the god Jupiter. This transitioned from the city's central hub when the new city square with the town hall (Pjaca) was built in the 13th/14th century. After this, Peristyle became the religious center of the Palace. Even today, the people of Split believe that Peristyle is the center of the whole world.


This is just the tip of the extensive Diocletian Palace. To truly explore the entire grounds would require a lot of walking and time to take in all of the ancient buildings and monuments. Schedule a consultation to plan your trip.

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