Diocletian’s Palace is one of the most impressive and well-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. It was built by the emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD as his retirement residence and fortress. Today, it is the heart of the old town of Split, Croatia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Diocletian’s Palace is open to visitors every day of the year, from 9 am to 7 pm in winter and from 8 am to 10 pm in summer.
Diocletian’s Palace entrance fee is 45 kuna (about 6 euros) for adults and 20 kuna (about 3 euros) for children and students. The ticket includes access to the basement halls, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Ethnographic Museum.
To get to Diocletian’s Palace, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a ferry from the main port of Split. Alternatively, you can walk from the city center, which takes about 15 minutes. The palace is surrounded by a network of narrow streets, alleys, and squares that are full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Some tips for visiting Diocletian’s Palace are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen, as the stone pavement can be slippery and hot.
- Avoid visiting during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm) if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Hire a guide or join a tour if you want to learn more about the history and architecture of the palace. There are many options available, from walking tours to bike tours to segway tours.
- Respect the prohibitions and rules of the palace, such as not touching or climbing on the walls, not littering, and not making noise.
- Explore beyond the palace walls and discover other attractions nearby, such as the Riva promenade, the Marjan hill, and the Mestrovic Gallery.
Some of the highlights of what to see inside Diocletian’s Palace are:
- The Peristyle: The main square of the palace, where Diocletian used to address his subjects and where ceremonies were held. It is adorned with columns, arches, and sculptures.
- The Cathedral of St. Domnius: The oldest cathedral in Croatia, built on the site of Diocletian’s mausoleum. It features a bell tower that offers a panoramic view of the city.
- The Temple of Jupiter: A small temple dedicated to Diocletian’s patron god, which was later converted into a baptistery. It contains a statue of St. John the Baptist and a sphinx from Egypt.
- The Basement Halls: A labyrinth of underground chambers that were used for storage and service purposes. They reveal the original layout and structure of the palace.
- The Ethnographic Museum: A museum that displays traditional costumes, crafts, and tools from different regions of Croatia.
Diocletian’s Palace is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Split. It is a living museum that showcases the rich history and culture of this ancient city.
