Diocletian's Palace

About Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace is the Roman fortress-palace at the heart of Split, built at the end of the 3rd century AD as Emperor Diocletian's retirement residence. It was constructed near Salona, the former capital of Roman Dalmatia and Diocletian's birthplace. About half of the complex served the emperor's personal use, while the rest housed a military garrison. In 1979, UNESCO listed the Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian as a World Heritage Site.

Unlike many archaeological sites, the palace is still a living city. Today it forms much of Split's old town, with residents, shops, cafes, apartments, restaurants, churches, and lanes built into the Roman fabric. Do not miss the Peristyle, Vestibule, substructures or cellars, Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze Gates, Temple of Jupiter, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which began as Diocletian's mausoleum. The cellars are among the best-preserved ancient substructure complexes of their kind.

The palace streets are free to wander at any hour, but paid sites inside the complex have separate schedules and tickets. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours, or a full day if visiting the cellars, cathedral, museums, and cafes. Go early morning for quiet stone lanes or evening for atmosphere around the Peristyle. The polished paving can be slick when wet, and many corners have steps, crowds, and narrow passages.

Visitor Tip: Explore once with no agenda, then return with a map for paid interiors; the palace makes more sense after you have walked its gates, axes, and squares.

Information current as of July 5, 2026. Visitor details can change; double-check official sources for current hours, prices, reservations, access rules, accessibility, parking, transit, weather closures, and event impacts before visiting.