The history of Split spans 17 centuries, dating back to when the Roman Emperor Diocletian chose this very peninsula near the ancient Roman city of Salona to build a palace where he could spend his final years in peace. Over the course of 1,700 years, the palace gradually expanded and transformed into a city, now renowned for its rich tradition, impressive history, and the beauty of its natural and cultural heritage.
As locals, we can confidently say that Split has something for every type of traveler, especially if you know where to look and what to seek out.
When you arrive in Split, plan your day to make the most of it. There are a few things you definitely shouldn’t miss, starting with a leisurely walk on the famous waterfront called Riva. This promenade is the heart of the city, serving as Split’s most popular and significant public space. It is an ideal place for having your morning or afternoon coffee or an evening out with friends over drinks. Over the years, it has been expanded and renovated multiple times, yet it has always been graced by the stunning backdrop of the southern facade of Diocletian’s Palace.
Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. Originally built as a blend of a lavish villa and a Roman military camp (castrum), the Emperor’s Palace is divided into four sections, with two main streets running through it.
The Golden Gate, starting from the Peristyle and continuing through Cardo Street, led directly to Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. They were reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction in Split, alongside the nearby monument to Bishop Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin), both created by the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
In the 16th century, under Venetian influence, the gates were renamed Porta Aurea, or the Golden Gates, a title that has remained ever since.
The Peristyle, as the central square of Diocletian’s Palace, was designed to honor the emperor, celebrated as the living son of Jupiter, and is surrounded by numerous temples. The emperor would appear beneath the central architrave of the Protyron, and his subjects would approach him by kneeling, kissing the hem of his scarlet cloak, or prostrating themselves before him. Known for its unique beauty and remarkable acoustics, the Peristyle became the perfect setting for opera performances, ancient literary works, and a lively backdrop to urban life. Enjoying a coffee on the steps that surround the Peristyle offers a unique experience, bridging the gap between modern life and ancient heritage. Not only Roman but also Egyptian, as the Peristyle is guarded by a 3,500-year-old sphinx, a perfectly preserved witness to Split’s evolving history.
The Substructures of Diocletian’s Palace are among the best-preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world, which played a significant role in the inclusion of Split’s historical core on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1979. In Roman times, the Substructures served to raise the Emperor’s chambers on the upper floor, while also functioning as storage spaces for the Palace. Structurally mirroring the chambers above, they allow for an accurate reconstruction of what the Emperor’s living quarters would have looked like. During the early Middle Ages, part of the Substructures was repurposed as residential space.
One day in Split is all you need to experience the highlights. Start with a delicious breakfast from a local bakery, sip a coffee while the city comes to life, take a relaxed walk through its stunning sights, and enjoy some amazing food, beer, and wine as the evening unfolds.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your stay in our city—we’re here to help!
The most popular
Split Tours
Jupiter's Temple is nearby but the emperor's mausoleum, today the cathedral, overshadows it in both size and design. Feel humble and small while entering the emperor's quarters through the impressive Vestibule. Imagine joining the emperor on a feast in his Dining Hall, laying down and enjoying loads of exquisite food and wine. Learn what the Romans ate and what we eat today. The cellars hold secrets from ancient through medieval all the way to modern times, hopefully, you don't stumble upon a dragon.
Medieval life was harsh but Split grew both in size and culture - see the Town Hall and meet the author of the first book in the Croatian language. He loved books but also women and drinks. Finishing on the Riva waterfront you will feel that you know Split by heart, where to go, what to do, where to eat, and how to spend the perfect holiday in Croatia.
The price starts from 125€ per group, depending on the number of travelers and the language of the tour.
The tour is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French or German language.
The route can be modified according to the guests' interests.
After the show visits the St. Domnius Cathedral's bell tower to enjoy marvelous views of the Palace and the archipelago. Don't forget to take photos! Our expert guides with more than 500 tours experience will make you fall in love with Split and Croatia.
The tour is available in English and Spanish. For a tour in another language please contact us!
- Area:
- 79,4 km²
- Population:
- 160,577 (2021)
- Famous citizens:
- Goran Ivanišević (tennis player), Blanka Vlašić (high jump)
- Must-sees:
Split Cathedral
Peristyle
Gregory of Nin Statue
Riva waterfront
Marjan- Museums:
- Split City Museum
Meštrović Gallery
Croatian Maritime Museum
Game of Thrones Museum
Split Museum of Illusions - Parks:
- Marjan
- Beaches:
- Bene beach
Bacvice beach
Trstenik beach
