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Discover Tifani Luxury Rooms in the heart of Split! Enjoy elegant 4-star rooms, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, just a few steps from Diocletian's Palace and the Riva. An ideal location for exploring the city.

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Diocletian's Palace - the heart of Split and a World Heritage Site

Diocletian's Palace - the heart of Split and a World Heritage Site

Diocletian's Palace in Split is one of the most famous and best preserved works of ancient Roman architecture, and its historical and cultural value attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Built at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century, the palace is considered one of the largest Roman monuments and today is the core of life in the city of Split. This complex, which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1979, represents a fascinating combination of ancient imperial luxury and a vivid Mediterranean ambience.

History of the Palace and Its Builder

Diocletian's Palace was built as a monumental residence of Emperor Diocletian, one of the most powerful Roman emperors, who came from near present-day Split. Emperor Diocletian was famous for his reform of the Roman Empire and for being the first emperor to voluntarily abdicate. He wanted to spend his retirement days in his native Dalmatia, and commissioned the construction of a magnificent palace near the sea, which would provide him with both comfort and security.

The construction of the palace lasted for ten years, and it was completed around the year 305. Although Diocletian's Palace was originally conceived as an imperial villa with elements of a military fortress, over time it turned into the center of life and development of the city of Split

Architecture of the Palace

Diocletian's Palace occupies an area of ​​30,000 square meters and consists of a series of complexes: residential areas, temples, courtyards, a military station and numerous other buildings. Its walls reach a height of up to 20 meters and surround four main entrances: the Golden, Silver, Brass and Iron gates.

Within the walls of the palace there are significant architectural elements:

  • Peristyle – the central courtyard of the palace surrounded by columns, served as the main space for gatherings and ceremonies. Today it is a popular gathering place and venue for performances and concerts.
  • The cellars of Diocletian's Palace - located under the Peristyle, are excellently preserved and today serve as a space for exhibitions and tourist visits. The basements served as storage and support for the upper residential areas.
  • Diocletian's Mausoleum - today known as the Cathedral of St. Dujm, the patron saint of Split, this is one of the most important historical places in the palace. It is interesting that the mausoleum was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in the world.
  • The Temple of Jupiter - located not far from the Peristyle, originally dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter, was later converted into a baptistery.

Diocletian's Palace Today

What makes Diocletian's Palace particularly unique is the fact that it is not just an archaeological site, but a living part of the city. In its premises there are numerous apartments, shops, restaurants and galleries, which gives visitors the opportunity to experience history in the heart of modern Split. Passing through the ancient corridors of the palace, shopping in shops within its walls or enjoying local specialties in restaurants located among ancient stone walls - all this makes Diocletian's Palace an authentic experience.

Every year, the palace is also the stage for numerous cultural events, including Split Summer, a festival that brings performances of drama, ballet, opera and other art forms to historic locations. The peristyle then becomes a space for performances under the open sky, which allows visitors a unique experience of art in a unique environment.

Interesting facts about Diocletian's Palace

  • The First Christian Emperor and Ancient Temples: Ironically, although Diocletian is known for declaring himself a deity and persecuting Christians, his palace today contains a cathedral and baptistery that were once dedicated to the Roman gods.
  • Movie Set Location: Diocletian's Palace has served as the inspiration and set for many movies and series, including the popular "Game of Thrones" series, further attracting the attention of international visitors.
  • Local legend: According to one legend, Diocletian spent his last days tending gardens and planting vegetables – the famous Roman emperor retired from politics to enjoy nature and simplicity, making him one of the few rulers of ancient Rome to voluntarily abdicate.

Visit to Diocletian's Palace

A visit to Diocletian's Palace provides an insight into the history, architecture and daily life of ancient Split. Guides, audio tours and interactive exhibits offer a detailed overview of this ancient residence, and visitors can also join costumed tours that bring characters from the Diocletian era to life. A walk through the palace is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the past, but also to experience today's life in a unique combination of old and modern.

Diocletian's Palace is not just a relic of the past - it is a living symbol of Split and a testimony to the rich history of the region, attracting lovers of history, architecture and culture from all over the world.