Split

Diocletian's Palace

Split’s most famous attraction is Diocletian’s Palace. It forms the beating heart of Split and is one of the best preserved Roman archaeological complexes in the world. Built between 293 and 305 A.D. as an imperial residence, this imposing palace-fortress covers over 30,000 square metres enclosed by mighty walls up to 26 metres high. What makes it extraordinary is not only its architectural magnificence, but the fact that it is still a living organism where some 3,000 people reside today.

The original structure included a division between the southern part, dedicated to the imperial flats and state rooms, and the northern part reserved for servants and military garrisons. This division is still partially legible in the present plan. The four monumental gates named according to precious metals (Aurea, Argentea, Ferrea and Bronzea) allow access to the complex from every cardinal point.

Inside you will find the majestic Peristyle, the ceremonial square surrounded by colonnades, the Cathedral of St. Doimus carved out of the ancient imperial mausoleum, the dungeons used as sets for Game of Thrones, and a maze of alleyways with shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Cathedral of St Doimus

The Cathedral of St Doimus represents one of the most fascinating paradoxes of Christian history: the building originally constructed as the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian, a notorious persecutor of Christians, was transformed in the 7th century into a cathedral dedicated to St Doimus, a martyred bishop executed by the emperor. This symbolic conversion completed a posthumous revenge when the Christians removed Diocletian’s sarcophagus to replace it with the saint’s relics.

The structure retains the original Roman octagonal plan, bordered by 24 monolithic granite columns imported from Egypt. Inside you can admire the 13th century Romanesque pulpit, magnificent Baroque altars and precious sculptural reliefs believed to depict the faces of Diocletian and his wife Prisca.

The Bell Tower, built in Romanesque-Gothic style between the 12th and 16th centuries, soars 57 metres beside the cathedral. Climbing the 183 steps of the narrow spiral staircase requires effort, but the 360-degree panoramic view of Split, the harbour and the Dalmatian islands more than repays the effort.

Peristyle

The Peristyle forms the central square of Diocletian’s Palace and is one of the most atmospheric urban spaces in Europe. In Roman times, it served as a ceremonial courtyard where the emperor would appear to his subjects, surrounded by the majestic red granite colonnade that still borders three sides of the square. The original pavement is partially visible, while the columns retain their monumentality despite the two thousand years that have passed.

On the eastern side of the Peristyle is one of the twelve Egyptian sphinxes brought from Egypt by Diocletian, over 3,500 years old and perfectly preserved. This artefact represents the oldest object in Split. During the summer months, the Peristyle is transformed into a natural stage where concerts and performances are held, taking advantage of the exceptional acoustic qualities of the space.

The square is surrounded by cafes that offer the opportunity to sit on the Roman steps while sipping a drink, an experience that allows one to perceive the continuity between past and present. At sunset, when the stones are tinged with a warm honey colour and the elongated shadows create plays of light, the Peristyle reveals all its magic.

Baptistery

The building that today houses the Baptistery originated as the Temple of Jupiter, an integral part of the imperial religious complex built by Diocletian. The transformation into a Christian baptistery took place in the early Christian era, when the need to convert pagan spaces into places of Christian worship led to the intelligent re-use of existing structures. In the 13th century, the baptismal font originally from the cathedral was placed here, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture still used for baptisms today.

At the entrance to the baptistery is another Egyptian sphinx, headless but still impressive for the size and quality of its black granite sculpture. The interior retains remnants of ancient and medieval decoration, with a coffered ceiling dating from the Christian conversion period. The small space of the building creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere, in stark contrast to the monumentality of the Peristyle outside. The walls show traces of ancient frescoes and the entrance door is decorated with elaborate wooden carvings dating back to the 13th century.

Riva, the seafront promenade in Split

The Riva represents Split’s good living room, the green promenade where Split residents and tourists gather for walks, aperitifs and simply to enjoy the view of the harbour. This wide pedestrian promenade lined with palm trees stretches along the south coast of the old town, separating the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace from the Adriatic. Renovations in 2007 transformed the Riva into one of the most elegant public spaces in Dalmatia, with white stone paving reflecting the sunlight and creating a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Along the Riva are cafes, ice cream parlours and restaurants with outdoor tables where you can enjoy local specialities while watching the bustle of people. The promenade particularly comes alive at sunset and on summer evenings, when street musicians and artists perform, creating a festive atmosphere. From the promenade, there is a spectacular view of the harbour with ferries departing for the Dalmatian islands, sailboats moored and the Mosor mountains rising on the horizon.

The Riva is also the starting point for boat trips, harbour tours and connections to the islands. During the summer, it hosts cultural events, markets and manifestations that attract thousands of people, confirming it as the heart of Split’s social life.

Statue of Gregory of Nin

The monumental Statue of Gregory of Nin, a work by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović created in 1929, stands imposingly in front of the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace. Approximately 8 metres high, the bronze statue represents the medieval bishop Grgur Ninski, a key figure in Croatian history for having promoted the use of the Slavonic language and Glagolitic script in religious services, opposing the exclusive use of Latin imposed by Rome.

Meštrović’s depiction is powerful and dramatic: the bishop is caught in a moment of reflection or prayer, his robes falling into monumental folds and an expression of determination on his face. A tradition particularly favoured by visitors is that rubbing the statue’s left big toe brings good luck, and indeed you can see how the toe is polished by the continuous touch of thousands of hands.

The statue was not always in this position: originally placed in the Peristyle, it was moved during the period of World War II and finally repositioned in its current location in 1957. The square where the statue stands serves as a meeting and orientation point for visitors, marking the boundary between the medieval old town and the northern entrance to the palace.

Meštrović Gallery

The Meštrović Gallery is one of Croatia’s most significant art museums, devoted entirely to the works of Ivan Meštrović, considered the most important Croatian sculptor of the 20th century. Housed in an elegant neoclassical villa designed by the artist himself as his residence in the 1930s, the gallery is situated on a hill overlooking Split, offering splendid panoramic views of the sea.

In 1952 Meštrović generously donated the villa and 132 works of art to the Croatian people, laying the foundation for the creation of the museum gallery. The collection on display spans the artist’s entire output: sculptures in marble, bronze and wood, drawings, architectural plans and preparatory sketches. The works testify to Meštrović’s stylistic evolution, from classical and Viennese Secession influences to more mature works characterised by a monumental and powerful language. Particularly impressive are the religious sculptures that show the artist’s deep spirituality.

Also part of the museum complex is the nearby Kaštilac Church, decorated with wooden carvings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. The gallery is located outside the historical centre but is easily accessible by bus or a pleasant walk along the sea.

Marjan Hill

Marjan Hill is Split’s green lung, a 178-metre-high natural oasis jutting out into the sea to the west of the old town. This forest park of over 300 hectares has been declared a nature reserve and offers an escape from the urban hustle and bustle just a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace. Paths winding among Aleppo pines, cypresses and Mediterranean scrub are popular with runners, cyclists and families seeking shade and fresh air on hot summer days.

From the top of Marjan there is a spectacular view of Split, the surrounding islands and the Dalmatian coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. Several well-equipped viewpoints allow you to pause and contemplate the landscape, while small chapels and medieval churches dot the park, testifying to the spiritual role this hill has always played for the people of Split. On the western side are some of Split’s most beautiful beaches, such as Kašjuni and Bene, which can be reached via paths that descend steeply to the sea.

The hill is also home to a small zoo, sports fields, a climbing centre and panoramic cafes. A system of well-marked trails allows for hikes of varying difficulty, from simple coastal walks to more challenging paths that traverse the entire length of the park. Marjan is particularly magical at sunset, when the grazing light transforms the vegetation and the sea into a spectacle of colours.

Pazar, the Green Market

Split’s Green Market, known locally as Pazar, is the beating heart of everyday city life and an authentic experience not to be missed by visitors. Located just outside the Silver Gate of Diocletian’s Palace, this lively open-air market operates every morning from dawn until early afternoon, offering a kaleidoscope of Dalmatian colours, scents and flavours.

The stalls overflow with local produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables grown nearby, artisanal cheeses from the Dalmatian hinterland, extra virgin olive oil fromIstria and the islands, honey scented with Mediterranean herbs, dried lavender, ham and bacon smoked according to ancient recipes. Fresh fish, caught the night before in the Adriatic, occupies a dedicated section where you can find sea bass, gilthead bream, scampi and the famous brudet (fish soup) prepared by some stalls.

The market also offers handicraft products: woven baskets, lavender bags, handmade soaps and olive wood objects. Visiting the Pazar early in the morning means immersing yourself in Split authenticity, observing the local social dynamics and perhaps buying ingredients for a picnic on the beach or an aperitif in a flat.

Pjaca, People's Square

The People’s Square, simply called Pjaca by the people of Split, forms the centre of the medieval city and is an important historical and social landmark. This elongated square developed outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace during the medieval period, when Split began to expand beyond the confines of the Roman fortress. Surrounded by elegant Gothic and Renaissance palaces, Pjaca bears witness to the centuries of Venetian rule through its architecture reminiscent of the Serenissima.

On the northern side of the square stands the Gothic-style Town Hall, which today houses the Ethnographic Museum, while theold clock tower still marks the town’s time with its medieval mechanism. Venetian arches and Renaissance friezes decorate the façades of the buildings surrounding the square, creating an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of the common Adriatic origins of Venice and Split. The white stone pavement reflects the sunlight, while cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables invite you to pause and observe the daily hustle and bustle.

Pjaca particularly comes alive during seasonal markets, when stalls selling handicrafts and gastronomic specialities fill the space, creating a festive atmosphere. During the summer, the square hosts concerts and cultural events, confirming it as one of the most vital public spaces in the old town.

Game of Thrones Museum

The Game of Thrones Museum is a must-see attraction for fans of the popular HBO TV series. Located in a historical villa along Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića, near the Meštrović Gallery, the museum displays a rich collection of original costumes, armour, weapons and props used in filming.

You can admire up close the clothes worn by protagonists such as Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister and Jon Snow, explore faithful reconstructions of iconic environments from the series and even sit on a replica of the Iron Throne for the perfect souvenir photo. The exhibition is enriched by explanatory panels telling the behind-the-scenes story of filming in Split and other Croatian locations such as Dubrovnik, with maps illustrating where the most memorable scenes were shot.

Particularly interesting are the sections dedicated to special effects and the processes of costume and weapon creation, which reveal the meticulous craftsmanship behind the production. The museum also offers interactive experiences with touch screens and exclusive videos featuring interviews with the cast and crew. The visit lasts about an hour and is a perfect complement to the tour of the Split locations used to portray Meereen.

Bačvice Beach

Bačvice Beach is the most famous and popular beach in Split, located just a 10-minute walk from the old town along the coastal promenade that continues from the Riva. This sandy beach with shallow, gradual shallows is particularly popular with families with small children and those wishing to swim in calm waters. The sheltered bay offers protection from the winds, ensuring calm seas even when other beaches are rough.

Bačvice is famous not only for its bathing qualities but also as the birthplace of picigin, a typical Split water sport that consists of holding a small ball in the air by hitting it with your hands while in shallow water. During the summer you can watch teams of players perform spectacular acrobatics, and every January the world picigin championship is held, attracting teams from all over Croatia.

The beach is fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, showers, changing rooms and toilets. The promenade along Bačvice is lined with cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants and beach bars that stay open late into the night in summer, turning the beach into one of the centres of Split nightlife. The area is particularly popular with young people who gather here for sunset aperitifs and evening parties. Bačvice has been awarded the Blue Flag, an international certification guaranteeing the quality of the water and services offered.