Diocletian’s Palace Split

The Roman emperor Diocletian built this vast fortified palace on the Adriatic around the year 300 for his retirement. Over the centuries the townspeople moved inside its walls, and today the palace is the old town of Split and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A guided walk takes in the columned Peristyle, the domed Vestibule, the cathedral that was once Diocletian’s mausoleum, and the vaulted cellars beneath the palace. Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius for views over the harbour and islands, then stroll the palm-lined Riva promenade.

Split is the main ferry port for the islands of Hvar and Brač, so a night or two here makes island day trips easy. In the evening, locals and visitors gather on the old stone steps of the Peristyle, often to live music.