Split
The Historic Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian is both an archeological and an urbanistic monument that has been in use from Roman times. At the end of the third century AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian (from local Illyrian origin) built his palace here. He spent the last years of his life in it, after abdicating in 305.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, his palace was divided into small houses for the local population. Diocletian's mausoleum was turned into a cathedral. Romanesque churches from the 12th and 13th centuries, medieval fortifications, Gothic palaces of the 15th century, and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.
Visit September 2008
The historic center of Split is relatively small, and for the most part confined within the walls of the former Diocletian's Palace. It's also unbelievably tricky to find your way. On my first foray into the palace to find my hotel, I accidentally found myself at the other side of the city center without any effort. So I had to get in again and navigate the narrow streets until I suddenly stood at the doorstep of Hotel Slavija.
One of the most lovely places around town is the Narodni Trg (People's Square), the heart of the Venetian city. It holds a number of terraces for lunch (octopus salad!) or just a coffee. Great for people watching ánd it's where the iconic 15th century astronomical clock can be found.
The Roman remains of Diocletian's era are cluttered around the Peristilium, just behind the Silver Gate. This is where all tour groups end up; the square is busy all day. There's also a black sphinx at this location, which was brought in by Diocletian himself from a campaign in Egypt. His (former) mausoleum stands next to it, now a cathedral. A strange octagonal building full of exuberant sculptures and works of art.
Split might not be the most beautiful city on earth, it has lots of atmosphere thanks to its original layout. And it's a perfect transportation hub for the rest of the region, by bus or by boat.
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
Joyce (The Netherlands):
 Split is quite an industrial city but the old town is far from that. Everywhere in the old town you can see the remains of the old palace. When you are walking through an underground alley filled with kitschy souvenir stands, you hardly notice that you are actually inside the palace. Built on the ruins are lots of little restaurants and shops. It's nice to just stroll around and to figure out where in the palace you are walking. |
| Date posted: July 2006 |
Kristina Klaricic (Croatia):
I live in Split so I know a lot of its history.
Palace was built between 293-303 AD for Roman Emperor Diocletian, who after 'retirement' came to live there. Some legends indicate that Diocletian was from Salonae, near-by center of Provincia Dalmatia.
Palace consists of 2 parts: maritime villa in south part and castrum in north. all representative objects are situated in south side: Peristyle, 3 temples (Jupiter, Cibelle, Venus), Emperor's mausoleum (today Dome of St. Domnius).
In 6th or 7th century town was inhabited by christians who raved Emperors mausoleum and turned it into church. Location of remains of Diocletians body is unknown.
Domnius' body was transfered to new church thanks to Pope.
In 12th century Belltower was added and it was reconstructed in 19th century. |
| Date posted: November 2005 |
Graeme Ramshaw (UK/US):
 The historic complex of Split is unusual in that it is entirely situated within the confines of the walls of Diocletian's Palace. When the Roman Empire crumbled, the locals huddled together for protection within the then-abandoned imperial residence, and they have remained there ever since. Due to this fact, Split has one of the strangest and coolest main entrances to an old town: through the main gate of an old palace entering up the stairs into a remarkable presidium. There's not much to see these days of Diocletian's living quarters, just some bare rooms with a few artifacts, but what is most striking is how certain structures of the palace, temples etc., have been coopted and transformed for the use of the current citizens. Split has a lovely little warren of streets to explore and some excellent cafes for sitting and watching the world go by. It's a great introduction to life on the Croatian coast and easily reachable by ferry from any number of Adriatic ports, including daily sailings from Ancona, Italy. |
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sue murat (usa):
I have been to Croatia several times because my father was born in a small village near Split. This summer was the first time I actually toured the Palace, and it is truly fabulous. The church and the museum upstairs are definitely worth seeing. Holy relics contained in their sarcophagus were fascinating, as were the many artifacts such as crowns, chalices, and robes worn by former bishops and priests. The palace is in great shape (people live within the walls) and was obviously well built. On the outskirts of Split, there are miles of ruins but the most impressive is the aquaduct. One small complaint about the palace is that there was a fee for entering the museum and some other parts of it. |
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