Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Travel back in time on a guided walking tour of Split and explore 1,700 years of the city’s history, from the construction of the Diocletian Palace in 305 CE, to its place as Croatia's second largest city. Uncover sights like the Saint Domnius Cathedral along the way.  Meet your guide at the Golden Gate of the Diocletian Palace and marvel at the remains of an ancient palace from the Roman Empire which now forms about half the Old Town of Split. Stop to view its open colonnades in the palace's central Peristyle square. Continue to the impressive Saint Domnius Cathedral, which is thought to be the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original form. Hear about the story of Gregory of Nin by his statue in Giardin Park. Stroll along the Riva promenade to admire views of Marjan Hill and the Adriatic Sea. Finish your tour where it began at the Golden Gate.

Discover the rich history of Diocletian's Palace, a historic marvel built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD, now forming the heart of Split's Old Town. Explore the palace's intricate cellars, the majestic Peristyle courtyard, and the emperor's private observatory. Walk through the Bronze, Silver, Golden, and Iron Gates, and delve into the history of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Arnir, the 15th-century Town Hall, and the baroque elegance of Fruit Square (Voćni trg). Guided by our passionate local experts, who bring history to life with captivating stories and insider knowledge, this tour offers an immersive experience that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for Split's historical significance and timeless beauty. Our guides are not just experts; they are enthusiastic locals who share a deep connection with the city's rich cultural tapestry, making each tour a unique and memorable adventure.

Travel back in time on a guided walking tour of Split and explore 1,700 years of the city’s history, from the construction of the Diocletian Palace in 305 CE, to its place as Croatia's second largest city. Uncover sights like the Saint Domnius Cathedral along the way. Meet Your guide at bronze gate of Diocletian's Palace. 1. Split's Riviera, the most important site for all of the local residents. There are some graphic and model representations here that I use for an introduction to what is going to be shown inside the Palace. Also, the southern wall of Diocletian's Palace is beautifully seen from that spot. 2.Diocletian's cellars are true indicators of the excellence and architectural wisdom of the Romans. The skill of the technique and stacking of stone and various other materials into recognizable shapes such as square, semi-arches, vaults still remind us of the great achievements of that era. They have had several roles throughout history, and in each of them they have shown themselves to be an indisputable construction undertaking. According to their preservation, the imperial apartment can be replicated in all its rooms. 3.The central square of Diocletian's Palace and one of the most important squares of the city today. We will be able to see some incredibly preserved Roman structures. The emperor himself private entrance to his imperial apartment through an imposing vestibule. And the lofty balcony from which the emperor addressed his subjects. And the imperial mausoleum itself. 4.The Cathedral or the grave of emperor Diocletian (Mausoleum) is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the city, and it's still in use to this day! I will tell you how its role has changed over the centuries from an imperial mausoleum to an early Christian cathedral. We will not go inside, I will tell you everything you need to know. 5.The Temple of Jupiter, as they call it, is one of the best-preserved late-roman temples in the world. Next to it were 2 more temples of Venus and Cybele. Due to the emperor's early abdication, the temple itself was not yet completed, and it is possible to see certain defects due to the hasty completion of the temple. We will not enter the temple, I will tell you everything important about the temple from the outside. 6.Eastern entrance to Diocletian's Palace. One of the most beautiful views of the mausoleum and the tower of the cathedral can be seen from here. Below is the original Roman road that leads further into the eastern parts of the empire. In the immediate vicinity there is a new site of the old Roman Empire, which has yet to be explored. and many other sights that we will see during our walking tour, and the final stop will be at the people's square called (pjaca), from where it is very easy to reach every part of the old town.

On this walking tour of Split, you’ll be paired with a local historian. Your tour guide has a Master’s degree in history – and that means they’ll be able to not only answer your questions, but also pepper your tour with all sorts of interesting facts. These tours aren’t just a fun way to experience the city, they’re also an educational experience! Our tours begin in the oldest parts of Split, gradually making your way through time and into the present. That means you’ll begin in Split’s Roman history, then move on to Medieval and Venetian history, and finally, you’ll step fully into the present and get a look at what modern Split is all about. The seventeenth century Roman made Diocletian’s Palace is synonymous with Split’s Old Town – and that’s where your tour will be centered! Over time, the Palace became the very center of the city co Split, which means it marks the cities direct center. You’ll get an introduction to the tour at the Riva Promenade, and then be led through the Bronze Gate of the palace. This allows you to access the Basement Halls, where the tour will briefly pause to answer any questions. From there, you’ll be able to look at the phenomenally preserved Roman-made Peristyle square; this is where you can find the Mausolem of Diocletian, The Temple of Jupiter, and the Vestibule. But the square is only the beginning. Your guide will lead you on a journey through the remains of the private residence of Diocletian and the old medieval houses that have been preserved through the years, and then out through the Golden Gate so you can explore the remnants of Split's rich Venetian and medieval heritage. A truly iconic statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin is visible along the North Wall of the palace, and can be seen on your way to the Piazza Square. One of the most interesting aspects of this tour are the 3D reconstructions of the various sites, which your tour guide will use to truly bring the past to life.

Diocletian wasn't your average Emperor. Think of him less like a stuffy guy in a toga and more like the ancient Roman version of a savvy CEO. He saw the Roman Empire was a hot mess – too big to handle, full of corruption and pesky barbarians at the gates. So, what did he do? He completely overhauled the system, and then he retired! Unimaginable in those times, when emperors would usually get poisoned or stabbed to death. Not this guy. He literally invented retirement, and he surely knew how to enjoy it. Join me on this very interesting tour, and I will tell you all about this enigma of a man while we walk around the architectural masterpiece that is his retirement home. Places we'll explore Peristyle, Vestibule, Diocletian's Mausoleum aka Cathedral of Saint Domnius, 3000 year-old Sphinx, Jupiter's Temple, Bishop Gregory of Nin, Private Diocletian's Residence, Golden Gate, Iron Gate, Brass Gate, Diocletian's Cellars, Promenade of Split, Main Square of Split We'll start the tour in front of the Bishop Gregory of Nin, and finish in front of the beautiful 3D map of Diocletian's Palace on the Promenade of Split.

This will be your private and personalized sightseeing tour to suit your tempo and interests. Your tour is flexible and guided by a professional, highly qualified guide with a real passion for touring Croatia and showing you its beauty.  You will meet your guide in the center of Split, one of the oldest cities in Croatia, with departure times which suit you. From here, you will embark on a walking tour, exploring Split's 12th- and 13th-Century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-Century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style.  Stroll around the Roman portion of the city, throughout which the ruins of Diocletian's Palace are scattered, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Known locally as St Duje, this is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings standing today, built in the 5th Century on the site where Diocletian, the last famous persecutor of the Christians, was interred in 311 AD.  Other incredible sights include the statue of the medieval Croatian bishop, Gregory of Nin, the Golden Gate and the tower-clock, which has kept time in Split since the 15th Century. In the Medieval Quarter, you can take in City Hall, the Fish Market -– a focal point of life in Split – and the beautiful promenade over Riva Harbor. Your private guide will share facts and stories with you as you experience the vibrant culture of this historic city. This is a tour the whole family will enjoy and your personal guide will customize the itinerary for you.

We will meet on Riva promenade by the bronze model of the old town and go for a walk in the streets and squares of Split for about 1,5 hours. Firstly, we will visit the 4th-century Palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian (the oldest part of the town) with the small medieval neighborhood developed inside it - a very interesting mix of styles. We will also visit the Basement level of the Palace or the Substructures (with an entrance fee), the main square Peristil, the Palace walls with 4 gates, the Mausoleum / St. Domnius's Cathedral, Jupiter's temple / Baptistery (external visit, no entrance fee), medieval houses of noble families, a small former Jewish ghetto with a synagogue that is still active... The second part of the tour takes us to the medieval neighborhood built outside the Palace and, there, we will discover some famous squares: Pjaca, Fruit square and Prokurative, and learn about the socio-political lifestyle under Venetian, French, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian rule. We will end the tour on Riva promenade by the sea.

Experience Split History Walking Tour With Local Historian is a personalized 2 hours city tour with a maximum of 12 participants with history, culture, everyday life topics, interesting stories and legends, hidden gems and with a bit of local vibe. On this Experience Split Walking Tour, which is guided by local licensed guide and professional historian on See, Hear & Feel way, you will discover UNESCO World Heritage site &"live'' historical monument Diocletian`s Palace, including other important sights in the city. The Meeting point for starting the tour is at one of the most significant and popular parts of the Diocletian`s Palace, Golden Gate (northern gate). Here you will be able to hear an introduction to the tour, general information about Split and Croatia as well as a history introduction of the area. You will be able to find out about the name, purpose and importance of the Golden Gate before you enter the palace like the Roman emperor and empress used to. Also, here, you will see and hear about the greatest statue in Split and the person who is presenting, Gregory of Nin. Upon entering the palace, discovering it is what follows. Places in the Palace like main palace square Peristyle, Mausoleum-Cathedral, Jupiter`s Temple, Vestibule, Triclinium, Central Substructures (Central Cellars) and other ones will stand out and "show" its peculiarity through their own stories, facts, legends and intrigues which you will be able to hear from your guide. While walking through the "living room" of Split, Riva promenade, connection between the Roman and Medieval period of Split history will be explained as well as you will be introduced in "pomalo" way of life so that you could participate in it while you are in Split. That Split has, except the magical Roman history, also rich Medieval and Modern history, you will find out while you are standing on two medieval squares, Fruit Square and People`s Square. The secrets which these two squares are "hiding" in their architecture and happenings through the centuries will entice your imagination. Most of the mysterious part of the tour is reserved for hidden gems like narrowest church, narrowest street, lost sphinx head & secret garden about which you will also have a chance to hear about. Even though the history of Split is a treasure chest, the city is not just made of monuments & legends, so you will be also introduced with some everyday topics of locals so you could understand and immerse yourself into everyday life, feel the city vibe and become a part of its "bloodstream". "History to life" on this tour will also be given by 3D reconstruction images & pictures via display book. Join the tour and step into this personalized "more than a tour" experience in the See, Hear & Feel sense and take home great memories from unique Split!

Dive into the history of Split alongside a professor when you book this small-group walking tour. Go beyond Diocletian's Palace to explore medieval and modern Split with “Game of Thrones” locations, intriguing legends, and local life insights. Start at the Riva promenade, see the palace's substructures, Peristyle, and Vestibule, and discover landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Golden Gate. You will feel history of roman Palace but also start a journey through center of Split, filled with influence of Venice, Ottomans and Napoleon. Of course, all that with Game of Thrones locations, interesting facts and a dash of local life and legends. Private tours available on request.

Learn about the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Split on a relaxing 1.5-hour walking tour of the Old City and see streets and squares that date back to the days of the Roman Empire. Meet your guide close to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Facing the harbor, the palace is one of the most imposing Roman ruins still in existence. Wander the narrow, picturesque streets around the palace and see the cellars and peristyle courtyard of the stone fortress. Part of Split’s UNESCO World Heritage attractions, the ruins of the palace can be found throughout the city, such as at the Cathedral of St Doimus, the former Mausoleum of Diocletian. Learn the history of Split as you experience its Mediterranean atmosphere on squares and streets lined with cafés and souvenir stores.