Split’s old town, often simply called “The Palace”, is comprised of the former palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Over the centuries subsequent civilizations modified and used the existing structures such that even today it’s still a working town.
After an afternoon ferry arrival and a short rest we started the walking tour of the city center around 4:30PM, a great time to start as there were fewer people and the intense sun was a bit lower.
I didn’t know much about city other than what I read in the guide book and was blown away. Just when I thought I had no need to see another Roman ruin I was dazzled by this one. Unlike most every other ruin you see this is a living city center. The layers of civilizations that have conquered this area are evident in the building façade, a mishmash of just about everything.
We followed the Rick Steves walking tour entering from the Brass Gate on the harbor side of the Palace. I recommend starting your tour from this direction and at a time a day when it isn’t so crowded.
Cellars
First on the tour are the cellars, an underground network of chambers that were once filled with water. The vast expanse that gives you a sense of the size of the original palace above.
Peristyle
This square was part of the original palace and is now an open air bar called Luxor.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Dominus, the former mausoleum of Diocletian and the baptistery the former Temple of Jupiter are examples of how these building changed purposes over the centuries.
Wandering the Streets
Shops, bars and restaurants can be found in the streets that meander through the former palace. It’s a delightful place to wander, shop and dine.
June 8, 2016
For links to all the posts in this series see the Croatia/Slovenia page.