Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian’s Palace is a large Roman imperial palace constructed for Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD in what is now Split, Croatia. The complex forms the historic core of Split and is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a late Roman palace-city.

The palace covers a substantial area of the present-day city and includes an inner Peristyle courtyard, extensive substructures, and the emperor’s mausoleum which later became the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Multiple streets, houses and public buildings were built into and around the original walls, so the palace is experienced as a living urban ensemble rather than a single isolated monument.

Construction took place during Diocletian’s retirement around 295-305 AD and the complex served as his fortified residence and administrative centre. Over the centuries the palace was repurposed and adapted - mausoleum to cathedral, barracks to homes - and medieval and later additions were inserted into the Roman fabric.

The palace occupies the heart of Split on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, immediately adjacent to the modern waterfront and ferry terminals; its remains are contiguous with the city’s narrow streets, squares and harbour.

• Integrated site: Much of the palace is integrated into the modern city of Split, so visiting typically involves walking through inhabited streets and indoor archaeological spaces.

What to See #

• Peristyle: The central open courtyard of the palace, framed by colonnades and the original imperial reception spaces that remain visible within the living city of Split.
• Cathedral of Saint Domnius: A circular Roman mausoleum converted into a Christian cathedral dedicated to Saint Domnius; the building dates to the original palace complex and remains one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in continuous use.
• Substructures (cellars): Subterranean cellars and service areas beneath the palace that preserve Roman stonework and provide an insight into the palace's original ground plan and building techniques.