Temple of Jupiter, Split Building

The Temple of Jupiter in Split is a Roman temple incorporated into Diocletian’s Palace, constructed in the late 3rd to early 4th century AD. It was originally part of the imperial cult architecture within the palace complex.

Today visitors see stonework, capitals and sculptural fragments integrated into the palace quarter; the temple’s pronaos was adapted for Christian ritual in the medieval period and elements of the structure remain visible in the palace fabric. The site is studied for both its original Roman features and its later reuses.

Built as an imperial cult temple associated with Diocletian’s palace complex, the building lost its pagan function after the spread of Christianity and was repurposed during medieval alterations to the palace. Archaeological and architectural study has documented its transformation over time.

The temple occupies a position within the heart of Split, Croatia, as part of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace complex directly off the Peristyle in the old town.

• Context: Part of the built fabric of Diocletian’s Palace and directly adjacent to the Peristyle and the cathedral precinct in central Split.
• Origin and conversion: Originally a Roman imperial cult temple from the late 3rd or early 4th century AD that was converted to Christian use in the medieval period.

The Temple of Jupiter is part of Diocletian’s Palace in Split’s Old Town. It’s a short walk from the ferry terminal and Riva (waterfront) - typically 5-10 minutes on foot - and about 10 minutes on foot from Split bus station. Split Airport (SPU) is approximately 24-30 km from the city centre, usually a 25-40 minute drive depending on traffic.

• Visit the Temple of Jupiter early in the morning to beat the cruise-ship and midday crowds that fill Diocletian's Palace's Peristyle area.
• Access the temple from the Peristyle (central court) of Diocletian's Palace-the entrance is inside the palace complex rather than from a separate street façade.
• Don't miss the Egyptian sphinxes and the temple's vaulted interior; they are easy to overlook when the Peristyle is busy, so step inside briefly to see these antiquities up close.