Diocletians heritage - Split

Diocletian's heritage - Split

The heritage of an ancient Roman emperor Diocletian is now the main spot to visit on the Croatian coast and it attracts many tourist and sailors each year. The palace of Diocletian is since 1979 part of UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the largest and definitely best preserved buildings from the time of the Romans.

The palace was build as a city-palace and sea fortress, but also as a country house. The palace has big walls surrounding it and protecting it from the intruders. The palace had 16 towers (only 3 remained) and 4 gates: Golden gate, Silver gate, Iron gate and Bronze gate. The plan of the palace resembled the plan of a Roman military camp. The palace has been built between 295 and 305 CE. The emperor renounced his crown in 305 and decided to live in Split until his death in 316.

Guards, slaves and servants had their sleeping areas in the North and the emperors rooms were on the South of the palace. Here are some of the most beautiful parts in the inside of the palace:

Vestibule

Vestibule described in the past: semicircular niches, statues, large cupola, colourful mosaic... This is the description of Vestibule in Marko Marulic's manuscript from the 16th century. It was the entrance of the residential part of the palace. With its glorious structure it is still a magnificent place to visit.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

The Cathedral was previously the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. In the middle stood the Diocletians's sarcophagus, later destroyed. In the 7th century it became a Cathedral, where altars with relics of St Domnius and St Anastasius take place. 

Peristil

Peristil is a central square in the Palace. It was intended for Diocletian, celebrated as the living son of Jupiter. With time Peristil evolved from a religious center into an ideal theatre scenery, perfect for opera classics and stage. If you visit Peristil sit on the steps circling it and have a coffe - it is a unique experiece.

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