Top 10 Historical Sites to Visit in Split

Split, a jewel on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is more than just a picturesque seaside city; it’s a living museum, brimming with history that stretches back millennia. From ancient Roman ruins to medieval fortresses and charming Old Town alleys, Split offers a captivating journey through time. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this incredible city, here are the top 10 historical sites you absolutely must visit in Split.

Without a doubt, Diocletian’s Palace is the beating heart of Split’s historical legacy and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, this sprawling complex is less a palace in the traditional sense and more a fortified city within a city. Wander through its ancient walls, and you’ll discover a vibrant mix of historical structures and modern life.

The palace’s original architecture is remarkably preserved, with its columns, arches, and courtyards providing a stunning backdrop to bustling shops, restaurants, and residential homes. Don’t miss the Peristyle Square, the central open-air courtyard, which was once the ceremonial entrance to the Emperor’s private quarters and now hosts concerts and events.

Located within Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje) is a truly unique historical site. What makes it so special is its origin: it was originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was consecrated as a Christian church, making it one of the oldest active cathedrals in the world.

Its Romanesque wooden doors, depicting scenes from the life of Christ, are masterpieces of medieval art. For breathtaking panoramic views of Split and the surrounding islands, brave the climb up the Bell Tower – the effort is more than rewarded by the stunning vista.

Beneath the southern part of Diocletian’s Palace lie the fascinating Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace (Podrumi Dioklecijanove Palače). These underground halls once served as the substructure for the Emperor’s living quarters, supporting the upper floors and allowing access to the sea.

Today, they are open to the public and offer a unique glimpse into the palace’s original layout and engineering. The cellars are particularly well-preserved and often host art exhibitions, souvenir stalls, and even film sets (most notably, they doubled as a location in Game of Thrones). Exploring these cool, atmospheric chambers is a journey back in time.

Diocletian’s Palace, a masterwork of Roman architecture, was not only a grand residence but also a fortified military camp. As such, it featured four meticulously planned gates, each serving a distinct purpose and facing a different cardinal direction. These gates – the Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze – offer fascinating glimpses into the palace’s design, its historical evolution, and the daily life that unfolded within and around its ancient walls.

Without a doubt, the Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata) stands as the most impressive and historically significant entrance to Diocletian’s Palace. Facing north, this was the Emperor’s grand ceremonial entry point, used by Diocletian himself and his esteemed guests.

Its elaborate design, featuring a double archway and niches for statues (likely of the Emperor and the four tetrarchs), clearly signifies its imperial importance. Outside this majestic gate, you’ll find the colossal statue of Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski), a powerful symbol of Croatian national identity, whose polished toe is believed to bring good luck to those who rub it.

The Golden Gate not only provided a magnificent entrance but also controlled access to the main north-south thoroughfare of the palace, the cardo maximus.

On the eastern side of Diocletian’s Palace lies the Silver Gate (Srebrna Vrata). While less ornate than its golden counterpart, it was equally crucial for the city’s functionality, providing direct access from the market and residential areas outside the palace into the main decumanus (east-west street) within.

During the medieval period, the gate underwent modifications, including the construction of a small church dedicated to St. Apollinaris above its arch, adding layers of history to its Roman foundations.

Today, the Silver Gate is a vibrant and bustling entry point, leading directly into the heart of the palace’s lively markets and towards the Peristyle, making it a natural blend of ancient heritage and contemporary urban life.

The Iron Gate (Željezna Vrata), situated on the western side of the palace, is notable for its continuous use since Roman times. Unlike the other gates, which were often closed off or repurposed in later centuries, the Iron Gate remained an active thoroughfare, adapting to the changing needs of the city.

Above its archway, you can still observe the remnants of a medieval clock tower, uniquely designed with a single hand that marked only the hours – a charming testament to its enduring functionality through the ages.

This gate provides a seamless transition from the ancient confines of the palace to Narodni trg (People’s Square), the bustling center of medieval and modern Split, perfectly illustrating the city’s organic growth around its Roman core.

Positioned on the southern, seaward side of Diocletian’s Palace, the Bronze Gate (also known as Porta Aenea or Sea Gate) served a distinctly different purpose from its land-facing counterparts. This gate was less about grand ceremonial entry and more about direct access to the sea, connecting the Emperor’s private quarters and the palace’s cellars to the maritime traffic.

It was primarily used for supplies, fishing, and potentially as a discreet escape route. Unlike the other gates, which often led to bustling streets, the Bronze Gate opened directly onto the waterfront, making it a vital logistical point.

Today, while much of the original gate is submerged or less visible due to the rising sea level and subsequent urban development, its historical significance as the palace’s link to the Adriatic remains paramount.

Just past the Peristyle, leading to what were once the Emperor’s private apartments, is the Vestibule. This grand, circular hall with an open oculus (opening) in the ceiling was the impressive entrance to the imperial residence.

Its towering walls and original domed structure provide a sense of the grandeur that once characterized the Emperor’s living quarters. Though the dome has since collapsed, the Vestibule remains an imposing and historically significant space, often filled with Klapa singers whose harmonies resonate beautifully within its acoustics.

Also located within Diocletian’s Palace, Jupiter’s Temple was originally dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter, to whom Diocletian considered himself the living embodiment. After the Roman period, it was converted into the Split Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Inside, you’ll find a magnificent bronze statue of St. John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović and a beautifully carved Romanesque baptismal font. The temple’s well-preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling and the intricate carvings on its portal are remarkable examples of Roman architecture.

While not a building, the colossal statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin) is an integral part of Split’s historical landscape, particularly for its symbolic significance. Created by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, this towering bronze figure stands outside the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace.

Gregory of Nin was a powerful medieval bishop who championed the use of the Croatian language in religious services, resisting the Latin-only decree from Rome. His statue is a powerful symbol of Croatian national identity and cultural independence.

For those interested in delving deeper into the legacy of its creator, the Ivan Meštrović Gallery in Split offers a comprehensive collection of his works, further illustrating his profound impact on Croatian art and cultural heritage.

Beyond the immediate confines of Diocletian’s Palace, the enchanting Old Town Split unfolds, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. The very fabric of the city outside the palace walls tells tales of medieval growth and Venetian influence.

At its heart lies Pjaca, or People’s Square (Narodni trg), the central hub of Split’s public life since the 13th century. Surrounded by elegant palaces, the Old Town Hall, and the charming city clock tower, Pjaca is a vibrant testament to Split’s enduring urban heritage, perfect for soaking in the city’s atmosphere and observing its historical layers.

Perched dramatically on a strategic pass above the village of Klis, just a short drive from Split, Klis Fortress is a formidable medieval stronghold with a history spanning over two millennia. This imposing fortress played a pivotal role in the defense of Dalmatia against various invaders, most notably the Ottoman Empire.

Its unique position offers commanding views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands, revealing why it was such a crucial defensive point. Exploring its ramparts, towers, and courtyards, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient battles.

Klis Fortress is not only a site of immense historical importance but also a popular filming location, famously featuring as Meereen in the hit series Game of Thrones, drawing visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters amidst genuine history.

Inspired by St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Republic Square (Trg Republike), commonly known as Prokurative, is an iconic architectural landmark in Split. Built in the mid-19th century in a Neo-Renaissance style, its red-brick arches and grand facades facing the sea create a striking visual impression. While a relatively “young” historical site compared to Roman ruins, Prokurative represents a significant period of Split’s urban development and its ties to European architectural trends. It serves as a popular venue for cultural events, concerts, and the annual Split Festival, making it a vibrant public space with a distinct historical character.

Central Square Heritage Hotel

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Split’s rich tapestry of history is truly captivating. Each of these historical sites tells a unique story, offering insights into the city’s Roman origins, its medieval transformations, and its enduring spirit. Whether you’re exploring the majestic Diocletian’s Palace or the formidable Klis Fortress, your visit to Split promises an unforgettable journey through time. Which historical site are you most excited to explore first?