What to See Inside Diocletian’s Palace in Split

I spent three days wandering Split, but let’s be honest: most of that time was spent inside Diocletian’s Palace without even realising it. That’s the magic of this place — it’s not some cordoned-off museum, it’s the beating heart of the city. Locals live here, bars spill into courtyards, and Roman columns rub shoulders with coffee shops. And yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds.

Here’s what to see inside Diocletian’s Palace, what not to miss, and a few of my favourite corners that aren’t in the guidebooks.

A Quick History Lesson (the fun kind)

Diocletian was a Roman emperor who built this palace around 305 AD as his swanky retirement spot. But he wasn’t just any old emperor — he was the only one to retire voluntarily. After years of ruling a vast empire, he came back home to Dalmatia to grow cabbages. (Yes, really.)

Today, his palace forms the entire old town of Split. That’s about 30,000 square metres of stone walls, temples, chambers, and courtyards — all seamlessly woven into modern life.

Peristyle Square – The Palace’s Front Room

Start here. This grand courtyard was the emperor’s formal reception area and it still feels majestic. Flanked by colonnades and guarded by a sphinx Diocletian stole from Egypt (the man had taste), this is the heart of the palace.

✨ Don’t miss:

• The live klapa (a cappella) singers at night – this was a magical experience that I highly recommend
• A coffee from Luxor café, where you can lounge like a Roman on red cushions

Tip: Arrive early in the morning before the cruise crowds, or come at night when it’s all lit up and the vibe is pure magic.

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius (aka Diocletian’s Mausoleum)

Oh, the irony. Diocletian was a notorious persecutor of Christians — and now his mausoleum is a cathedral dedicated to a Christian martyr. You couldn’t script it better.

It’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the world still in use and honestly, it’s stunning. Think Roman columns, carved sarcophagi, and a bell tower you can climb for sweeping views over the old town.

Climb the Bell Tower

It’s a bit of a scramble (narrow stairs, open sides, definitely not for the faint-hearted), but the view is worth every sweaty step. You’ll see the terracotta rooftops of Split, the glimmering Adriatic, and Marjan Hill in the distance.

Bring water, and maybe skip if you’re scared of heights. But if you’re game — it’s the best view in town.

The Cellars (aka The Basement Halls)

This place blew my mind. Hidden beneath the palace, the cellars were originally used to prop up the emperor’s living quarters. But because they mirrored the layout above, they also preserved the palace’s structure almost perfectly.

Today, they’re filled with little stalls selling jewellery, artwork, lavender, and Game of Thrones souvenirs (yes, this was Daenerys’s throne room).

📸 Photo tip: The light down here is gorgeous in the afternoon when it filters through the arches.

The Temple of Jupiter (and that impressive Sphinx)

Blink, and you might miss it, but don’t. Tucked just behind Peristyle Square down a narrow stone lane lies the Temple of Jupiter — small, dark, and quietly spectacular. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Croatia, and like everything in Split, it’s wearing multiple hats.

Originally dedicated to the king of the gods (Jupiter), it was transformed into a Christian baptistery in the Middle Ages — because why build a new one when you’ve got a perfectly good temple lying around?

Inside Scoop:

• The interior is beautifully intact with a coffered ceiling, carved with rosettes and geometric patterns.
• At the far end stands a powerful statue of St. John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most famous sculptor. It looks almost too modern for the space — and that contrast makes it even better.
• Outside, guarding the entrance, is an ancient Egyptian sphinx, over 3,000 years old and shipped over by Diocletian himself.

🎟️ Entrance is included in the combo ticket with the cathedral. It’s a quick visit, but definitely worth popping in.

📸 Photo tip: The stone passage leading to the temple is moody and atmospheric — perfect for those brooding Insta shots.

The Four Gates – Your Entry Points

The palace has four main gates named after metals. Try entering through each one at least once — they all offer a different first impression.

• Brass Gate (south): Opens directly onto the Riva promenade. Great for that dramatic sea-to-palace arrival.
• Golden Gate (north): Grandest, flanked by statues.
• Silver Gate (east): Leads straight to the green market.
• Iron Gate (west): Bustling with cafés and shops.

The Vestibule – The Emperor’s Dramatic Entrance Hall

Imagine walking into your retirement palace through a grand circular hall with a 17-metre-high dome open to the sky. That’s the Vestibule — the emperor’s welcome mat, and it’s a beauty.

Originally, this was the formal entryway into Diocletian’s private quarters. The layout is Roman, the acoustics are amazing, and standing beneath the oculus (the round hole in the ceiling) is one of those “wow” moments you don’t expect.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:

• It’s like a mini Roman Pantheon, only with Dalmatian stone and seagulls overhead.
• The open dome lets in streams of sunlight (or rain, if you’re lucky enough to catch it).
• The acoustics are so good that you’ll often find traditional klapa singers performing here — the harmonies bouncing off the stone is pure goosebumps territory.

📸 Photo tip: Shoot straight up for a perfect Instagram shot of the oculus against the sky. Or snap the archway looking out to the Peristyle — one of the most photogenic angles in Split.

💡 Fun fact: The vestibule is one of the few parts of the palace where you can really visualise how grand Diocletian’s quarters were. It’s the surviving trace of that imperial world, now echoing with music instead of military orders.

Local Life Inside the Walls

One of the coolest things about Diocletian’s Palace? It’s lived in. People actually reside within these ancient stone walls. You’ll find laundry lines strung between Roman arches, cats sunbathing on ledges, and locals chatting in sun-drenched courtyards.

Stop for a drink at one of the tucked-away wine bars or grab a slice of soparnik (a savoury pie made with Swiss chard) from a hidden bakery. The palace isn’t just for sightseeing — it’s for soaking up Split’s rhythm.

Game of Thrones Locations Inside the Palace

If you’re a GOT fan, you’ll geek out here. A few key scenes were filmed inside the cellars, especially Daenerys training her dragons. You can even join a walking tour focused on all the filming spots.

👑 Tip: Combine this with a visit to Klis Fortress just outside Split — it was used as Meereen.

Markets & Shopping

Outside the Silver Gate, the Green Market (Pazar) is a must for foodies. Think figs, cheese, olive oil, cured meats, and lavender everything.

Inside the palace itself, look out for artisan shops and boutiques tucked into the walls. Avoid the cheap tourist tat and hunt for handmade ceramics or coral jewellery.

Self-Guided Walking Route (Short & Sweet)

Start at the Brass Gate, work your way through the cellars, emerge into Peristyle Square, visit the cathedral, then wander north through the Golden Gate. Loop around the outside to re-enter via the Silver Gate and finish with a drink near the Iron Gate. Done!

Essential Tips for Visiting Diocletian’s Palace

• Is it free to enter? Yes — it’s a public space. But some sights like the cathedral, bell tower, and temple require a ticket.
• When to visit? Early morning or after 5pm to dodge the crowds.
• Footwear: The marble is slippery! Wear proper shoes.
• Photography: Best light is early morning or golden hour.
• Tours: Consider a guided tour if you want the full historical lowdown — or a Game of Thrones twist.

Final Thoughts

Diocletian’s Palace isn’t just one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world — it’s a living, breathing part of Split. You’re not walking through a dead monument. You’re sipping coffee where emperors ruled, hearing music bounce off 1,700-year-old stone, and watching life carry on inside a palace that never stopped being used.

That’s the real magic.

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