Top Historical Attractions in Split: A Local’s Guide to Diocletian’s Legacy

Most cities build museums to house their history. Split is the museum.

Split Croatia’s historical attractions pack 1,700 years of unbroken history into a remarkably compact area — making it one of the most dense archaeological sites you can walk through in Europe. You don’t need to buy a ticket to see the main attractions in Split. You just need to walk to the supermarket.

The bank is inside a Venetian palace. The cafes are built into Roman walls. The cathedral was once an Emperor’s tomb.

This is the only place in the world where a Roman Emperor’s retirement villa has evolved into a living, breathing city.

But with 1,700 years of history, it can be overwhelming. Here is your curated guide to the Top 7 Historical Sites you actually need to see (and the secrets most tourists miss).

1. Diocletian’s Palace: The Living Room of Split

This is not a “ruin.” It is a neighborhood where 3,000 people still live.

• The Peristyle (Peristil): The central square. It is the best-preserved Roman court in the world.
  • Local Secret: Stand in the exact center (you will see a darker stone). This is where the Emperor stood to be worshipped as the son of Jupiter. The acoustics here are perfect—try whispering!
• The Cellars (Podrumi): The massive substructures that held the Palace up.
  • Fun Fact: These were used as the Game of Thrones dragon dungeon. Read our full GOT Location Guide here.

2. The Cathedral of St. Domnius (The Ultimate Irony)

• What it is: The oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in its original structure.
• The Irony: It was built as the Mausoleum (Tomb) of Emperor Diocletian. Diocletian was the last Emperor to violently persecute Christians. Centuries later, the Christians returned, destroyed his sarcophagus, and turned his tomb into a church dedicated to one of his victims (St. Domnius).
• Must Do: Climb the Bell Tower for the best view in the city. (Warning: The stairs are steep and open-air. Not for those afraid of heights!).

3. The Golden Gate & Grgur Ninski

• The Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata): The main entrance used only by the Emperor and his family.
• Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin): The massive 8-meter statue right outside the gate. He was a 10th-century bishop who fought for the right to use the Croatian language in mass.
• The Tradition: You must rub his shiny golden big toe. It brings good luck and guarantees you will return to Split one day.

4. The Sphinxes: Ancient Egypt in Croatia

Diocletian was obsessed with Egypt. He brought back 12 sphinxes (dating from 1500 BC) to decorate his palace.

• Where are they? Only one remains fully intact, sitting proudly on the Peristyle. Another headless one sits in front of the Temple of Jupiter.
• Tip: Look closely at the black granite Sphinx on the Peristyle. It is 3,500 years old—older than the Roman Empire itself!

5. The Temple of Jupiter (The Baptistery)

Hidden in a narrow alley near the Peristyle is a small, perfectly preserved Roman temple.

• The Interior: It has a stunning coffered barrel-vaulted ceiling that has survived for nearly 2,000 years.
• The Baptismal Font: In the middle stands a medieval font showing a Croatian King (one of the earliest depictions of a Croatian ruler).

6. Klis Fortress: The Key to Dalmatia

Located 20 minutes outside the city, this fortress clings to a cliffside.

• Why visit? It was the seat of Croatian Kings and the defense line against the Ottoman Turks.
• Pop Culture: It was the filming location for the City of Meereen in Game of Thrones.
• Getting there: Take Bus No. 22 or 34 from Split.

7. The Archaeological Museum

Most tourists skip this, but if you are a history buff, it is a goldmine.

• What’s inside: It is the oldest museum in Croatia (founded 1820). It houses the best artifacts from Salona (the huge Roman capital that existed before Split).
• Location: A 15-minute walk north of the Old Town.

Practical Tips for History Lovers

Don’t just look at the stones—hear the stories.

You can walk past the Golden Gate and just see a wall. Or you can learn how the soldiers defended it and why the “blood” graffiti was painted nearby.

Join my Essential Split Walking Tour.

I connect the dots between the Romans, the Venetians, and modern life in Split.

• Check Availability Here

Further reading: Split, Croatia — Wikipedia