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4.7(108 Ratings)Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 108 Ratings.

Diocletian's Palace Tours

Visit Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia. Choose a walking tour or Game of Thrones tour.
Diocletian's Palace Tours

Headout's Top Recommendations

Free cancellation
split walking tour with diocletian's palace-1
Guided Tours
Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace
Instant confirmation
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 65 reviews.
€14
Free cancellation
split: game of thrones tour with diocletian's cellar-1
Guided Tours
Split: Game of Thrones Tour with Diocletian's Cellar
Instant confirmation
4.8
Rated 4.79 out of 5.0 from 43 reviews.
€35
Select a Date
Duration
1 hr 30 mins
1 hr 30 mins
Inclusions
Local tour guide
Walking tour in English
Local English-speaking guide (who's also a fan of GoT)
Entrance to Diocletian's Cellars
Cancellation policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Diocletian's Palace Tours Guide

The 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace in Split is not just the city’s most iconic attraction but also forms the heart of its historic town centre. Constructed between 295 AD and 305 AD as Emperor Diocletian’s retirement residence, the palace is today a thriving hub and a charming mix of modern shops, cafes, houses, and ancient Roman monuments. Here is your guide to the best Diocletian’s Palace ticket and tour options, when to visit, what to see, and more.
  • Best suited for: Visitors who prefer a comprehensive tour with expert guidance and history buffs who want to explore in-depth.
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
Immerse yourself in ancient Roman history with a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, which is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture in the world. An expert local guide will accompany you and provide in-depth insights into all the attractions and the rich historical background of the palace.

Recommended experience

  • Best suited for: Small groups or those with a special interest.
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
Gain a completely unique experience of Diocletian’s Palace and Split by exploring not just the ancient monuments but also learning how this historic city formed the fictional setting for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones”. With an expert local guide who is equally knowledgeable about Split and GoT, visit all the locations that were used as filming locations for scenes with Daenerys and her dragons, including the Diocletian cellars and Papalićeva Street.

Recommended experience

If you are a budget-conscious traveller, the Split Walking Tour with Diocletian’s Palace is ideal for you as you can explore all the monuments in the palace and Split without missing out on any of the main landmarks.
The Split Walking Tour with Diocletian’s Palace is perfect for you if you’re looking for a comprehensive guided tour. A local guide will share everything about the palace and Split city, their historical and cultural significance, and many interesting facts and trivia.
With the Split Walking Tour with Diocletian’s Palace, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Diocletian’s Palace, Split, and the region of Dalmatia, spanning 1,700 years.
If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, treat yourself to a completely unique experience with the Split: Game of Thrones Tour with Diocletian’s Cellar. A knowledgeable local guide who is also a fellow GoT fan will show you all the city’s locations that were used in the filming of the TV series for the city of Meereen, featuring Daenerys and her dragons.
Opening hours: There are no specific opening & closing hours for Diocletian’s Palace as it forms part of the city.
Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2 hours
When is the best time to visit Diocletian’s Palace?
The best time to visit Diocletian’s Palace is in spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October). The weather during these months is pleasant and not as hot and humid as the peak summer. It is also less crowded as compared to the summer season, allowing a comfortable visit.
Address: Dioklecijanova 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
Getting there:
  • By Bus: 2, 2A, 3, 5, 5A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 60, 68.
    Nearest bus station: Pazar.
  • By Car: Diocletian’s Palace is 24 km away from Split International Airport.
    Distance from Zagreb: 400 km
    Driving time: 4.5 to 5 hrs
    Distance from Zadar: 156 km
    Driving time: 1h 45 min
Diocletian’s Palace can be accessed from any of its four gates:
  • Golden or north gate
  • Silver or east gate
  • Iron or west gate
  • Bronze or south gate, also the sea access gate
  • Access to monuments: Entry to Diocletian’s Palace is free, but visitors have to pay to enter some of the other attractions such as the palace basement, Jupiter’s temple, the cathedral, and the bell tower.
  • Wheelchair access: Most parts of Diocletian’s Palace are fairly accessible for wheelchair users or those who find it difficult to walk, including the cellars and the promenade. However, certain areas have uneven surfaces or have to be accessed by stairs. Some of them also have paved streets, which might make it difficult to navigate for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
  • Photography: There is no restriction on taking photographs and videos at Diocletian’s Palace.
  • Sun protection: Make sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Carry water, especially in the summer months.
  • Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because you will be doing most of the exploration on foot.
  • Note: If you are visiting the cathedral, ensure you cover your shoulders.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius & Bell Tower

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius was originally the mausoleum for Emperor Diocletian. It was converted to a cathedral in the 7th century, making it one of the world's oldest Catholic cathedrals. The 12th-century bell tower is Split's tallest structure and offers magnificent views of the city and its surroundings.

Temple of Jupiter

The ancient Temple of Jupiter, which once housed a statue of the Roman god Jupiter, was converted into a baptistery sometime in the 6th century. Today, it is a superbly preserved ancient edifice, with its interiors featuring intricate carvings and an exquisite stone ceiling adorned with decorative panels.

Diocletian’s Palace Gates

Diocletian's Palace boasts four gates: the Golden Gate (north), Silver Gate (east), Iron Gate (west), and Bronze Gate (south). In Roman times, the grand Golden Gate served as the primary entrance, while the Bronze Gate allowed direct boat access to the palace's cellars.

The Vestibul

The Vestibul, once the grand entryway and reception hall of Diocletian's Palace, is a remarkable example of Roman architecture. Its striking octagonal design and splendid domed ceiling reveal the ingenuity of Roman engineering, preserving the grandeur of the past.

Peristyle & Sphinx

The Peristyle originally served as Diocletian's Palace's primary courtyard. Today, it is a central square in the Split, with the characteristic columns lining its perimeter still standing. It also hosts a 3,500-year-old black granite sphinx, one of 12 that were brought here from Egypt and Split's oldest relic.

Diocletian’s Palace Cellars

The cellars of Diocletian's Palace, which were used for storage in Roman times, have been exceptionally well-preserved. Today, they are famous for being filming locations in the "Game of Thrones" TV series, for scenes featuring Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons, adding a touch of fantasy to their historical significance.

Where can I buy Diocletian’s Palace tickets?

You can purchase your Diocletian’s Palace tickets online. By booking online, you save time by avoiding long ticket lines and you can plan your visit according to your convenience.

How much do Diocletian’s Palace tickets cost?

Diocletian’s Palace tickets and tours are available starting from €14.

What are the different types of Diocletian’s Palace tickets and tours?

Visitors can choose between guided walking tours and specialized tours.

What does a Diocletian’s Palace tour include?

The Diocletian’s Palace guided tours include an expert local guide who will show you the main landmarks and monuments of the palace complex as well as the city. Depending on the ticket you buy, you can also get special access to the Diocletian’s Palace cellars.

What are the Diocletian’s Palace timings?

Diocletian’s Palace has no specific timings as such because the palace complex is part of the historic town centre.

Where is Diocletian’s Palace located?

Diocletian’s Palace is located in Split, which is the largest city in Croatia’s Dalmatia region.

How do I reach Diocletian’s Palace?

You can easily reach Diocletian’s Palace on foot as it is very convenient to walk around in Split. You can also reach the city by bus or by car.

How much time should I allocate for a Diocletian’s Palace tour?

The Diocletian’s Palace tours last for one and a half hours.

What is the best time to visit Diocletian’s Palace?

The best months to visit Diocletian’s Palace are May, June, September, and October.

Can I take pictures at Diocletian’s Palace?

Yes, visitors can take pictures and videos at Diocletian’s Palace.

Is Diocletian’s Palace wheelchair accessible?

Most areas of Diocletian’s Palace are wheelchair accessible. However, certain areas with uneven surfaces, paved streets, or levels that need to be accessed by stairs might be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues.

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