Spend a day discovering the marvels of Roman architecture at one of Split’s most famous attractions — Diocletian’s Palace.

The Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace have a rich, fascinating history that can be traced as far back as the 4th century. The ancient fortress spans over 30,000 square meters and is situated in the heart of Split.

Today, the territory of Diocletian’s Palace is part of Split’s Old Town and is home to over 3,000 residents, as well as many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Wind through the narrow streets of Diocletian’s Palace and be swept away by the ancient world of the Roman emperors and their incredible architecture.

You will find below all you need to know about the Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most iconic attractions in Split.

How much do Diocletian’s Palace tickets cost?

You can visit the palace grounds for free as the complex forms part of Split’s Old Town. However, there are entrance fees for certain attractions within Diocletian’s Palace that are worth visiting.

The Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Dominus are the most popular attractions. The cathedral was built to be the palace’s mausoleum, and at the top of the bell tower, you can see incredible views of Split.

The other attractions on offer include the crypt, the baptistry and the treasury. Tickets are sold in different bundles, making visiting more than one attraction affordable.

Blue ticket (cathedral, crypt, baptistery): HRK50 (US$7)
Green ticket (cathedral, bell tower, treasury): HRK70 (US$9)
Red ticket (cathedral, crypt, baptistery, treasury): HRK60 (US$8)
Purple ticket (cathedral, crypt, baptistery, treasury, bell tower): HRK80 (US$11)

The Purple ticket is the most popular as it includes all five of Diocletian’s Palace’s attractions.

What are the best Diocletian’s Palace tours?

A guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace gives you further insight into the fortress’s history than if you were to visit the palace and its attractions on your own. There are various Diocletian Palace tours available, including private tours, group tours and even a virtual reality tour.

Diocletian’s Palace guided tours

Join a group tour of Diocletian’s Palace and make the most of your time in Split’s Old Town. Your guide will lead you and your group through the narrow streets of the fortress, pointing out historical landmarks along the way. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit all of the palace’s main attractions.

Diocletian’s Palace private tours

A private tour of Diocletian’s Palace allows you to enjoy the services of a private tour guide that caters to the group’s needs. You’ll visit the main attractions of Diocletian’s Palace. Engage with your private guide, and feel free to ask any questions you may have about the fortress’s past and present.

Diocletian’s Palace food and wine tasting tours

Various Diocletian’s Palace tours include food and wine tastings, as Split is well-known for its delicious cuisine and wines. This type of tour allows you to experience the authentic tastes of the region while still getting the opportunity to explore everything that the Diocletian’s Palace offers.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Diocletian’s Palace and other attractions?

See more of what Split has to offer on a combined tour of Diocletian’s Palace and other attractions:

Diocletian’s Palace plus Trogir tour: Once you’ve finished up at Diocletian’s Palace, you can experience yet another UNESCO world heritage site — the medieval islet of Trogir the medieval islet of Trogir. This charming historical town is well-known for its incredible architecture.
Diocletian’s palace plus Plitvice lakes tour: Enjoy an action-packed day tour that begins at Diocletian’s Palace before taking you to Plitvice Lakes National park. You’ll enjoy hiking the trails and a boat cruise on the lakes.

Is it possible to visit Diocletian’s Palace for free?

You can visit the palace grounds for free, as they form part of Split’s Old Town, where many people live and where many cafes and restaurants are located. You must purchase tickets if you want to mention attractions within Diocletian Palace, such as the cathedral.

Should you book Diocletian Palace tickets in advance?

You can purchase tickets to Diocletian’s Palace’s attractions at the ticket booth on the day of your visit. However, all Diocletian Palace tours should be booked ahead of time to avoid disappointment. These tours are top-rated as Diocletian’s Palace attracts thousands of tourists every year.

What will you see inside Diocletian’s Palace?

Diocletian’s Palace is a fortress built in the 4th century and is surrounded by walls and towers. The palace now forms part of Split’s Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Walking the narrow streets within the fortress, you’ll see incredible Roman architecture around every turn. Many structures have been restored over the years, giving visitors a glimpse of what the palace may have looked like in its original form.

Today, the palace is home to many shops, cafes and restaurants. There are also many attractions, such as the Cathedral of St. Domnius and the Temple of Jupiter. These attractions are worth visiting, as they truly give you insight into the times of the ancient Romans and what their daily lives may have been like.

Diocletian’s Palace covers over 30,000 square meters, so there is no shortage of things to see and do within the Palace’s ancient walls.

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

Diocletian’s Palace is open 24/7, while the attractions within the palace are open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. Most people prefer to visit the fortress and its attractions in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.

Travel tips

Wear comfortable shoes for your walking tours. Bring your camera, as there will be many photo opportunities.
Plan to visit Diocletian’s Palace on a day when there is good weather, and it is not raining.
Make the most of your time at Diocletian’s Palace by visiting all five attractions.

Diocletian's Palace: Tickets and Tours