2 hours
10
There is a saying about this city: “Nima Splita do Splita!” which translates simply to “There is no place like Split!”. However, it is rather more than that.
During your historical and cultural walking tour, you will discover why people say this about Croatia’s second-largest city, which grew from a palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 3rd century. This magnificent monument, today the vibrant heart of the city, is located on Split’s waterfront promenade (the ‘Riva’) which is undoubtedly the most popular and traditional meeting point of all citizens. As a mark of its exceptional preservation, the Diocletian palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Your local guide will take you on an inspiring journey through the city’s rich history, uncovering its many hidden secrets. Within every narrow street, every building, and every square you encounter during your tour there is a story from 1,700 years of history – a history that lives in every corner of Split.
Your tour covers the most important landmarks of the city, starting from the sun-drenched Riva promenade (or another agreed-upon location). It then takes you through Diocletian’s cellars, famous as a filming location for the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.
Next, you will find yourself on the enchanting Peristyle, surrounded by Egyptian marble columns and a 3,500-year-old sphinx, said to be the guardian of the city and its people. The square is home to the cathedral of the city’s patron saint, Saint Domnius. Originally built as the emperor’s mausoleum, the cathedral is home to Split’s iconic, medieval bell tower, 57 meters high. Just off the Peristyle is the original Roman Temple of Jupiter, now the Baptistery of Saint John.
Further on you will walk along the old Cardo to the Golden Gate, which was the most important and most decorated of the entrances to the Palace during the time of Emperor Diocletian. Opposite the gate, you will surely notice a large crowd in front of a huge and impressive bronze statue, the work of our most famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Your guide will reveal the secret of the ‘toe’, which everyone wants to touch.
You are now outside the palace and continuing your tour to the People’s Square-Pjaca- a favourite gathering place for the people of Split. The square began to develop in the 13th century when the palace became too small for the citizens and the city started expanding westward. Beautiful noble palaces of various architectural styles surround it, and your attention will surely be drawn to the medieval clock on the tower, located next to the Iron Gate.
Split can boast two more squares which must be seen: the Fruit Square and the beautiful neo-Renaissance Prokurative.
At the end of the tour– if time allows- enjoy a short walk to Marjan Hill for a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Split’s old town and coastline.
During the tour, your guide will reveal the secrets of the city and share some interesting facts about it, as well as recommend great places to eat or buy typical local souvenirs.