Roman Heritage of Split and Salona

As if the Romans were still here

The Roman Empire, so long gone, yet when walking in certain areas of the world, it feels as though not more than a blink of an eye has passed since its existence. The ransacked town of Salona and the immense Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the most remarkable Roman ruins on the southern Dalmatian coast, are two such sites. Irrevocably connected through some amazing whirlwinds of history, Salona and Split shared a common story over centuries of Roman presence in the area. At the time when Salona thrived, Split was a one man’s palace. At the time when Salona failed, Split became a city. Today, visiting these two places with your guide transports you back to the time of gladiators and emperors, to the tremendous Empire in its heyday, immersing you in the past so palapable that you might wonder if time had actually passed.

This tour is fully private and on request only.
This tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation by your guide and professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van and entrance tickets.
Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
Please advise if you have any mobility issues so the tour can be adjusted accordingly.
OPTIONAL: Add a unique adventure through the subterranean parts of Diocletian’s aqueduct stretching more than 9 kilometers from the spring of Jadro River to downtown Split. With the help of a local speleologist descend underground to witness the marvel of Roman engineering: miles of perfectly constructed aqueduct carved into the solid rock. Fully equipped with a hard hat, boots, and jumpsuit, you will explore a section of the aqueduct before returning to Split. Available at additional cost.

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

Split’s city center is a unique, living Roman ruin! Emperor Diocletian constructed the palace to be his cozy home in retirement but who knows if he could have ever fathomed that it would grow into a true city centuries later? Continuously inhabited for more than 1700 years, the palace was originally built at the turn of the 4^th century. Several hundred years later, after a period of abandonment, it served as a refuge for the inhabitants of the Roman city of Salona who fled their homes in front of a wave of invading Slavic tribes. Ultimately, the city of refugees became its own city within the palace walls. Today, approximately 3000 people live here, adding a vital charm of everyday living to the beautiful Roman architecture.

After a walking tour of Split, your journey through ancient history continues in Salona, the largest Croatian site of antiquity-era monuments. Once the capital city of the Roman province Dalmatia, and one of the largest cities of the Empire, Salona was situated at the crossroads of sea and land routes of the ancient Mediterranean. The size, the prosperity and splendor of the ancient city is attested by the remains of the imposing walls with tower sand gates, a forum with temples, a theater, an amphitheater, as well as the unique structures of Episcopalian early Christian churches in the cemeteries where they buried Salona Martyrs (Manastirine, Kapljuč, Marusinac). Visiting one of the three Roman amphitheaters on the east Adriatic coast gives you the chance to experience the emotions of the ancient gladiators standing in the middle of this spectacular construction.

Quick Info

Split

Solin

Brač

Trogir

Emperor Diocletian

The 51^st Roman emperor lived at the turn of the 4^th century. Born in Salona, in the Roman province of Dalmatia, Diocletian was actually a member of a low-rank family and he climbed the ladder thanks to his extraordinary military, fiscal and statehood capabilities. Following his coronation, aware of the anarchy which took over the Empire during his predecessors, Diocletian split the power, knowing that the area was too large for one person to oversee. His “tetrarchy” ultimately restored the order in the Empire, and thus prolonged its Western part and laid foundations for what will become the Byzantine Empire.

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If you want to know more

What unique experiences does the Roman Heritage of Split and Salona tour offer?

Our Roman Heritage of Split and Salona tour provides a unique opportunity to be completely immersed in the captivating history of Roman ruins in Split, Croatia. You’ll journey through time as you visit the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a living Roman ruin and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Split, and explore the ancient town of Salona, once the capital city of the Roman province Dalmatia. This tour takes you to a time of gladiators, emperors, and grand architecture, an experience unique to this region and one of the many reasons travelers find a deep cultural connection here.

Can you tell me more about the history that’s encapsulated within Split?

Split’s rich history is intricately tied to the Roman Empire, making it a phenomenal destination for a history tour. The city center itself is a living Roman ruin, Diocletian’s Palace, constructed by Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century. Today, this palace has grown into a city, with approximately 3000 people living within its walls, adding a unique charm to the beautiful Roman architecture. Over 1700 years old, the palace still stands as an extraordinary testament to Roman engineering and design, providing a tangible link to a time long gone yet vividly alive in the city of Split.

Could you provide more details about the exploration of Salona on this tour?

As part of our Roman Heritage tour, you will visit Salona, the largest Croatian site of antiquity-era monuments and once the capital city of the Roman province Dalmatia. The remains of imposing walls, a forum with temples, a theater, an amphitheater, and unique early Christian churches, are silent witnesses of Salona’s past prosperity and splendor. Standing in the middle of Salona’s amphitheater, you will have a chance to feel the echo of the ancient gladiators and the thrill of their fights, making your Salona tour an unforgettable experience.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

We strive to ensure that all our guests can enjoy the enriching experiences our tours offer. If you have any mobility issues, please let us know in advance so we can adjust the tour accordingly. We aim to accommodate the needs of all our guests, providing a truly bespoke and personalized service.

What’s included in the tour package?

This private and bespoke tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation by your professional English-speaking guide and chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van. Entrance tickets to all sites are included in the tour price. Remember to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen in the summer months!

Can I add any extras to this tour?

Yes, you can! We offer an optional unique adventure through the subterranean parts of Diocletian’s aqueduct, which stretches more than 9 kilometers from the spring of Jadro River to downtown Split. With the help of a local speleologist, you will descend underground to witness the marvel of Roman engineering. This is available at an additional cost and is a fantastic way to enhance your Split history tour.

What months is this tour available?

The Roman Heritage of Split and Salona tour is available all year round. Whether you want to enjoy the sunny summer months or prefer the cooler periods, we can arrange this tour for you at any time of year.

Can you tell me more about Emperor Diocletian and his connection to Split?

Emperor Diocletian, the 51st Roman Emperor, had a profound impact on Split’s history. Born in Salona in the Roman province of Dalmatia, Diocletian constructed the palace that is now the heart of Split. His novel system of governance, the “tetrarchy,” prolonged the life of the Western Roman Empire and laid the foundations for the Byzantine Empire. His influence still resonates within the walls of the city of Split.

Can you elaborate more about the Diocletian Palace experience?

The Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia, is a fascinating fusion of past and present. You’ll get the chance to wander through the narrow, labyrinthine streets, explore the substructures, and admire the well-preserved architecture that has been continuously inhabited for more than 1700 years. Despite its name, the palace is more akin to a small city, bustling with life and activity.

How long is the tour and what is the difficulty level?

The Roman Heritage of Split and Salona tour is a half-day tour. The difficulty level is easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels. We also offer flexibility in terms of pace and areas to explore, providing a truly personalized and comfortable tour experience.