Diocletian's Palace
Split, Croatia
A Roman imperial palace on the Split waterfront that forms the core of the old town, with lanes, cellars and a peristyle square inside its walls. Explore the underground halls first, then climb the cathedral bell tower for the view.
Emperor Diocletian had the palace begun around 295, and it was still unfinished when he abdicated around 305. It now makes up about half of Split's old town and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian", listed in 1979. Four gates lead in: the Golden Gate to the north, the Silver Gate to the east, the Bronze Gate to the south and the Iron Gate to the west. Above the Iron Gate stands an 11th-century bell tower, said to be the oldest surviving one on the Adriatic coast.
In the central peristyle, the monumental court of the complex, the cathedral now occupies Diocletian's former mausoleum; its Romanesque bell tower was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Allow at least half a day for a tour. Come in the morning if you can, when it is quieter.
- Nearest town
- Split, Croatia
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.5081, 16.4402
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Croatia: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Stobreč SplitCampsite7 km from Diocletian's PalaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camp RožacCampsite15 km from Diocletian's PalaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Waterman Beach VillageCampsite17 km from Diocletian's PalaceTentsElectricityWi-Fi
- Camping BunjaCampsite18 km from Diocletian's Palace · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Amadria Park TrogirCampsite20 km from Diocletian's PalaceTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Kamp LisičinaCampsite21 km from Diocletian's PalaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Croatia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Diocletian's Palace?
Diocletian's Palace is in Split, Croatia, at GPS 43.5081, 16.4402. It is about 15 km from Trogir.
Can you camp near Diocletian's Palace?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp u Dragana, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Diocletian's Palace?
Places worth a stop nearby: Klis Fortress (9 km), Trogir Old Town (15 km), Skradinski buk (51 km) and Cathedral of St James (51 km).
When is the best time to visit Diocletian's Palace?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)