Croatia holidays: Go back to Roman times at festival

Travellers on Croatia holidays can rediscover their inner warriors at a festival that will try to recreate the sounds and sights of the Roman Empire.

Days of Diocletian will be held between 20th and 30th August.

The port city of Split annually hosts the festival to celebrate Emperor Diocletian, who lived out a peaceful retirement in what is now called Split Castle.

He was renowned for being one of the few Roman emperors who abdicated voluntarily and died naturally.

History buffs can combine a trip to the festival with a Croatia sailing or cycling holiday, to take in the stunning views that made Diocletian want to survive long enough to retire in the city.

According to the festival organisers, the whole city is transformed into a Roman spectacle, with actors strolling by wearing togas and tunics.

The waterfront will also see a cavalcade of historical replicas of Roman carriages and Emperor Diocletian himself will be making an appearance at the Peristyle to deliver a message to his 'subjects', claim the organisers.



As well as making the most of Split Castle, visitors will get a chance to see the remaining granite sphinx that was originally one of twelve that 'protected' the Peristyle.