The winding streets of Split Old Town are the perfect place to start your exploration of Croatia’s largest city. Get lost in the narrow, cobbled streets and explore the alleyways that have been packed with people for thousands of years. As you walk through the Old Town of Split, you’ll immediately be transported back to yesteryear, taking in architecture that has stood the test of time at every turn.
About Split
Split is well known as the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, but did you know that it is the second largest city in Croatia and the largest on the Dalmatian coast? This ancient city is rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a fascinating destination to explore on foot.
The Old Town is full of alfresco restaurants, bars and cafes, so once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a seat and enjoy the perfect Mediterranean meal, or do as the locals do, and people-watch from the palm-tree-lined Riva.
Attractions to see in Split
Dicoletians Palace
Split is famous for the fortress-like complex at its centre: Diocletian’s Palace. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, the palace is both UNESCO-protected and listed as a World Heritage Site. Within its gleaming white stone walls, a maze of courtyards and galleries reveals shops, bars, cafés, cathedrals, hotels and private homes, all woven seamlessly into the ancient structure.
The palace forms the true heart of the city, housing around 220 buildings and more than 3,000 residents, and it’s easy to lose hours wandering its atmospheric streets. Access is through one of four historic gates that once protected the city walls: the Golden, Silver, Iron and Bronze Gates. Enter via the Bronze Gate to step straight from the Riva into the palace basements, the only part of the complex to remain completely intact.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may recognise the basement as where Daenerys kept her dragons when she was in Meereen!
Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Saint Domnius Cathedral sits in the very heart of Split. This remarkably well-preserved Romanesque cathedral is instantly recognisable by its striking octagonal design and the original 24 columns that still enclose it today. Built as a Roman mausoleum in 305 AD, it later gained its iconic bell tower in the 12th century. For those feeling energetic, a climb to the top of the bell tower offers sweeping panoramic views over the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea and Marjan Hill.
Peristyle
The Peristyle lies at the very heart of Split’s rich and fascinating history. In Roman times, it was the central hub of Diocletian’s Palace, hosting court proceedings and the changing of the guards. Framed by majestic columns and the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the square once led directly to Diocletian’s private quarters, now known as the basement. Today, the Peristyle comes alive with Roman guard reenactments daily at noon during peak season, while visitors can enjoy a glass of wine on its steps, soak up live music, or simply reflect on the 1,700 years of history embedded within the palace walls.
Split Museum
The Split Museum offers a captivating journey through art, history, and culture. Showcasing works from the 14th century to contemporary creations, it’s a must-visit for anyone with a few days in Split and is worth setting aside a couple of hours to explore.
Gregory of Nin Statue
Just beyond Split’s Golden Gate stands the statue of Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski), a striking piece of work by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. According to legend, rubbing Gregory’s toe brings good luck, and it’s an amusing sight for first-time visitors to see people lined up giving the statue a rub - especially if you don’t yet know the story behind it!
Marjan Hill
Perched above Split’s Old Town lies a sprawling green park, inviting you to explore its shaded paths and scenic corners. Locals fondly call it the city’s ‘Green Lungs,’ a tranquil escape filled with fragrant pine trees, the hum of cicadas, and breathtaking views of both the Old Town and the sea. Ideal for strolling, jogging, or just relaxing, the park also houses the Mestrovic Gallery and a charming little local zoo.
Split Walking Tour
If you’re looking for the best way to explore Diocletian’s Palace, we recommend joining a Split Walking Tour. There are so many hidden passageways and nooks that you may miss without insider knowledge, and walking guides are certified in telling the history and glory of the Palace, so you’re guaranteed to learn a thing or two!
By joining Green Sail’s Split Walking Tour, you’re directly supporting nautical sustainability, as every booking helps fund Green Sail initiatives.
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Cost: €17 per person
- Highlights: Explore Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture from the 4th Century. These awe-inspiring structures, shaped over centuries, are a major highlight that draws millions of visitors to Split each year.
Book your spot here.
About Green Sail
Founded by Sail Croatia in 2016, Green Sail is a non-profit organisation rooted in nautical sustainability in the Mediterranean. Green Sail partners with nautical tourism providers to develop tailored solutions to sustainability challenges. Through educational and data-driven initiatives, Green Sail helps teams turn ambition into action to protect the seas and oceans we rely on.
