Split: Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour & Local History

Summary

Explore Split’s Roman palace, centuries-old squares and local legends

You’ll walk through Split’s ancient heart with a local guide, touching history at Diocletian’s Palace and hearing stories behind every landmark. Rub Gregory of Nin’s toe for luck, stand beneath cathedral bells in St. Dominus, and notice the small details most visitors miss. It’s more than just sightseeing—it feels like stepping into someone else’s story for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way our footsteps echoed on those worn stones inside Diocletian’s Palace. There was this faint smell — old stone mixed with sea air, maybe a hint of coffee from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Ana, waved us over to a wall that looked just like any other until she pointed out the tiny chisel marks left by Roman builders. It hit me then: people have been walking these same steps for 1,700 years. Kinda wild.

Ana had this way of slipping little stories into the gaps between facts — like how the Peristyle Square is where locals meet up for coffee or how people rub Gregory of Nin’s toe for luck (I did it too, but honestly my wish was pretty basic). The cathedral bells rang while we stood outside St. Dominus; they weren’t exactly in tune but somehow it fit the place. There were tourists everywhere but also old women chatting in dialect I couldn’t catch, pigeons darting around their feet.

The tour moved at an easy pace — not rushed but never dragging. We’d pause while Ana answered questions or waited for someone to take a photo (okay, sometimes that was me). She told us about the boundaries of old and new Split, how you could almost feel where one ended and the other began just by looking at the stones underfoot. I didn’t expect to care so much about a palace I’d barely heard of before booking this day trip in Split, but now it’s stuck with me in that odd way travel memories do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Split's historic landmarks

• Meet local licensed guide
• Tour Diocletian's Palace
• Visit Peristyle Square
• See Cathedral of St. Dominus
• View Gregory of Nin statue
• Experience Split's acoustic spot

Top questions

How long does the Split walking tour last?

The walking tour lasts about an hour and a half.

Is there an English-speaking guide included?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide is included on the tour.

What main attractions are visited on this Split walking tour?

The tour covers Diocletian's Palace, Peristyle Square, Cathedral of St. Dominus, and Gregory of Nin statue.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the end point.

Can everyone join this walking tour? Is it suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do we get to rub Gregory of Nin's toe during the tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Gregory of Nin statue where many visitors rub his toe for luck.

Will we learn about both old and new parts of Split?

Yes, your guide will show you where old and new Split meet within Diocletian's Palace walls.

What’s included

Your day includes an hour-and-a-half guided walk led by a licensed English-speaking local who shares stories as you explore Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle Square, Cathedral of St. Dominus and Gregory of Nin—no pickups needed since everything is right in central Split.