Split: Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour & Museum with Historian

Summary

Walk Split’s ancient palace, hear local stories, see cellars & squares

You’ll step into Split’s living history with a local historian as your guide, exploring Diocletian’s Palace and its atmospheric cellars museum. Expect stories from residents who grew up here, stops at lively squares and ancient temples, plus time to wander Split Old Town’s narrow lanes. It feels more like joining locals than just ticking off sights.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the stone archways of Diocletian’s Palace in Split, following our guide Marko — who introduced himself as “born and raised here, even during the tough years.” I could smell the sea mixed with something older, maybe centuries of stone dust. Marko had this way of pausing mid-story to let us feel the echo in the palace cellars (honestly, it gave me goosebumps). The group was small enough that we could actually hear each other’s questions bounce off the walls — someone asked about the carvings above the main entrance and Marko grinned, “That’s where emperors made their grand entrances. Now it’s just us.”

We wandered through Peristyle Square and into these winding alleys where laundry hung overhead — I caught a whiff of someone cooking garlic somewhere nearby. There was this old clock on People’s Square that still ticks after 500 years; I stared at it too long and almost lost the group for a second. Marko pointed out Fruit’s Square and told us about Marul, Croatia’s literary hero (I tried to say his full name and butchered it; Marko laughed). We stopped outside the Temple of Jupiter — he offered to take anyone inside who wanted a closer look, no pressure.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just walking through Split Old Town. There were moments when everything got quiet, like standing by Gregory of Nin’s statue — people rub his toe for luck but I just stood there thinking about all these layers of history stacked up in one place. Honestly, I still think about that view from Riva Promenade at the end, when sunlight hit the stone and made everything glow for a minute or two. Not sure photos do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Split's Old Town and Palace

• Start at Riva promenade waterfront
• Visit Emperor's Square
• Tour Diocletian's Palace
• See main entrance to Diocletian's Palace
• Explore Museum of Basement Halls
• Visit main Roman God Temple outside
• See 500 years old 24-hour clock
• Tour Medieval Old Town of Split
• Visit People's Square
• Visit former Green Market with Marul statue
• See Cathedral of Split from outside
• Visit Gregory of Nin statue
• See main entrance to Emperor's private residence
• Finish at Riva promenade waterfront

Top questions

Is this walking tour of Diocletian's Palace suitable for children?

No, group tours are adults only (18+). Private tours are open to all ages.

Does the tour include entry to Diocletian's Palace cellars?

Yes, entry to the museum in the palace basement halls is included.

Where does the Emperor's Walking Tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes at the 'Main Stage' on Riva promenade along Split's waterfront.

How big is each group on this Split walking tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Who leads this history lovers’ tour in Split?

A licensed resident guide with advanced degrees in history or related fields leads each tour.

Are there any physical requirements for joining?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What sites are visited during this day trip in Split?

You’ll visit Diocletian's Palace, Peristyle Square, Fruit's Square, Gregory of Nin statue, People’s Square, Temple of Jupiter (outside), Riva promenade and more.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through Split Old Town with a licensed resident historian as your guide. Entry to Diocletian's Palace cellars museum is part of the experience. Tours begin and end at Riva promenade; public transport options are nearby if you need them. Group size stays small so you can actually ask questions or linger at spots that catch your eye.