Split: Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour with History Professor

Summary

Walk Split’s palace cellars, medieval squares and lively Riva with a historian

You’ll step straight into Split’s living history—wandering Diocletian’s Palace cellars with a real professor, brushing past centuries-old stones and modern life side by side. Rub Gregory of Nin’s lucky toe, get local tips for food spots, and finish among medieval squares where old stories linger in the air.

What’s the experience like?

You sort of land in the middle of it all—Riva promenade buzzing, coffee cups clinking, sea air mixing with that sweet bakery smell. Our guide, Professor Marko (he said just call him Marko), waved us over by the palace model. He had this way of talking about Split that made you feel like you’d lived here your whole life—even when I tripped on the uneven stones right away. The city’s layers hit you fast: Roman walls next to neon shop signs, old men arguing about football on benches. I kept looking up at the laundry lines and thinking, “People really live inside these ancient walls.”

We ducked down into the cellars under Diocletian’s Palace—cooler air, echoey footsteps, that faint mineral smell you only get underground. Marko told us how these substructures basically held up the emperor’s world above. He pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed (I pretended not to geek out), but then he’d drop some wild fact about Roman engineering or Venetian traders slipping through these same halls. It was weirdly comforting hearing history from someone who actually teaches it here—like he wasn’t trying to sell us anything, just sharing his city.

The Peristyle square felt almost too grand for a regular Tuesday. Sunlight bounced off white stone; a busker played something mournful on an accordion. Marko described how people used to kneel before the emperor right there—I tried to picture it but mostly noticed how everyone seemed to slow down in that space. We squeezed through “Let Me Pass” street (Marko laughed when I got stuck behind a delivery guy), then stopped at Gregory of Nin’s statue so we could rub his toe for luck. The thing is polished smooth—guess it works? I still think about that moment, standing in line with strangers just to touch a giant bronze foot.

After wandering past Republic Square and Fruit’s Square (the fruit sellers are long gone but you can still smell citrus if you try), Marko gave us tips for finding good burek and where not to bother queuing for gelato. The tour ended near some medieval arches—sun starting to dip, locals drifting back onto Riva for their evening coffee ritual. I didn’t want to leave yet; it felt like I’d only just started seeing Split as more than a postcard backdrop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historic and modern Split

• Start at Riva promenade
• Visit Diocletian's Palace cellars
• See Peristyle Square
• Explore the Vestibule (The Rotonda)
• View Cathedral of St. Dominus outside
• Pass Temple of Jupiter and narrow street
• Visit Golden Gate
• Touch Gregory of Nin statue's toe
• Walk along Marmont street
• See Republic Square (Prokurative)
• End at Fruit's Square

Top questions

How long does the Split walking tour last?

The tour covers central Split highlights at a comfortable pace; exact duration may vary but typically lasts around 2 hours.

Is entry to Diocletian's Palace included?

The tour includes access through the palace cellars and main areas; all fees and taxes are covered.

Where does the walking tour start?

The meeting point is on Riva promenade, next to the model of Diocletian's Palace.

Will we see Game of Thrones filming locations?

Yes, several Game of Thrones filming spots inside Diocletian's Palace are pointed out during the walk.

Do we go inside Cathedral of St. Dominus?

The cathedral is visited from outside during the tour; your guide will give details if you want to enter after.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and public transport options are nearby if needed.

Are private tours available?

Private tours can be arranged upon request—just ask when booking or contact ahead.

What should I bring for this Split walking tour?

Comfortable shoes are recommended as streets are cobbled; water and sun protection are helpful in summer.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes as you walk with a local professor through Split’s palace cellars, ancient squares and lively streets—plus plenty of insider tips on what else to see or taste while you’re in town.