Split: Emperor's Palace Private Walking Tour & Museum

Summary

Walk Split’s palace cellars, medieval squares & Roman temples with a resident historian

You’ll walk Split’s palace cellars with a resident historian, hear family stories from Communist times, rub Gregory of Nin’s lucky toe, and taste daily life along marble streets. This private walking tour brings you face-to-face with emperors’ secrets and everyday rituals—leaving you oddly attached to Split long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo—our footsteps bouncing off the ancient stones under Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It smells faintly of damp limestone down there, mixed with something metallic, like old coins. Our guide, Marko (who grew up here and survived the war—he just mentions it in passing), started us right in the cellars. He pointed out a groove in the wall where Roman slaves once sharpened knives. I touched it and honestly, it gave me goosebumps. You don’t expect to feel so close to people from 1,700 years ago.

We wandered out into Peristyle Square and suddenly everything was loud again—kids running across marble slabs, an accordion somewhere near the Riva promenade. Marko told us how his grandmother used to sneak through these arches for market bread during Communist times. There’s this statue of Gregory of Nin—huge bronze toes polished by tourists’ wishes. I tried rubbing them too (couldn’t hurt). The air smelled like coffee from nearby cafés and sea salt drifting in off the waterfront.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a history tour, but Marko kept tossing in stories about emperors with bad tempers and medieval poets who wrote love letters in secret corners of Fruit’s Square. At one point he tried to teach us a Dalmatian phrase—I definitely butchered it, which made him laugh harder than I did. We stopped outside the Cathedral of St. Dominus; bells were ringing for no reason I could figure out. The whole city felt alive but also kind of haunted by its own past.

It’s strange how you can walk through Split Old Town and see so many layers at once—the Roman temple stones next to medieval clock towers, graffiti scratched into centuries-old walls. By the end, my head was spinning with dates and legends but what stuck most was that feeling of being let in on something locals actually care about—not just facts for tourists. I still think about that view from the Riva at sunset when we finished up; there’s no real way to describe it without sounding cheesy, so I won’t even try.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Diocletian's Palace and Old Town

• Start at Main Riva Promenade
• See main entrance to Diocletian's Palace
• Guided tour of Diocletian's Palace
• Visit Museum of Basement Halls
• Visit Emperor's Square
• See Cathedral of Split from outside
• Visit Temple of Jupiter from outside
• See 500 years old 24-hour clock
• Visit People's Square
• Visit former Green Market with Marul statue
• See Gregory of Nin statue
• Guided visit of Old Town of Split
• See main entrance to Emperor's private residence
• Finish at Main Riva Promenade

Top questions

How long does the Emperor's Palace walking tour last?

The duration isn’t specified exactly, but expect around 2–3 hours as you explore Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town on foot.

Is this private walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers or prams as well.

Do we visit inside Diocletian's Palace cellars?

Yes, you’ll explore the museum area in the basement halls—the best preserved part of Diocletian’s Palace.

Are entrance fees included for sites like Cathedral of St. Dominus?

No, entrance fees for optional interior visits (like Cathedral or Temple of Jupiter) are not included; they’re paid separately if you choose to enter.

Where does the walking tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes at Split’s Main Riva Promenade (Riva Split Waterfront).

Is lunch or food included on this history lovers’ tour?

No meals are included; however, you’ll pass several cafés and markets along the route if you wish to stop before or after.

Who leads this Emperor's Walking Tour in Split?

A licensed local resident guide (“Emperor”) with advanced degrees in history or archaeology leads your private group.

What’s included

Your day includes a custom-designed itinerary through Split Old Town and Diocletian's Palace with a private licensed resident guide who grew up locally—plus all organization for your group alone. Entry fees for optional interiors (like Cathedral or Temple) are extra if you decide to go inside; otherwise everything is covered as part of your private walking experience starting at Riva Promenade.