Split: Old Town Walking Tour with Historian & 3D Views

Summary

Walk Split’s palace streets with a passionate local historian

You’ll walk Split’s ancient streets with a local historian who brings Roman ruins to life using his own 3D models. Feel the cool stone under your feet in Diocletian’s Palace, hear stories behind each gate and square, and end surrounded by centuries-old architecture in Piazza Square. Expect laughter, surprises, and plenty of moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

“That statue’s toe brings good luck — but you have to really rub it,” Toni grinned, pointing at Gregory of Nin as we gathered by the old stone wall. I’d barely arrived in Split and already my shoes were dusted white from the limestone streets. Toni’s voice cut through the morning chatter on Riva Promenade, where locals sipped coffee under faded umbrellas. He started our walking tour right there, sketching out centuries of history with his hands (and honestly, he talks with his whole body — it’s kind of contagious). I liked that he didn’t just recite facts; he’d pause for questions or just to let us notice the sea breeze rolling up from the waterfront.

We ducked into Diocletian’s Palace through the Silver Gate, and suddenly everything felt older — colder too, like the stones kept secrets. Toni pulled out his tablet and showed us these wild 3D reconstructions he’d made himself. It was surreal seeing Peristyle Square on-screen all golden and grand, then looking up at its real columns chipped by time. He told us about Roman mistakes in the Temple of Jupiter (“even emperors got things wrong”), which made me laugh because I’d just tripped on an uneven step. At one point a woman selling figs called something in Croatian and Toni translated with a wink — I tried repeating it back and butchered it completely. He laughed and said my accent was “creative.”

I hadn’t realized how much medieval and Venetian history was layered over everything here — noble palaces squeezed between Roman walls, little courtyards echoing with footsteps. We didn’t go inside every site (like St. Dominus Cathedral), but standing outside while Toni explained how a mausoleum became a church made it easier to picture things shifting over centuries. The sun came out right as we reached Piazza Square; kids chased pigeons past the old Town Hall while our group lingered, still peppering Toni with questions about Game of Thrones filming spots (he knows them all). The tour ended there but honestly, my head kept spinning with stories long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Split's historic sites

• Start at Split's Riviera promenade
• Walk through Split Old Town
• Visit Peristyle Square
• See Cathedral of St. Dominus exterior
• View Temple of Jupiter outside
• Explore Gates of Diocletian's Palace
• Stop at Gregory of Nin statue
• Visit ancient entrance to Diocletian's residence
• Pass by noble family palaces
• See Game of Thrones filming locations
• Visit Golden Gate entrance to Palace
• View City Museum courtyard
• End at Piazza Square

Top questions

How long is the walking tour of Split?

The tour covers Split’s Old Town and main sites within a few hours on foot.

Who leads this Split walking tour?

The guide is Toni Šare, a local historian born in Split.

Are 3D reconstructions included during the tour?

Yes, Toni uses his own 3D models to show how sites looked in ancient times.

Does the tour include entry into St. Dominus Cathedral?

No, you won’t enter but will learn about it from outside.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we visit Game of Thrones filming locations?

Toni points out filming spots if the group is interested as you pass them.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Riva Promenade and ends at Piazza Square in central Split.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by Toni Šare—a historian who grew up in Split—plus live demonstrations using his own 3D reconstructions at key sites along Diocletian's Palace and Old Town. You’ll also enjoy open dialogue throughout, with plenty of chances for questions or even language practice if you’re brave enough.