Split: Walking tour with Diocletian’s Palace & Cathedral

Summary

Wander Split’s old stones, hear stories, and step into the Cathedral

You’ll walk Split’s winding stone streets with a local guide, pass through ancient palace gates, touch centuries-old statues for luck, and step inside St. Domnius Cathedral (once Diocletian’s Mausoleum). With stories echoing off marble walls and sunlight filtering through history, you’ll find moments that stay with you long after leaving Split.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the stones felt under my shoes — polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. Our guide, Ana, waved us over near the Riva promenade where the sea breeze carried a salty tang and someone nearby was selling figs out of a basket. She started talking about how Split grew around Diocletian’s Palace, but honestly I was distracted for a second by the sound of church bells echoing off the walls. It’s louder than you’d expect in those narrow streets.

We ducked through one of those heavy old gates (the Golden Gate, Ana called it) and suddenly we were inside this maze — courtyards opening up like little surprises. There’s something about seeing the Temple of Jupiter just sitting there between cafes and laundry lines that makes history feel weirdly close. Ana pointed out some carved faces on a column and told us how people used to rub Gregory of Nin’s toe for luck. I tried it too — felt cold and shiny, kind of funny to think about all those wishes stacked up over time.

The real highlight for me was stepping into St. Domnius Cathedral. It used to be Diocletian’s Mausoleum — I didn’t expect it to feel so intimate inside, with sunlight slanting through high windows and dust motes floating in the air. The stone walls seemed to hold onto every whisper. Ana explained how old it is (one of the oldest cathedrals in the world), but what stuck with me was just standing there quietly while a couple lit candles at the altar. You don’t need to know all the facts to feel something shift in you in a place like that.

We finished up back at Fruit Square where some kids were chasing pigeons and an old man nodded at us from his bench. My feet were tired but I kept looking back at those palace walls — they’re part of daily life here, not just museum pieces behind glass. I still think about that view down Peristyle Square when the light hit just right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Split Walking Tour Highlights

• Visit Riva Promenade
• Explore Diocletian's Palace Substructures
• Guided visit
• Visit Peristyle Square
• Tour Cathedral of St. Dominus
• Pass by Temple of Jupiter
• Visit Gates of Diocletian's Palace
• Outside visit
• Visit Fruit's Square
• Visit Golden Gate
• Guided visit
• Outside view
• Guided visit
• Visit Fruit's Square again
• Outside view
• History of Diocletian's Palace
• Visit Gregory of Nin
• Outside view

Top questions

Is entry to St. Domnius Cathedral included in this walking tour?

Yes, entry to St. Domnius Cathedral (Diocletian's Mausoleum) is included.

Does this Split walking tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide near Riva Promenade.

How long does the private walking tour in Split last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers major sites within central Split on foot.

Is this tour family friendly?

Yes, it is described as family friendly.

Will other people join our group on this tour?

No, this is a private walking tour for your group only.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

Do we visit Diocletian's Palace interior or just see it from outside?

You explore both exterior and interior parts of Diocletian's Palace during the tour.

Is climbing the Bell Tower part of this experience?

No, guided visits to the Bell Tower are not included as it is closed for renovations until 2022.

What’s included

Your day includes a certified local guide leading you through Split’s UNESCO-protected old town; entry fees for St. Domnius Cathedral (Diocletian’s Mausoleum); all taxes and handling charges; plus plenty of stories along palace walls before you wander back into modern-day Split at your own pace.