Top Must-See Spots Inside Diocletian’s Palace

A Historic Luxury Travel Guide for Your Stay in Split

Staying within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace is not just accommodation — it’s an immersion into living history. Built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most extraordinary historic complexes still used for everyday life.

When you stay in Split at Villa Nepos, a refined luxury hotel located inside the palace itself, you wake up surrounded by ancient stone, Roman columns, and over 1,700 years of stories. Step outside your door, and some of the most iconic landmarks of Croatia unfold within minutes.

Here are the top must-see spots inside Diocletian’s Palace, all just steps away — and why they matter.

Peristyle Square

The Peristyle Square is the ceremonial core of Diocletian’s Palace and one of the most atmospheric historic squares in Europe. Once reserved exclusively for the emperor, this grand courtyard was designed to impress — and it still does.

Flanked by towering columns and ancient sphinxes brought from Egypt, the Peristyle was where Emperor Diocletian appeared before his subjects, elevated almost to divine status. Today, it’s a place where history meets modern life: locals sip coffee on stone steps, musicians perform at dusk, and visitors feel the pulse of Split.

*Luxury travel tip: Early morning or late evening visits offer a quieter, more intimate experience — perfect for photos and reflection before returning to the comfort of Villa Nepos.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Rising directly from the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius is one of the most fascinating examples of architectural transformation in the world. Originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum, it later became a Christian cathedral — a poetic twist of history.

Its bell tower offers one of the best panoramic views in Split, overlooking terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby islands. Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings, ancient columns, and a powerful sense of continuity between Roman and medieval eras.

*Fun fact: Climb the bell tower for one of the best panoramic views in the city — you’ll see the entire palace from above.

Vestibule (The Rotonda)

Hidden behind the palace walls lies one of its most magical spaces: the Vestibule, also known as The Rotonda. Once the formal entrance to Diocletian’s private apartments, this circular hall was designed to awe visiting guests.

Its open oculus allows sunlight — and rain — to pour directly into the space, creating a dramatic play of light and shadow.

*Travel tip: If you hear traditional klapa singing, stop and listen — the acoustics are incredible, and performances are often spontaneous.

Diocletian’s Cellars

Directly below the emperor’s former living quarters lie the Diocletian’s Cellars, among the best-preserved ancient substructures in the world. These massive stone halls once served as storage spaces, but today they offer a unique underground journey through Roman engineering.

Walking through the cellars feels cinematic — and for good reason. They famously served as filming locations for Game of Thrones, adding pop-culture intrigue to their historic significance.

*Fun fact: The layout of the cellars mirrors the emperor’s chambers above, making them an architectural blueprint of the palace itself.

Temple of Jupiter

Tucked away near the Peristyle is the Temple of Jupiter, a compact yet striking sanctuary dedicated to the Roman god of sky and thunder. Despite its size, the temple boasts an impressively detailed coffered ceiling and an imposing Egyptian sphinx guarding its entrance.

Later converted into a baptistery, the temple represents another fascinating example of religious evolution within Diocletian’s Palace — pagan roots transformed into Christian symbolism.

*Travel tip: This is one of the quieter corners of Diocletian’s Palace — perfect for travelers who enjoy discovering hidden historic gems.

Stay Where History Lives – Vila Nepos

To truly experience Diocletian’s Palace, there is no substitute for staying inside it. Villa Nepos offers a rare blend of historic atmosphere and modern luxury travel, allowing guests to enjoy centuries-old surroundings without sacrificing comfort, privacy, or elegance.