Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian

The Historical Complex of Split with the Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Split, Croatia. This complex is a unique example of Roman architecture and is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins in the world.

The complex consists of the Palace of Emperor Diocletian, built in the 4th century AD, and the medieval town of Split that developed within and around the palace walls. The palace was constructed as a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who wanted to spend his final days in his homeland of Dalmatia.

The palace was designed to resemble a Roman military camp, with four gates and walls that are over 6 meters thick. It also features a mixture of architectural styles, including Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. The most well-known part of the palace is the Peristyle, an open courtyard surrounded by columns and featuring a magnificent sphinx brought from Egypt by Diocletian.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the palace was abandoned and later became a refuge for the local population during the invasion of the barbarians. In the 7th century, it was turned into a fortified town by the Byzantines, and over the following centuries, it was continuously occupied and modified by different rulers, including the Venetians and the Austrians.

Today, the Diocletian's Palace is a bustling tourist attraction, with its narrow streets, charming squares, and ancient buildings hosting restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The complex also includes several museums, such as the City Museum of Split, which displays artifacts from the Roman and medieval periods.

Visitors can explore the palace and its surroundings on foot, marveling at the impressive architecture and learning about its rich history. The palace has also been featured in popular culture, such as in the TV series Game of Thrones, where it served as a filming location for scenes in the city of Meereen.

Weiterführende Links:

• Split, Croatia
• Diocletian's Palace
• Roman architecture

The ruins of Diocletian's Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.