What is Diocletian’s Palace in Croatia?
Diocletian’s Palace is an ancient palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, located in the city of Split, Croatia. The palace served as Diocletian’s retirement home and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture. Today, the palace serves as a major tourist attraction and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with many of its buildings and structures still standing and serving various purposes, such as shops, apartments, cafes, and museums.
When did Diocletian rule?
Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 284 to 305 AD. He was born in the province of Dalmatia, in modern-day Croatia, and rose through the ranks of the military to become the emperor of the Roman Empire. Diocletian was known for his military prowess and his reforms to the Roman government and economy, including the creation of a tetrarchy system, where the empire was divided into four parts and governed by two senior and two junior emperors.
He also implemented significant persecution of Christians, which later became known as the Diocletianic Persecution. Diocletian’s rule marked the end of the Crisis of the Third Century and the beginning of the period of stability known as the “Dominate.”
Diocletian, who became emperor in 284, was most likely a native of Salona. He gained prominence in the military before becoming emperor.
He started building his retirement home around midway through his 21-year rule, and it was finished six years before his death in AD 305, the year he abdicated as the only Roman emperor to do so.
In 285, he appointed Galerius and Constantius as Caesars, junior co-emperors (the Tetrarchy), and in 293, he made Maximian joint Augustus, senior co-emperor.
Diocletian built a palace near the harbor of Split during his rule, hiring the architects Filotas and Zotikos, and he retired here in 305, ten years after work on it had started.
The palace resembled a standard Roman military outpost.
It was contained by sturdy walls that rose to 28 m (92 ft) in some sections, measuring 215 m (705 ft) long by 180 m (590 ft). The palace was converted into clerical offices upon Diocletian’s passing in 316.
After Salona was devastated by the Avars in 615, refugees from that city found refuge here. The wealthy moved into the emperor’s apartments, while the less wealthy moved into the towers.
Which change did Diocletian make in the Roman Empire?
Diocletian made several important changes during his reign as the Roman Emperor from 284 to 305 AD. Some of the most significant changes he made include:
- Tetrarchy System: Diocletian divided the Roman Empire into four parts, each governed by two senior and two junior emperors. This system of government helped to maintain stability and control over the vast empire.
- Economic Reforms: Diocletian implemented several measures to stabilize the economy, including currency reforms and price controls. He also tried to increase agricultural production by providing incentives to farmers.
- Military Reforms: Diocletian reorganized the Roman military, creating new units and increasing the size of the army. He also established a standing army of well-trained soldiers, known as the comitatenses.
- Persecution of Christians: Diocletian ordered widespread persecution of Christians, which became known as the Diocletianic Persecution. This persecution was one of the largest and most intense in the history of the Roman Empire.
- Administrative Reforms: Diocletian centralized the administration of the empire and created a more efficient system of government. He also created a new bureaucracy to manage the empire’s finances and taxes.
These changes had a lasting impact on the Roman Empire and helped to secure its stability and prosperity for several centuries.
Over time the palace’s ancient apartments and garrisons have been transformed over the years into businesses, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and houses; more than 3,000 people currently reside where refugees from nearby Salona initially settled. More than 200 buildings still stand inside the original boundaries.
Look for the entrance to the underground museum, where Roman artifacts are displayed in the former emperor’s rooms, as you pass through the Bronze Gate.
Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia, has undergone many changes and adaptations since it was built in the 4th century AD. Today, the palace is a major tourist attraction and is used for several purposes, including:
- Residential: Many of the buildings within the palace walls have been converted into apartments and homes, and some of the original Roman structures serve as the foundations for modern buildings.
- Commercial: The palace is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular shopping and dining destination.
- Cultural: The palace contains several museums, including the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
- Tourist Attraction: The palace is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, admire the ancient ruins, and learn about the history of the Roman Empire.
- Film Location: The palace has also served as a filming location for several movies and television shows, due to its historic significance and unique architecture.
The palace continues to play an important role in the cultural and economic life of the city of Split, and its preservation and use as a tourist attraction has helped to promote the cultural heritage of the region.
There are several hotels located near Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia.
Some of the most popular options include:
Riva Luxury Suites
Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 12, HR-21000 Split, Croatia
A luxury hotel located in a restored 19th-century building, just steps away from Diocletian’s Palace.
Located right on the south wall of Diocletian’s Palace and integrated in the Medieval Venetian Castle, Riva Luxury Suites offers luxurious and modern accommodation featuring authentic 4th and 15th-century walls, as well as spectacular south facing views of Split Bay.
Under your windows you will experience the lively atmosphere of Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva Waterfront Promenade: various cafés, restaurants and shops as well as concerts of the world’s famous musicians, numerous summer events and performances.
Lavishly furnished apartments are air conditioned and offer a private entrance and a seating area, as well as a TV and a DVD player. A fridge, toaster, Nespresso and tea making facilities are also available. Luxurious bathroom provides free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. All units also come with a Bluetooth Audio Receiver.
The Peristil Square, the Saint Domnius Cathedral, various museums and galleries are only a few steps away. Main Bus and Train Station and the Ferry Port can be reached in just a 5-minute walk. The sandy Bačvice Beach is a 10-minute walk away.
Palace Judita Heritage Hotel
Narodni trg 4, 21000 Split, Croatia
A historic hotel located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, offering unique accommodations in a restored ancient building.
The Palace Judita is a heritage hotel set in a palace dating back to the 16th century and located on the main square of Split, next to the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace. It offers luxurious appointed rooms, and free WiFi access.
All rooms feature exposed stone walls, parquet flooring, elegant furniture and luxurious bathrooms including bathrobes and slippers. The rooms are air-conditioned.
This spacious patrician home is accessed through the internal courtyard with a historic well. From the balcony you can enjoy panoramic views over the square.
Marmont Hotel
Zadarska 13, 21000 Split, Croatia
A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Split’s Old Town, just a short walk from Diocletian’s Palace.
Marmont Heritage Hotel – Adults Only is located in the heart of the Old Town of Split, only one minute away from Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free WiFi is available, as well as an on-site restaurant serving fresh and local cuisine.
The elegant rooms all feature individually adjustable air conditioning, dark walnut furniture, oak wood floors, flat-screen cable TV, a large work space and a minibar. The spacious bathroom comes with a hairdryer.
A daily breakfast with fresh fruit is served in the hotel restaurant, which features authentic 15th-century walls. The Marmont Heritage Hotel’s lounge bar has an open-air terrace overlooking the Old Town’s rooftops. Guests can relax at the hotel lobby.
Villa Split Heritage Hotel
Bajamontijeva 5, 21000 Split, Croatia
Housed in a 10th-century Romanesque landmark, Villa Split Heritage Hotel is located within the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It offers free WiFi and rooms blending traditional setting with modern furnishings.
All rooms feature air conditioning, a fridge and an LCD TV with cable and satellite channels. They also comprise hardwood floors, stone wall elements and wooden ceiling beams.
Various picturesque restaurants, bars and shops can be found in the immediate vicinity. Riva, the main seaside promenade, is only a short walk away. Marjan Park-Forest is at a distance of 500 metres, while the city’s most popular beach Bačvice is within 1 km.
Hotel Peristil
Poljana kraljice Jelene 5, 21000 Split, Croatia
Located right next to the Silver Gates within the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Hotel Peristil offers an a la carte restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen satellite TV and a desk. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms feature original Palace walls and some overlook the Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.
The scenic Riva Promenade is 200 m away and the shopping street of Marmontova is about 350 m from the property. Poljud Stadium is located at a distance of 1.5 km and the forest park of Marjan can be reached with a 10-minute walk.
These are just a few of the many hotels located near Diocletian’s Palace. There are options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Visitors can choose a hotel that best fits their needs and enjoy convenient access to one of the world’s most famous ancient monuments.
