Welcome to Split! I am passionate about sharing the beauty of this city with others and connecting you to its vibrant local community. My tours are all about viewing familiar places from a different perspective. By focusing on the details right in front of us, we can uncover the stories that often go unnoticed and truly appreciate how people live here. Join me on this journey to experience the essence of Split and its remarkable character. Warm regards, Mirjana
This tour will take you through the highlights of Split’s Old Town - the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace.
You’ll experience the unique blend of history and modern life, while learning about the traditions and stories of the people who still call this ancient Roman palace their home.
A fun fact: Diocletian’s Palace, built over 1700 years ago, continues to serve as a residence for many today. It’s like stepping into living history!
To ensure everyone receives personal attention, I keep the group size small—no more than 15 people—allowing for a more engaging and intimate experience.
A quick note on tips: if you feel I’ve delivered a great experience, a tip of 10-20 EUR per person is expected as a customary way to show appreciation for the effort and care put into the tour. It’s a respectful gesture that acknowledges the value of the insights and stories shared.
Throughout the tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Split’s rich past and dynamic present, uncovering its fascinating history while enjoying the vibrant city it is today.
The tour lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus additional time for recommendations for after the tour.
I’m genuinely excited to share this journey with you!
For private tour inquiries, feel free to send me a message.
Warm regards, and I look forward to seeing you in Split,
Mirjana
I will wait for you at The East Gates or Hrvojeva 4 street
We’ll begin our tour at the East Gates of the town, perfect for memorable photos. From there, we’ll approach the Palace from the seaside, where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. As we explore the Palace, you'll witness a blend of architecture, culture, and art while hearing fascinating stories. We'll also discuss the changes locals face as Split becomes increasingly touristy.
We'll stroll through the bustling green market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and the lively local vibe as we mingle with the friendly vendors.
Welcome to our living room—the favorite spot for locals to relax, people-watch, and be seen! This part of town is covered with layers of stories visible in the centuries-old facades of the houses around us. Join us as we uncover the fascinating past that surrounds this vibrant gathering place!
As we step inside, you’ll instantly feel as though we’ve left the 21st century behind and traveled nearly 1,700 years into the past. Here, you’ll discover the remarkable ingenuity of the Romans and their techniques for building sustainable structures using local materials. Get ready to hear the captivating story of how Split evolved into the vibrant city we know today!
The Peristyle is the heart of the town—a place where gods once walked and where modern life beautifully intertwines with ancient heritage. The Peristyle serves as a venue for important events within the Palace and, with its remarkable acoustics, often becomes a natural stage for a variety of musical and theatrical performances. The highlight is the traditional presentation of Verdi's Aida during the Split Summer Festival.
Jupiter is the god of light. He sends thunder and lightning, is the protector of justice, truth, and morality, halts the army in its retreat, and grants victory to it. During late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, the temple was converted into a baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and the crypt was dedicated to St. Thomas.
From the day it opened, this gate has stood as a testament to the countless changes the city has undergone, from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present day. It has welcomed various rulers and influences, and even today, the bells of the Renaissance clock tower greet both the city and its residents.
In the 13th century, as the medieval town expanded westward beyond Diocletian's Palace, the need for a new city center emerged. This new main square was established where the pre-Romanesque church of St. Lawrence once stood, giving it the name St. Lawrence Square (Platea Sancti Laurentii). Join me as we delve into the rich history of this significant area!
One of the entrances to the Palace, built long after Diocletian’s time, is a passage known as Židovski Prolaz (Jewish Lane). This small passage leads to the synagogue, which was constructed into the western wall of Diocletian's Palace by Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. It's a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who sought refuge and a vital part of our shared history.
As we stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Palace, you'll get a glimpse of life within its walls. Charming small bars and restaurants are nestled among the houses, where locals still reside, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the community's spirit.
The Golden Gates were the main entrance to Diocletian's Palace, located in the middle of the northern wall. Today, they stand at 4.50 meters tall, originally reaching about 6.50 meters due to accumulated earth over the centuries. In Roman times, they were known as Porta Septemtrionalis ("Northern Gate"). Emperor Diocletian likely entered his palace through these gates after abdicating on May 1, 305 AD.
This brings us to the end of our tour. This is also where we say our goodbyes, and I’ll share my top tips on where to enjoy coffee, find excellent restaurants, and discover must-visit spots in the area. You'll have plenty of time to touch the statue of Gregory of Nin and make a special wish.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).