Split Old Town

The heart of Split Old Town is the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor in the 4th century. The walled palace contains archaeological points of interest, including the stunning Peristyle courtyard and palace gates, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius (Sveti Duje), originally Diocletian’s mausoleum. Cobbled lanes and squares radiating from the palace bustle with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Parts of Old Split also starred in HBO’s TV show, Game of Thrones (GOT), attracting fans of the series.

Visitors can take Old Town walking tours to ensure they cover all the highlights and history. Most focus on Diocletian’s Palace and include family-oriented excursions, GOT tours, and walks with locals for extra insight into present-day life. Other options include evening itineraries that spin out Old Split’s legends and mysteries; and panoramic bike and car tours that cover the best of both old and modern Split.

• Split Old Town is unmissable for history enthusiasts, sightseers, and GOT fans.

• The old quarter is traffic-free and only explorable on foot.

• Much of Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town are wheelchair-friendly, although some underground and stepped areas are inaccessible.

From Split’s port, bus, or rail terminal, make the 10-minute walk to the Old Town’s Silver Gate via the seafront and Hrvojeva Street. Alternatively, take a cab to the gate or catch a #9 bus and disembark at Trznica. Drivers will find parking lots on the Riva or bordering the Old Town, although they’re often full.

Visitors to Old Split surge in summer, especially during the concert-packed Split Summer Festival in July and August. During these months, plan to arrive early morning or late afternoon when the bustle has eased. Or, consider spring and fall, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.

Old Split’s Diocletian’s Palace and surrounding lanes doubled as the slave city of Meereen in Seasons 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the TV series Game of Thrones, and many tours spotlight key filming locations. Fans will recognize Diocletian’s basement and vestibule as Queen Daenerys’ dragons’ den and throne room; as well as Papaliceva Street nearby as the backdrop to some slave rebellion scenes.