Marko Žunić
Lead Guide & Founder
- 11 years guiding
- English · Croatian · Italian
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Diocletian Palace
History guided tour
Split History Walking Tour of the Old Town
4.5· 2 reviews
· Last updated At a glance
Split History Walking Tour of the Old Town is a 1h 30min guided tour from Split led by a Croatian Ministry of Tourism–licensed local guide. Group size is capped at 15. Meeting point: Gregory of Nin Statue. Price from €20.00 per person. Conducted in English.
A personal walk through Diocletian's Palace led by a guide who grew up inside its 1,700-year-old walls. History told as family memory.
1h 30minMax 15 guestsGregory of Nin StatueLicensed guide
Licensed & certified local guides
Small groups only
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About this tour
We are local guides and friends who love everything about Split: the sea, wine, coffee, and all the little things that make life here beautiful.
While most kids grow up in apartment buildings, your guide's childhood was spent inside the walls of a 1,700-year-old Roman palace. They played in the Roman cellars, used the cathedral as a neighborhood church, and learned local legends from grandparents who lived in the same stone-walled apartments for generations.
This tour is not a lecture about dates and dynasties. It is a walk with a local friend who happens to know a lot about the past — including the parts that didn't make it into textbooks. You'll see the hidden corners, hear the neighborhood arguments, and understand why people in Split say the palace is not a monument, it's their home.
Walk through Roman cellars, explore hidden alleys, visit lively squares, and learn how a retirement home built by the world's most powerful man slowly transformed into a living, breathing city. Learn how much the Venetians paid for Split, why Diocletian was Christianity's greatest persecutor, and what the headless sphinx is still guarding.
Questions are welcome. Laughter is encouraged. Dates are optional.
Meet your guide
Tour highlights
- Local legends and interesting stories
- Learn about the history of Split and its people from a licensed tour guide
- Hidden alleys and corners most visitors never find on their own
- Small group, max 15 guests for an intimate experience
- Flexible pace adapted to group curiosity
- See the Golden Gate, Peristyle, Mausoleum, Temple of Jupiter, and Vestibule
Route & itinerary
1
Golden Gate Arrival
15 minutesThe main entrance to Diocletian's Palace with beautiful niches once adorned with statues of Roman emperors and inside with a built-in mechanism of double doors known as the "human mousetrap.
2
The Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace
15 minutesThe main square of the palace, the site where Diocletian's mausoleum is located, today the Cathedral of St. Domnius—as well as a 3,500-year-old sphinx that poses a riddle.
3
Vestibulum of Diocletian's Palace
5 minutesHere we will watch a video of the Unsullied battling the Sons of the Harpy, and an a cappella group will sing Dalmatian songs live for us.
4
Temple of Jupiter
10 minutesOnce the temple of the main Roman god Jupiter, now the baptistery of St. John, at its entrance, guards a 3500-year-old headless sphinx.
5
Diocletian Palace Substructures
20 minutesThe well-preserved substructures of the palace, once used as storage and service areas, today offer a fascinating glimpse into the original layout of Diocletian’s imperial residence. In the dark dungeons, Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons chained, their control slipping away. It was there that slaves hid while plotting their rebellion to break free from their masters' oppression
6
Riva Promenade
15 minutesThe city’s main waterfront promenade, once the ceremonial approach to Diocletian’s Palace, today a vibrant meeting place lined with palm trees, cafés, and the rhythm of everyday Split life.
7
Grgur Ninski Statue
5 minutesRub Gregory’s toe and make a wish, and we will explain why this medieval bishop played such an important role in the development of the Croatian language and national identity.
Tour map
Map shows tour area. Exact route may vary.
What's included
Included
- Local licenced tour guide
- History, Palace, Split Walking Tour
- Insight into local food, habits, discounts
- Private meeting point on private tours
Not included
- Tip or gratuity
What to bring
- A bottle of water
Meeting point & departure
Meeting point
Gregory of Nin Statue — the guide will be there with a black umbrella
Please arrive 5 minutes early.
Group departures are fixed and cannot be delayed.
What guests say
4.5(2)
“Marko grew up in the palace and it shows. We learned more in 90 minutes than we had in three days walking on our own. Worth every euro.”
Daniela R.
“Great history. The basement tickets are included which saved us queueing. Smaller group than expected — it was just six of us, very personal.”
Paolo G.
Frequently asked questions
From
€20.00/ person