The Egyptian sphinx located in the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia, is a remarkable relic that connects ancient Egyptian culture with Roman imperial history. This sphinx was brought to the palace from Egypt during the Roman Empire, most likely in the 3rd or 4th century AD, reflecting the Romans’ fascination with Egyptian art and symbolism. It is carved from Egyptian granite and features the traditional form of a lion’s body combined with a human head, symbolising strength and wisdom.
Although the facial details have been worn down over time, the sphinx still retains an air of mystery and grandeur. Positioned in the Peristyle, the central courtyard of the palace, it once stood alongside a twin sphinx at the entrance to Emperor Diocletian’s private chambers, serving as a symbolic guardian. This artefact is not only a testament to the palace’s rich multicultural history but also one of the rare authentic Egyptian pieces found in the region, linking Split’s Roman heritage to the wider ancient world.
Split is a vibrant and picturesque city on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast with a long and fascinating history. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex that is much more than a monument. It forms the backbone of the city’s Old Town, which developed within and around the palace, and remains inhabited to this day, with residents living in homes carefully integrated into historic structures. Our introductory walking tour is a great way to see Split’s remarkable Old Town in the company of a local expert guide, giving you a feel for the city’s past and vibrant present.
On this 2-hour private tour, you will:
Step into the living history of Split on this captivating private walking tour, designed especially for curious travellers seeking an express introduction to Croatia’s most enchanting coastal city. Beginning at the iconic Split sign by the harbour, you’ll meet your friendly and knowledgeable local guide, an expert storyteller with a passion for bringing the past to life. Together, you’ll enter the heart of the city through the Brass Gate, stepping directly into the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a 1,700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that isn’t just preserved, but lived in. As you navigate its narrow stone alleyways and hidden courtyards, your guide will reveal how this once-imperial retirement palace evolved into the vibrant city centre it is today, woven into the daily lives of locals over centuries.
You will walk along Cardo Street, a striking remnant of Roman urban planning. After passing through the ornate Golden Gate, you can stop for a photo with the towering statue of Gregory of Nin, said to bring luck if you rub his toe. You’ll then venture into the lesser-known Get neighbourhood, where palace guards and servants once lived, and hear how it also served as Split’s Jewish Quarter for hundreds of years. You will also pass by the elegant Cambi Palace, admiring the mix of Gothic and Renaissance on its facade.
You will meander through the historic Pjaca (People’s Square), home to the Old Town Hall, the beloved Stari poštanski sandučić (Old Postal Box), and the elaborate City Clock. Passing through the Iron Gate, you will pause at the Temple of Jupiter, where your guide can explain the religious shifts that shaped Split’s transformation from a distinctly pagan enclave under Diocletian to a Christian stronghold.
Your journey continues through Trg Braće Radić, where stories of Croatian resilience come to life, before ending at the beautiful Riva Promenade, where you can enjoy its lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Throughout the tour, your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, be it ancient architecture, religious history, local traditions, or contemporary Croatian life. This walking tour offers a robust introduction to Split, perfect for first-time visitors who want to understand not just what to see, but why it matters.
Split is often referred to as “the most beautiful city in the world” by locals, and anyone who has the opportunity to wander through its Old Town or along the lovely Riva Promenade will soon see why. Croatia’s second city is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and eye-catching architecture shaped by a myriad of different cultures, imbuing it with a unique and vibrant spirit. Our private highlights tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Split, exploring the most interesting corners of the Old Town, including not only the spectacular Diocletian’s Palace, but also a special guided visit to the Cellars below.
On this 3-hour private tour, you will:
Discover the remarkable story of Split on this in-depth private walking tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s layered history to life. From ancient Roman foundations to modern-day Dalmatian culture, this experience offers a deep dive into the architecture, traditions, and personalities that have shaped Split over nearly two millennia.
Your journey begins at the iconic Split sign near the harbour before entering the Old Town through the Brass Gate, one of the original Roman entrances into Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most impressive ancient structures still in use today, with many residents living within its walls. As you wind through its narrow passages, your guide will share the fascinating story of Emperor Diocletian, the only Roman emperor to retire, and reveal how his seaside palace gradually transformed into a thriving medieval and modern city.
You will then have the opportunity to descend into the palace cellars, a vast underground complex once used to support the imperial residence above. Their remarkably well-preserved layout essentially mirrors that of the emperor’s chambers and offers insight into Roman engineering and city planning. Fans of Game of Thrones may also recognise parts of this space since it was used to portray the dungeons of Mereen, where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons. Above ground, you’ll explore the majestic Peristyle Square, the spiritual heart of the palace, known for its grand columns and acoustics and still used regularly for concerts and other performances today.
Inside the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, your guide will point out how imperial pagan motifs blend with Christian symbolism and Baroque refinements, telling the remarkable story of how the final resting place of a pagan emperor who persecuted Christians became a tribute to a saint who was martyred during the emperor’s reign. Then, as you move beyond the palace walls, you will follow the path of the ancient Cardo Street, which runs through the heart of the Old Town. Outside the Golden Gate, you can pay a visit to the imposing statue of Gregory of Nin, said to bring good luck to those who touch his polished toe, before taking some time to explore the Get neighbourhood, once an important hub for the Jewish community,
Back inside the city, your guide will lead you through Pjaca (People’s Square), where layers of Split’s urban development come alive in the Old Town Hall, the charming City Clock, and the curious Stari poštanski sandučić, a peculiar old post box that is a rare relic from the Napoleonic era. You will also have the chance to step inside the Temple of Jupiter, a remarkable example of Roman religious architecture later repurposed as a Christian baptistery. In Trg Braće Radić, you’ll hear stories of the Radic brothers and their role in shaping Croatian identity, before pausing in the graceful arcades of Republic Square, whose 19th-century design was inspired by Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.
Last but certainly not least, the tour concludes with a scenic walk along the lively Riva Promenade, a favourite gathering place for locals, framed by palm trees and the glittering Adriatic Sea. This engaging and thoughtfully curated tour offers a meaningful orientation to Split that can be tailored to your interests, whether you’re drawn to ancient civilisations, religious history, art, politics, or everyday life in Split today.
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