Diocletian's Palace is a massive ancient Roman structure built for the Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century CE. Located on the Dalmatian coast, the complex served as a retirement residence, a military garrison, and a fortified villa. Its design reflects a transition between the traditional Roman castrum and the luxury villa, featuring a rectangular plan divided by two main streets, the Cardo and the Decumanus.
Unlike many archaeological sites, the palace was never abandoned. Following the collapse of Roman authority, the local population sought refuge within its thick walls, gradually transforming the imperial chambers into a living urban center. Today, the palace forms the historic core of the city of Split, with shops, residences, and cafes integrated directly into the ancient masonry.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brač limestone, Marble, Brick, Tuff
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Public streets are accessible; some interior sites require tickets
- Date(s)
- 295–305 CE
- Condition
- Inhabited historic urban center
- Original Function
- Imperial retirement residence and military fortress
- Key Figures
- Emperor Diocletian
Construction and Imperial Retirement
295–305 CECommissioned by Emperor Diocletian after his unprecedented abdication in 305 CE, the palace was constructed over a ten-year period. It was designed to provide a secure, luxurious retreat for the emperor, blending the defensive features of a legionary camp with the architectural grandeur of an imperial villa.
Transformation into a Medieval City
7th centuryFollowing the destruction of the nearby Roman city of Salona by Avar and Slavic incursions, refugees fled to the fortified walls of the palace. The mausoleum was converted into a cathedral, and the interior spaces were repurposed into residential dwellings, marking the birth of the medieval city of Split.
Venetian and Modern Development
15th–20th centuryDuring the Venetian period, the palace underwent further architectural modifications, including the addition of Gothic and Renaissance palaces within the Roman walls. In the 20th century, systematic conservation efforts began to preserve the ancient structures while maintaining the site's status as a functional, inhabited city center.