Peristil

Welcome to the Peristyle, the architectural and spiritual epicenter of Diocletian’s Palace. As you stand here, you are standing in the very heart of what was once a sprawling retirement fortress for a Roman Emperor who reshaped…

As you move toward the edges of the Peristyle, turn your attention to the magnificent colonnades that flank the square. These columns are not merely structural supports; they are symbolic markers of the Roman Empire's reach and…

Now, look toward the entrance of the Cathedral, where you will find one of the oldest and most enigmatic residents of Split: the black granite Sphinx. This ancient artifact is roughly three thousand five hundred years old, making…

Directly ahead of you, at the southern end of the Peristyle, stands the Prothyron. This is the monumental entrance to the imperial apartments, characterized by a large triangular pediment supported by four massive columns. …

Just below the Prothyron, you will see a set of stairs leading down into the darkness. This is the entrance to the Palace Substructures, often referred to as the basements. …

Turning your gaze to the west, you will see the passage leading toward the Iron Gate, one of the four main entrances to the palace complex. The Western Colonnade of the Peristyle serves as the gateway to the more secular parts of…

As we conclude our exploration of the Peristyle, take one final look around this extraordinary square. It is more than just a collection of ancient stones; it is the stage upon which the history of Split has been performed for…

Our time in the Peristyle has come to an end, but the echoes of Diocletian's world will follow you as you continue your journey through Split. This square has served as our gateway into a world where the line between the human…