Diocletian's Palace

Welcome to the city of Split, or more accurately, welcome to the retirement villa of the Roman Emperor dee-oh-KLEE-shun. As we stand here on the vibrant waterfront, known locally as the REE-vuh, you are looking at the southern…

We enter the palace through the Porta Aenea, or the Bronze Gate. In antiquity, this was the 'Seagate,' a functional entrance for supplies and a private escape route for the Emperor. …

Emerging from the substructures, you find yourself in the PEH-ri-style, the central courtyard that serves as the heart of the entire complex. This is perhaps one of the most iconic architectural spaces in the world. …

To the east of the Peristyle stands an octagonal building that represents one of history’s greatest ironies. This was originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum, intended to be his eternal resting place. …

Opposite the cathedral, tucked down a narrow alleyway, lies the Temple of Jupiter. As the self-proclaimed 'son of Jupiter,' Diocletian viewed this temple as the spiritual anchor of his home. …

Just south of the Peristyle, we enter the Vestibule. This was the grand entrance hall to the Emperor’s private apartments. …

We conclude our tour of the palace structure at the Porta Aurea, or the Golden Gate. This was the most important entrance to the complex, as it faced north toward the provincial capital of suh-LOH-nuh. …

As we conclude our walk through the palace of dee-oh-KLEE-shun, take a moment to look around at the 'living ruins' that surround you. Most Roman sites are skeletal—broken pillars and dusty foundations. …

Our journey through the palace of Diocletian has come to an end. We have traveled from the seawashed vaults of the substructures to the high, open sky of the Vestibule, witnessing the physical manifestation of an emperor’s…