Split Landmarks and Monuments

(Split, Central Dalmatia, Croatia)

Split has a wealth of landmarks, sights and attractions, with an impressive history stretching back a long way, particularly around its historic Varos neighbourhood. Diocletian's Palace holds most of the allure, with its many palaces, churches, cathedrals, temples and ancient homes. The palace forms the old part of Split and can be easily seen on foot, being home to grand landmarks such as the Papalic Palace (Papaliceva Palaca).

Also at Diocletian's Palace is the Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata), which is now a church and a very small one at that. The Cathedral of St. Domnius (Katedrala Svetog Duje) is another highlight based here and home to the Cathedral Treasury, while the nearby Narodni Trg is a fine square suitable for people-watching. Other significant landmarks in Split include the statue of Gregorios of Nin (Grgur Ninski) and the fortress of Kastelet (Kastelet-Crikvine).

Papalic Palace (Papaliceva Palaca)

Address: Diocletian's Palace, Papaliceva 5, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 344 917
The Papalic Palace is a restored former home within Diocletian's Palace, being built by acclaimed Croatian architect Juraj Dalmatinac (Giorgio da Sebenico) and occupied by noblemen in the Middle Ages. This ancient palace comes complete with a courtyard, a gallery and a fine staircase. The entrance of this late-Gothic palace is quite stunning, featuring much intricate stone carving, while also onsite is the Town Museum.
Open hours: May to October, Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 21:00; November to April, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00, Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

Temple of Jupiter (Hram od Jupiter)

Address: Diocletian's Palace, Kraj Sveti Ivana, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 344 164
Also located within the grounds of Diocletian's Palace, on the street named the Kraj Sveti Ivana, is the Temple of Jupiter. This important and ancient landmark hails from the 5th century and was once supported by a series of huge columns, with just the one remaining today. There is a headless sphinx sculpted by black granite and positioned as if it were guarding the entrance, which was brought over from Egypt at the same time. Over the temple walls is a grand, well-maintained vaulted ceiling and there are ornate friezes all around.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge

Cathedral of St. Domnius / Cathedral of St. Duje (Katedrala Svetog Duje)

Address: Diocletian's Palace, Kraj Sveti Duje 5, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 342 589
The Cathedral of St. Domnius resides in the centre of the site of Diocletian's Palace. Noted for its reconstructed Romanesque belfry, which hails from the 12th century, the cathedral started its life as an octagonal mausoleum, with many of the original features remaining well preserved. To reach the cathedral it is a steep climb, but the views from here are fantastic, allowing you to take in Diocletian's Palace in its entirety. Amongst the main highlights are the domed interior and its Corinthian columns, the 13th-century wooden doors depicting the life of Christ, the mosaics within the vestibule, the basement halls and cellars, and a treasury, where religious relics, robes and manuscripts are on display. The Romanesque Belfry is also part of this landmark and was built over several centuries, starting in the 12th century. However, the Belfry was rebuilt in 1908 following its collapse.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 12:00, 16:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, includes entrance to the Cathedral Treasury

Gregorios of Nin (Grgur Ninski)

Address: Kralja Tomislava, Split, Croatia, HR
The medieval 10th-century bishop Gregorios of Nin is represented in this mighty statue, which stands just outside of the entrance to Diocletian's Palace. Gregorios was a Croatian bishop from the 10th century and this much-loved, rather iconic statue was crafted by highly regarded Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. The work is thought-provoking and much photographed, and comes with a shiny left big toe, said to bring good luck to those who stroke it.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Golden Gate / Northern Palace Gate (Zlatna Vrata)

Address: Diocletian's Palace, Dioklecijanova, Split, Croatia, HR
The Golden Gate is a curious landmark in Split, being a tiny church hailing right back to the 800s. Once the starting point for the journey to Solin, the gate is today nothing more than walls and fragments, although it is possible to imagine its former grandeur. Situated close to the Papalic Palace, this gate-cum-church once received watchmen who would protect Diocletian's Palace. The gate itself measures a diminutive 10 metres / 33 feet high by just over 1.5 metres / 5 feet wide.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 21:00
Admission: with Diocletian's Palace entry

Kastelet (Kastelet-Crikvine)

Address: Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica 39, Meje, Split, Croatia, HR
Sited alongside the extremely popular and acclaimed Mestrovic Gallery (Galerija Mestrovic), the Kastelet is a very noteworthy fortress structure. Formerly owned by local artist Ivan Mestrovic, the Kastelet was restored to become a home and exhibition space for his detailed religious wooden reliefs entitled the 'Life of Christ'.
Open hours: May to September, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 21:00; June to October, Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students, valid Mestrovic Gallery tickets can be used for admission

University of Split (Sveuciliste u Splitu)

Address: Livanjska 5, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 558 222
Established in 1974, the city's university is an important educational institution currently called home by just under 30,000 students. The university has 13 different faculties, covering subjects such as Chemical Engineering, Economics, Fine Arts, Law, Maths and Sciences, Medicine and Philosophy. The library is a particularly striking building, with its shiny glass facade, while there are many eye-catching sculptures spread around the campus.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free