Vestibule

Split


At the southern end of the peristil, above the basement stairs, is the vestibule, a grand and cavernous domed room, open to the sky, which was once the formal entrance to the imperial apartments. If you're lucky, you might come across a klapa group here, taking advantage of the acoustics for an a cappella performance. Beyond the vestibule and curving around behind the cathedral are the ruins of various Roman structures, including the imperial dining hall and a bathhouse.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Split attractions

1. New Research on Split Cathedral

0.01 MILES

Situated opposite the Cathedral of St Domnius, this exhibition features large-scale photos of architectural features of the cathedral along with technical…

2. Peristil

0.02 MILES

This picturesque colonnaded ancient Roman peristyle (courtyard) lies at the very heart of Diocletian's Palace. In summer you can almost be guaranteed a…

3. Cathedral of St Domnius

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Split’s octagonal cathedral is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing. It was built as a mausoleum for Diocletian, the last…

4. Split Ethnographic Museum

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This mildly interesting museum occupies a former convent built within what was originally the emperor's bed chambers. Downstairs are temporary exhibitions…

5. Diocletian’s Palace

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Taking up a prime harborside position, the extraordinary complex of Diocletian's Palace is one of the most imposing ancient Roman structures in existence…

6. Diocletian's Palace Substructure

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The Bronze Gate of Diocletian's Palace once opened straight from the water into the palace basements, enabling goods to be unloaded and stored here. Now…

7. Bronze Gate

0.03 MILES

The most unassuming of the gates to Diocletian's Palace, this humble entrance once opened straight from the water into the basement. Look up and you'll be…

8. Temple of Jupiter

0.03 MILES

Although it's now the cathedral's baptistery, this wonderfully intact building was originally an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the king of the gods…