The Diocletian Palace in Split, Croatia, is a remarkable 1,700-year-old Roman architectural marvel. This 90-minute walking tour provides a comprehensive introduction to this historic site. Visitors will explore the palace’s iconic features, including the grand Peristyle and the preserved remnants of Diocletian’s living quarters. The tour also delves into the palace’s rich history and its connections to the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Led by a professional, local guide, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience for travelers. But what secrets does this ancient palace hold, and how did it become intertwined with one of the most beloved television series of our time?
Key Points
• A 90-minute walking tour that explores the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO-listed Roman architectural marvel in Split, Croatia.
• The tour highlights the palace’s iconic features, including its gates, courtyards, and the Peristyle, as well as its connections to the TV series Game of Thrones.
• Visitors will discover the palace’s history, from its construction as Diocletian’s retirement residence to its transformation into a vibrant living community.
• The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to this remarkable ancient site, led by a professional, local guide who offers commentary in English.
• The tour has a straightforward cancellation policy, allowing guests to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Overview of Diocletian’s Palace
Built nearly 1,700 years ago, Diocletian’s Palace is a remarkable example of Roman architecture and engineering that has endured through the centuries, serving as the centerpiece of the historic city of Split, Croatia.
This UNESCO-listed site was originally constructed as the retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Today, it’s a thriving hub of activity, with its ancient walls housing a mix of restaurants, shops, and residences.
During the 90-minute walking tour, visitors will discover the palace’s highlights, including its impressive gates, courtyards, and the remarkable Peristyle.
Along the way, they’ll also learn about the site’s rich history and its connections to the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones.’
Highlights of the Walking Tour
On the 90-minute walking tour, visitors can expect to see the palace’s most iconic features, including the grand Peristyle, the imposing Golden Gate, and the preserved remnants of Diocletian’s living quarters.
The Peristyle, a magnificent colonnaded courtyard, is the heart of the palace and was once the center of public life.
Visitors will also explore the vaults beneath the palace, which were used as storage facilities and even as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
Throughout the tour, the guide will share fascinating insights into the palace’s rich history, dating back over 1,700 years, and how it has evolved over the centuries.
History of the Palace
Diocletian’s Palace has a storied history, dating back to the 4th century when the Roman Emperor Diocletian constructed it as his retirement residence.
Spanning over 1,700 years, the palace has endured numerous transformations, from a fortified imperial residence to a vibrant living community in the modern era.
After Diocletian’s abdication in 305 AD, the palace fell into disrepair until it was repopulated by the local Slavic settlers in the 7th century.
Over the centuries, the palace has survived wars, invasions, and natural disasters, yet its core ancient structures and architectural elements remain remarkably intact.
Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its impact on the Adriatic coast.
Filming Locations for Game of Thrones
Along With its rich history, Diocletian’s Palace has served as a backdrop for the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, with several key scenes filmed within its ancient walls.
The palace’s impressive architecture and atmospheric environment have made it an ideal shooting location, with the Throne Room and the Cellars both featured in the show.
Fans of the series will recognize the Peristyle, the central courtyard of the palace, as the location for many outdoor scenes.
The maze-like passages and hidden corners of Diocletian’s Palace have also been used to depict the streets of King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
This unique blending of ancient history and modern entertainment adds an extra layer of interest for visitors to the UNESCO-listed site.
Meeting Point and Pickup Details
The meeting point for the 90-minute walking tour is the Golden Gate, the North gate of Diocletian’s Palace, down the stairs from the bronze statue of Gregory of Nin.
Travelers will reconvene at this location to begin the tour, which ends back at the same meeting point.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should consider this when booking.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 49 travelers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
Tour Inclusions and Duration
This 90-minute walking tour includes sightseeing of the 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace and is led by a professional, local guide who’ll provide commentary in English.
During the tour, you’ll discover the palace’s highlights and learn about the site’s millennia of history. The tour covers the most significant areas within the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, including locations used for filming the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
With a maximum group size of 49 travelers, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the guide throughout the experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the show, this walking tour provides a comprehensive introduction to this remarkable ancient site.
Additional Tour Information
Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring participants to navigate stairs and uneven terrain within the historic palace grounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.
Conveniently, the meeting point is situated near public transportation options, allowing for easy access to the starting location.
With a maximum group size of 49 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience as you explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and learn about its millennia-long history from a professional, local guide.
Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of Game of Thrones, this walking tour offers a comprehensive and immersive look into Croatia’s rich cultural heritage.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.
The cancellation policy for this Diocletian Palace walking tour is straightforward. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to a day before the tour without any penalties. This gives them ample time to adjust their plans if needed.
However, last-minute cancellations won’t be eligible for a refund. This policy helps the tour operator manage their bookings effectively and ensures that guests are committed to attending the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
No, there is no option for a private tour. The tour is a group walking tour with a maximum of 49 travelers. Private tours are not available for this Diocletian Palace walking tour.
Do We Get to Enter the Palace Interior?
Yes, the tour includes access to the interior of the Diocletian Palace. Travelers will explore the highlights and key areas within the 1700-year-old UNESCO-listed site during the 90-minute guided walking tour.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?
The tour does not mention any restroom facilities along the walking route. Restrooms may be available at the starting point or nearby, but are not provided as part of the tour itself. Guests should plan accordingly for their personal needs.
Can We Take Photos Inside the Palace?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Diocletian’s Palace. However, some areas or activities may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can upgrade to a longer tour option that provides more in-depth exploration of Diocletian’s Palace and its history with the guide. Longer tour durations are available for an additional fee.
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Recap
The Diocletian Palace Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive experience into the rich history and architectural marvels of this remarkable 1,700-year-old Roman structure.
Guests will explore iconic landmarks, uncover the palace’s connection to Game of Thrones, and gain a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides an intimate and personalized way to discover the enduring legacy of Diocletian’s Palace.
