Catholic Heritage Walking Tour of Split

Next to the sign with big red letters that spells out the city name - SPLIT, behind the bus terminal for tourist buses. When you turn your back to the restaurant called Terminal F, you will see the southeast tower of Diocletian's palace and entrance into the parking lot at Riva promenade.

Meet your guide and explore how Split’s waterfront evolved from a palace quay into a vibrant promenade that serves as the city’s living room, cherished by every local resident.

Walking through the main street of the palace’s cellars, 1,700 years old.

Get ready to travel back in time as you enter this magnificent square. Encircled by columns, you’ll experience what it felt like to witness the emperor’s appearance under the Protiron, emerging from the Vestibule. Discover how the Cardo and Decumanus, the city’s main streets, evolved over the centuries, shaped by various architectural styles. And most importantly, here you will see the oldest building in the world with an active Catholic cathedral and hear all about the persecution of Christians during Diocletian’s time.

Whether you approach from the Peristyle or the Cryptoporticus, this circular structure with its open ceiling will captivate you with both its appearance and remarkable acoustics. Originally serving as the entrance to Diocletian’s private quarters, it continues to impress visitors just as it did centuries ago. Thanks to its exceptional sound quality, it is often used by klapa—traditional a cappella singing groups that preserve the Dalmatian style, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

As you enter the remains of the emperor’s dining hall, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Roman way of dining. You’ll learn what they ate, how they feasted, and why the vomitorium played such a role, giving you a true understanding of the phrase: “Carpe Diem!”

The eastern entrance to the palace, with the Dominican church and monastery right next to it.

As you enter the Propugnaculum, you’ll understand why gaining access to this palace—designed as a fortified military camp—was no simple task. Beyond the impressive gates, you’ll see the palace’s best-preserved wall and uncover the hidden location of Split’s oldest chapel. In the wall, we will visit one of the oldest churches in the city, the Church of Saint Martin

A narrow church, once a guardhouse for Roman soldiers.

Beyond being a perfect spot for photos, you’ll come across the famous statue of Gregory of Nin. Once you see it, you’ll understand why its creator, Ivan Meštrović, is celebrated as one of the world’s greatest sculptors.

This town square, which has undergone several name changes over the centuries, is now the heart of the old town. Discover the rich architectural layers and the vibrant, often turbulent history that define this lively square.

The Church of St. Francis in Split, often called the “Split Pantheon,” is the burial place of several notable citizens, including the father of Croatian literature, Marko Marulić. Their tombs are located in the monastery cloister, with Marulić’s sarcophagus featuring a life-sized sculpture by Ivan Meštrović.

In this charming square, you’ll find Split’s finest example of Baroque architecture. Hear the fascinating stories of how the Venetian Republic defended the city from Ottoman attacks and the pivotal role Marko Marulić, the father of Croatian literature, played in its history.