Split Historical Walking Tour: Small Group Experience with Local Historian

Experience Split’s history on a personalized small group walking tour with a local historian. See the sights, hear the story, and feel the vibe of this vibrant city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Golden Gate - We will gather at the Golden Gate, the northern entrance of Diocletian’s Palace, a renowned landmark in Split (despite its name, it’s made of stone, not gold). Located opposite the famous Gregory of Nin statue, you’ll learn about the history of Split and the significance of the Golden Gate.
  • Grgur Ninski Statue - Discover the fascinating story of Gregory of Nin, the historical figure, and the tallest monument in Split dedicated to him, along with insights about the sculptor who created it.
  • Palazzo di Diocleziano - Diocletian’s Palace, the central monument of the old city, was built by one of the Roman Empire’s most successful emperors. It stands as one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind. Here, you’ll hear about Emperor Diocletian and explore the most important parts and hidden gems of his palace. You’ll also learn about the palace’s transition into a medieval city with its unique characteristics.

Starting at the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll explore key areas such as the Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple (exterior), Diocletian’s Cellars (Central Substructure), Triclinium, and the Mausoleum (Cathedral; exterior).

  • The Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace - Standing in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, you’ll learn about its function and significance. As the central spot, it connected and divided people from the Emperor. From here, you’ll gain a comprehensive view and understanding of life in the palace, including the impact of Christianity’s spread. We’ll then enter the central part of the cellars, where I’ll explain their historical usage and importance to Split. We’ll also visit the Triclinium to discuss the dining habits of emperors and Romans, and the organization of the Emperor’s dining room.
  • Temple of Jupiter - Religion played a crucial role in the Roman Empire, and temples were essential in Roman residences. You’ll learn about the significance of religion and this particular temple while viewing it from the outside.
  • Cathedral of Saint Domnius - During our exterior visit to the Cathedral of St. Domnius, I’ll highlight its significant features and share its history. I’ll also point out interesting aspects of the interior for those who wish to explore it further after the tour.
  • Vestibulum of Diocletian’s Palace - The Vestibulum, the entrance to Diocletian’s private chambers, was ornately decorated to reflect its importance. You’ll learn about its appearance and function.
  • Riva Harbor - Riva is the main city promenade. I’ll explain its development over the centuries and its significance to the locals as the city’s central gathering place.
  • Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) - Discover why this charming square is called Fruit Square, learn about the notable monument in its center, and explore other important sights around the square.
  • Pjaca - Known as People’s Square or Pjaca (Piazza), this area has been the heart of city events since medieval times. Every square has its own story, and while standing here, I’ll share the tale of this beautiful, soulful square and its surrounding buildings, like the old City Hall. Before concluding our tour at Pjaca, I’ll recommend other places in Split worth visiting that are not part of the Experience Split Walking tour.
What's Included
  • Local professional licensed guide with a Master’s degree in History
  • 3D reconstruction images & pictures via display book
What's Not Included
  • No Admission Tickets Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The Personalized Split Walkabout Tour accommodates a small group of up to 12 people, led by a local historian who guides you through the unique aspects of the city in a See, Hear, and Feel format: Witness the landmarks, Listen to the tales, and Soak up the atmosphere.

Armed with a Master’s degree in history and with experience as a history teacher, I have honed my professional and intellectual abilities that allow me to conduct the tour based on the See, Hear, and Feel format. I encourage tour members to engage actively, whether they have inquiries or wish to share their thoughts. During this walkabout, I will navigate you through Split’s history, my lifelong residence, and acquaint you with its noteworthy landmarks as well as its fascinating lesser-known sites. Besides historical and cultural elements, significant segments of the tour include understanding local attitudes and day-to-day life with its unique idiosyncrasies.

Photographs and 3D imagery from a display book will enhance your grasp of the history woven into the narrative.

Location
Golden Gate
Dioklecijanova
Starting point is at the Golden Gate which are northern gate of the Diocletian`s Palace. They are situated opposite of one more significant monument, 8 meter high statue of Gregory of Nin. The pictures of Golden Gate and Gregory of Nin are among the pictures of this experience.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(80 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Timothy_t
Aug 17, 2024
Boris is the 'Boss' of Split history! - The history of the Roman palace and our guides extensive knowledge. He showed us many parts of the palace while also relating the impacts of history that occurred after the fall of the Roman empire.
Review provided by Viator
Toufic_m
Aug 15, 2024
Excellent Split/Diocletian's Palace tour with Boris - the best tour we've had in our 2 weeks trip! - Had an excellent tour with Boris. It doesn't get any better than hearing the story of the Diocletian's Palace from a history teacher who lives permanently in the city. He shared with us great stories about the Palace in addition to personal stories he and his parents experienced living in Split for decades. It was a very interactive session with reconstructed images of the old palace and several trivia questions that my daughter enjoyed answering. Highly recommended tour for adults and children. Boris is very fluent in english and this made the tour even more enjoyable.
Review provided by Viator
Darlene_h
Aug 11, 2024
Made History Come to Life - We really enjoyed going on this tour. Boris gave us so much history of the palace. Posted a picture of the bookstore, Morpurgo, which I would have never known the significance of this place had he not told us. This was just one example of many. He has grown up and lived in this area so he can share about the current local culture as well. Excellent guide about the past and life in Split now
Review provided by Viator
Lakinrichard
Jul 30, 2024
Excellent Walking Tour - Excellent. Really knowledgable local guide. Smaller group than others we saw so left more personable. Would definitely recommend. Thanks.
Review provided by Viator
Coastal54267478147
Jul 22, 2024
Boris is an interesting and knowledgeable man - Boris is very knowledgeable, I can see his history lessons would be interesting. He went over his time with us because we asked a lot of questions. He was the very best guide in Split. Please use his expertise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roni_r
Jul 8, 2024
Fantastic, small group tour. - Boris was a fantastic guide and much more intimate experience than others you see around Split as the group is small. We were able to ask as many questions as we liked, learnt about creation culture as well as history, and had a fun time too. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Carolfp3830fl
Jul 5, 2024
Would Thoroughly Recommend - Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Friendly and personal service. A really good way to learn all about the history of Split
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen_s
Jun 25, 2024
Amazing Guide! - Boris is an absolutely amazing guide. Friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and very attentive to our comfort and questions. He also made good suggestions for ice cream, coffee and restaurants, and had personal stories that added life to the history. We wished we could have him guide us in other places in Croatia.
Review provided by Viator
Melanie_y
Jun 14, 2024
Made history interesting for kids and adults - Boris was a very knowledgeable, professional historian who made history interesting for kids and adults. We learned a lot from him! Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Melanie_y
Jun 12, 2024
Super knowledgeable, well informed tour - Boris was super knowledgeable and patient with all our questions and curiosity. Highly recommend his tour!
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today