Podrum (Cellars of Diocletian's Palace), Split

Hidden just beneath Diocletian’s lavish imperial apartments lies a labyrinth few emperors could boast about: the mighty Podrum, or cellars. Built in the 4th century to mirror and support the grand halls above, these vaulted chambers span about one-eighth of the entire palace, and to this day, you can still see the remnants of a large wine and olive press used in Roman times. And yes, there was even a small nymphaeum: a shrine to the nymphs said to guard the precious fresh water flowing through the palace.

As centuries rolled on and Split grew, the palace transformed from an emperor’s retirement retreat into a refuge. When Salona fell in the 7th century, refugees found shelter within its sturdy walls. Over time, residents above broke through vaults to build basements or storerooms—early medieval real-estate hacks, you might call them.

In modern times, Podrum’s fame soared thanks to its role in “Game of Thrones.” Fans will instantly recognize the cellars as the location where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons chained in Meereen. These scenes were filmed in the central halls, turning ancient stone into television legend.

Today, you enter this underground world either through the Bronze Gate on the Riva or a staircase from the Peristyle. The western part has been carefully preserved and opened to the public in 1959, used for exhibitions, artisan fairs, and occasional concerts under soaring arches. The eastern section (which collapsed in medieval times) is now mostly restored and accessible since the 1990s.

Walking through these cool, echoing halls, you’re literally walking in the footsteps—and stone foundations—of emperors, traders, refugees, and storytellers. Here, the past thrives beneath your feet, merging Roman ambition with modern fascination, one vaulted chamber after another.