The Bronze gate (Mjedena vrata) was originally Porta Meridionalis, the "southern gate". It is unlike the other Roman gates. It is small, plain, no ornament. There are no flanking gatehouses. It gave direct access to the sea and served as an emergency exit in the event of an attack from the land. In the middle ages it was the "security gate."

In Diocletian's time there was no promenade outside the gate. The sea lapped against the south wall. The emperor was able to enter the compound directly by ship. Today it serves as the entry from the promenade to the Cathedral. Since it has access to the Riva, it is currently the most used gate of the palace. Many guided or self-guided tours start here.

The emperor could enter the Palace directly from the sea. His private apartments are in the southern half of the complex. Naturally this meant the more luxurious appointments would be in the southern half, below the decumanus road running east to west.

In the western part of Diocletian's Palace, near the peristyle, is the Temple of Jupiter. It was built around the year 300 and became a baptistery of Saint John the Baptist in the sixth century. Before the entrance there is one of the twelve sphinxes brought from Egypt by the Emperor Diocletian.

The Temple of Jupiter was dedicated to Jupiter, the Roman Zeus, who was considered to be the emperor's "divine father." Parts of the Palace remained unfinished when Son of Zeus arrived unexpectedly after his hasty abdication. Reliefs of heroes and lesser gods are above the entrance. They are Victoria, Triton, Helios, Hercules, and Apollo.

The gods are followed by the saints. Sarcophagi of Ivan of Ravenna and Lovre, two early archbishops of Split, are inside the Temple. Saint John the Baptist makes his appearance in the form of a large bronze statue by Ivan Mestrovic. In the 11th century a Romanesque bell tower was installed over the vault.

In 1907 a few houses that were impinging on the sides of the Temple were demolished, freeing the Temple of attachments.

Let Me Pass Street, also known as Pusti me proć, is a unique and narrow street located in the old town of Split, Croatia. This iconic street is just a few meters long and is often considered one of the narrowest streets in the world, with a width of just over a meter in some places.

Despite its small size, Let Me Pass Street has become a popular destination for visitors to Split, who are drawn to its charming and picturesque atmosphere. The street is lined with historic stone buildings and has a steep incline, making for a unique and memorable experience as visitors navigate their way through its narrow passage.

The origins of Let Me Pass Street are shrouded in mystery, with many legends and stories circulating about its creation. Some say that the street was built as a way for residents to quickly and easily transport goods between the harbor and the upper part of the city, while others believe it was created as a way to escape the heat and provide shade during the hot summer months.

Regardless of its origins, Let Me Pass Street remains a fascinating and charming part of the city of Split. Its narrow passage and historic architecture offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Croatia, and make it a popular destination in Split.

The West gate, or Iron Gate is one of four gates giving access/egress to the palace of Diocletian. It is part of an urban complex of the People's Square (Pjaca), the old City Hall, the clock tower, and the Nakic, Karepic, Cambi, and Cipriani palaces.

The arrangements around the Iron Gate include ancient developments like the defensive rampart, with its double door safety chamber and the Church of Our Lady of the Bell Tower. The church is a tiny, narrow space similar to the churches in the other gates. It was renovated when the bell tower was added in the 11th century.

On the northern wall of the rampart, behind a sealed medieval niche, a sculpture of hands holding a crown was discovered. It was restored and returned to the niche.

Fruit's Square, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Split, is officially, Square Radic Brothers. Stjepan and Ante Radic were the founders of the Croatian Peasants Party in 1904. The party was actively opposed to the hegemony of Serbia in the local government. The brothers died in their cause but their efforts are remembered.

So why is it called Fruit's Square? It is popularly named Fruit's Square because this is where one would go to buy fruit; or to sell fruit. Today it is as aforesaid, a favorite tourist destination within the City. Its fame lies in its monuments, shops, pubs and clubs.

The most compelling structure of the Fruit's Square is the Venetian tower. The octagonal shaped building is a relic of the City's 15th century fortifications. Opposite the tower is a sumptuous Palace of the Milesi family from the 17th century. The Palace has a bold Baroque facade. It is probably the foremost example of Baroque style in Croatia.

In front of the Palace stands a statue of Marko Marulic, a 15th cenury philosopher called the father of Croatian literature. It is said that every stone in Fruit's Square, like the other old squares, are records of the history of the region. The elder times are preserved in the towers of Diocletian's Palace at the exit to the Square.

Like so many other squares in Split, People's Square is not the official name of the square. It was first called Saint Lawrence's Square in the 13th century. It has the distinction of being the first inhabited part of the City outside of Diocletian's Palace. For centuries the square has been the very center of City life.

The city clock has 24 numerals, not twelve. Life never pauses in the Square. One may rest, eat, drink, meet, see and be seen. The square is joined to the peristyle of old Diocletian's palace. As the city grew, the citizens started living outside the protection of the Roman walls and the square has been the People's Square ever since.

Renaissance, Venetian, and Gothic styles appear in the buildings around the square. The north side is occupied by the Old Town Hall, a 15th century building that sometimes hosts exhibitions of Art and history. It is said every building in Split has a story.

The attractions that might be seen in the square beside the Old Town Hall include: The ornate palaces of the nobility, the Church of Our Lady of the Bell Tower, The Old Town Clock. the Old Town Cafe, and the Morpurgo Bookstore (since 1860).

In the base of the flagpole of the Square one finds the words of the poet Tonci Petrasov:
"One doesn't need to travel anywhere,
nor does one have to search elsewhere,
what you are looking for is precisely here."
Here, in People's Square.

The Pirja Fountain, also known as Figa i Pirija, is a remarkable symbolist fountain located on Marmontova Street in Split. It holds significant historical and artistic value as it stands as the only monument constructed during the challenging period of the 1990s, marked by economic stagnation and depression in Croatia.

Designed by the renowned Croatian sculptor Kažimir Hraste, the Pirja Fountain is a bronze sculpture portraying a clenched hand with the thumb positioned between the index and middle fingers. This particular hand gesture, known as the "figa" sign among the locals, represents stubbornness and resilience. The symbolism of this gesture beautifully reflects the spirit of the people during a time of hardship when they were determined to overcome adversity.

The central feature of the fountain is the pouring of water from the hand into a funnel. This visually captivating element represents the dynamic movement of the city, emphasizing the continuous flow of life and progress, even in challenging times.

The fountain was unveiled to the public in 1998, and since then, it has become a beloved landmark of Split. However, due to its frequent interaction with the citizens, it has undergone several renovations over the years. These repairs were conducted at an art foundry in Zagreb, ensuring that the fountain remains in its best condition and continues to delight both residents and visitors alike.

May Gregory of Nin's Big Toe bring you good fortune. That's a nice thought. But you must go to Split and rub Gregory's big toe. Grigur Ninski (Gregory of Nin), was the Bishop of Nin in 926. Rome thought him a dangerous radical. He wanted to preach in the language of the people, since almost no one understood Latin, a condition that persists to this day.

Croatians consider Gregory as the defender of Croation language and culture. The City of Split has a huge statue of him (28 feet high). The statue was sculpted in 1929 by Ivan Mestrovic. The statue was in the center of Diocletian's Palace until 1941, when it was moved by Italian occupation forces. In 1954 it was moved to the City's Golden Gate.

Gregory is bronze and dark except for his big toe. It is worn smooth and golden by constant rubbings of tourists, travelers, pilgrims and local people. Croatians are said to believe that rubbing the toe will grant their wishes. Every day, for as long as Gregory has guarded the Golden Gate, the faithful have rubbed his toe.

When Diocletian retired he left the empire behind him. He sailed to his sea front villa/fortress. He debarked and entered his palace through the Porta septemrionalis. Or, as some prefer to say The Golden Gate. The gate was designed with double doors for defensive tactics. Or, as some would say then, "propugnaculum."

The Golden Gate ("Zlatna vrata") is one of four gates giving access and egress to the old town ("stari grad"). The old town of course was Diocletian's Palace itself. In the Emperor's time the gate was referred to as "the northern gate". In the middle ages it was known as "Roman Gate." The name Golden Gate was first used in 1553.

On each side of the gate are niches for the statues of the four Tetrarchs, Diocletian himself, and the rulers of the divided Empire, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus. The sixth century church of Saint Martin's is perched above the outer part of the gate.

Most visitors arriving from the harbor side of the Palace will enter through the the South or East Gates although the North Gate, the Golden Gate, was meant to be the main entrance. Today the 28 foot statue by Ivan Mestrovic of Grgur Ninski, Saint Gregory of Nin, looms just outside the Golden Gate.

There are four gates to the stari grad ("old town"). The Silver Gate faces east, in the direction of the Roman town, Epetia. Since the gate was meant to face east, the Romans called it Porta Orientalis, the "eastern gate." The other three gates to Diocletian's retirement retreat are called, "Golden Gate", "Iron Gate", and "Bronze Gate."

Around the sixth century, above the gate in a narrow corridor a mini-church of Saint Apolinar was built. This occurred at the time of a flood of refugees from outside the walls. Similar mini-churches were established above the other gates. In the 18th century the ruling Venetians opened a "small gate" next to the Silver Gate.

Opposite the Silver Gate by a market is the monastery and church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria built by the Dominicans in the 17th century.

On his way to visit the Cathedral of Saint Dmnius in 2000, Pope John Paul II drove through the Silver Gate in his Popemobile.

It was the year 305. Roman emperor Diocletian had persecuted a lot of Christians and like-minded dissidents in his Imperial tour of duty. Now it was time to retire to his native land of Dalmatia and raise vegetables. As the vegetables were growing, he built a mausoleum. His final resting place was in the center of Split. But he would not rest there forever.

By the seventh century the Cathedral of Saint Domnius was consecrated. The Cathedral was in fact the Mausoleum of Diocletian. Those darn Christians finally got him. The Cathedral is a cluster of ad-ons that have changed little over the years. The former Mausoleum is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The bell tower, added in 1100, is dedicated to Saint Domnius.

Saint Domnius is the patron saint of Split. He was the Bishop of Salona, a Roman city and capital of Dalmatia. He was born in Antioch and he was beheaded, along with seven other Christians, in 304. Ironically, he died one year before Diocletian retired.

Diocletian was a soldier. Naturally his retirement home was a Roman army camp. There was an East-West road (decumanus) and a North-South road (cardo maximus). Those roads remain in Split today. At the intersection of the roads is a great peristyle which grants access from the east to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

The Cathedral evolved through three stages. Diocletian's Mausolem, the central part of the cathedral, dates from the end of the third century. It is composed of white marble, limestone, and brick. In the seventh century a choir was added to the mausoleum. Finally the bell tower was erected in 1100. There was further rebuilding in 1908.

Within the Church there are relics and art treasures. Found here is the 13th century panel Painting, Madonna and Child. There are reliquaries, chalices and vestments from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The library includes the Book of gospels (6th century), Kartularium from Sumpetar (11th century) and the Historia Salanitana (13th century).

Why You Should Visit:
To take in the ancient, medieval and modern Split all in one place.

The "Palace" of Diocletian is more than a palace. It is really a fortress. It provided not only a private retirement home for the ex-emperor, but quarters for an armed garrison. It was a "key" community like no other. The palace, built at the turn of the fourth century, today forms most of the old town of Split, Croatia.

The palace complex was built on a peninsula about 18 miles from Salona, then the capital of Dalmatia and the birthplace of the retired Roman emperor. When Diocletian died in 312, the palace complex remained a property of the Roman imperium. It was used as a residence and refuge for members of imperial family who were out of favor.

In the seventh century the country was invaded by Avars and Slavs and the city of Salona was destroyed. The people found security within the formidable walls of the palace. Safe behind the walls they formed a new city community. From that time the palace has been continually occupied and today it is the heart of the city of Split.

The mausoleum of Diocletian became the cathedral of Saint Domnius. In time the remains of the fortress home of the emperor dropped out of the consciousness of Europe. Then the Scottish architect Robert Adam surveyed the ruins and published his findings. The palace formed the inspiration for Adam's style of Neoclassical architecture.

The plan of the palace has been found to be an irregular rectangle with 16 towers from the facades and corners. Only the southern facade was unfortified. It provided easy access to the sea and vessels could unload cargo directly through the Sea Gate.

There are three other gates that grant entrance and egress. The North Gate guarded the road towards Salona. The Church of Saint Martin is above the gate. The East Gate faced the town of Epetia, now Stobrec.

The West Gate, was used as the military gate. It remains in use today. The South Gate faces the sea.

Why You Should Visit:
The long history and diverse cultures of Split are distilled and contained in this remarkable Palace.

Tips: Be prepared to do a lot of walking.

Under Diocletian's apartments were the cellars. Strong substructures which were used to support the apartments above and to store wine, foods and other items for the use of the Palace. The supports were a faithful copy of the structures above. The cellars also had a nymphaeum, a shrine dedicated to the nymphs guarding a source of fresh water.

In the middle ages the palace gradually became a safe haven for refugees. Part of the vast underground area was residential. In later times wealthier citizens who had houses above the cellars would break through the vaults and turn them into storage spaces for themselves.

Today Diocletian's cellars can be reached through the Bronze Gate, or through a stair connected to the peristyle. The western part of the cellars is preserved. It is available to sightseers and is used as a fair and exhibition space. The collapsed eastern part is being restored and will one day be accessible as well.

Occasionally, a klapa ensemble will meet in the Vestibule of the Palace of Diocletian. They are there to practice their traditional a cappella singing called "Klapa". Their harmonies resound within the circular vault of the rotunda. One can imagine even the restless ghost of the emperor stops to listen.

The Vestibule is a rotunda with a missing dome. Where the dome should be is a perfect circle of blue sky. It reminds one of the smoke holes in the ancient pagan temples. Today, instead of smoke from sacrificial fires, melodies escape to the open air.

Like an atrium, the Vestibule is the first part of the hall in the Palace leading from the peristyle to the imperial apartments. The Vestibule was designed to be an impressive reception hall for distinguished visitors and ambassadors.

But why do the Klapa groups meet in the Vestibule? The acoustics! The rounded walls resonate like a drum.