Split Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Split
Welcome to Split, Dalmatia’s sun-drenched heart and, believe it or not, the ultimate ancient retirement plan.
Its story has a bit of a botanical side and dates back more than two millennia, when Greek settlers from Issa (or modern-day Vis) founded here a colony they called Aspalathos, named after a prickly, yellow-flowering shrub that still dots the coastline. The Romans called it Spalatum, and after centuries of linguistic evolution, it gradually became Split.
Around 300 AD, along came the Roman emperor Diocletian, who, weary of imperial politics, decided this sunny corner of the Adriatic would make an excellent retirement address and a perfect spot to grow cabbages (yes, really). He built an enormous fortified residence—now known as Diocletian's Palace—which, as it turned out, didn’t just house the emperor, but eventually became the bones and heartbeat of an entire city.
Over the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Split flourished under Byzantine, Hungarian, and Venetian influence before entering the Habsburg and later Yugoslav eras, each leaving its mark, like history's own architectural collage.
At the heart of everything stands Diocletian's Palace, a massive complex of stone gates, courtyards, temples, and winding alleys. Beneath it lie the remarkable and mysterious Podrum cellars—vaulted halls that once supported the emperor’s apartments above. Inside the palace, you’ll also find the impressive Cathedral of Saint Domnius, occupying what was originally the emperor’s mausoleum.
Nearby stands the towering Grgur Ninski Statue. Tradition has it that rubbing the statue’s oversized toe brings good luck—and judging by the polished shine of that toe, plenty of visitors have opted not to risk skipping the ritual.
Outside the palace, Split opens into a series of lively squares, including People's Square—the city’s long-time social living room. A short stroll away is Fruit Square, once home to the city’s fruit market. Then, there’s the elegant Republic Square, also known as Prokurative, with Venetian-style arcades framing a broad open space.
Along the water runs the famous Riva Harbor promenade, lined with palm trees, cafés, and a steady parade of boats. And for those keen on filming locations, the Game of Thrones Museum celebrates the series that turned parts of the palace into the fictional city of Meereen.
Diocletian was famously asked to return from retirement and resume his rule in Rome, only to reply that one should see his cabbages first. Now, Split invites you to stroll through history instead of corridors of power. So, lace up your shoes, charge your camera, and come walk the palace streets where emperors once tended gardens, and where today, every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered.
Its story has a bit of a botanical side and dates back more than two millennia, when Greek settlers from Issa (or modern-day Vis) founded here a colony they called Aspalathos, named after a prickly, yellow-flowering shrub that still dots the coastline. The Romans called it Spalatum, and after centuries of linguistic evolution, it gradually became Split.
Around 300 AD, along came the Roman emperor Diocletian, who, weary of imperial politics, decided this sunny corner of the Adriatic would make an excellent retirement address and a perfect spot to grow cabbages (yes, really). He built an enormous fortified residence—now known as Diocletian's Palace—which, as it turned out, didn’t just house the emperor, but eventually became the bones and heartbeat of an entire city.
Over the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Split flourished under Byzantine, Hungarian, and Venetian influence before entering the Habsburg and later Yugoslav eras, each leaving its mark, like history's own architectural collage.
At the heart of everything stands Diocletian's Palace, a massive complex of stone gates, courtyards, temples, and winding alleys. Beneath it lie the remarkable and mysterious Podrum cellars—vaulted halls that once supported the emperor’s apartments above. Inside the palace, you’ll also find the impressive Cathedral of Saint Domnius, occupying what was originally the emperor’s mausoleum.
Nearby stands the towering Grgur Ninski Statue. Tradition has it that rubbing the statue’s oversized toe brings good luck—and judging by the polished shine of that toe, plenty of visitors have opted not to risk skipping the ritual.
Outside the palace, Split opens into a series of lively squares, including People's Square—the city’s long-time social living room. A short stroll away is Fruit Square, once home to the city’s fruit market. Then, there’s the elegant Republic Square, also known as Prokurative, with Venetian-style arcades framing a broad open space.
Along the water runs the famous Riva Harbor promenade, lined with palm trees, cafés, and a steady parade of boats. And for those keen on filming locations, the Game of Thrones Museum celebrates the series that turned parts of the palace into the fictional city of Meereen.
Diocletian was famously asked to return from retirement and resume his rule in Rome, only to reply that one should see his cabbages first. Now, Split invites you to stroll through history instead of corridors of power. So, lace up your shoes, charge your camera, and come walk the palace streets where emperors once tended gardens, and where today, every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered.
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Split Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Split Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Croatia » Split (See other walking tours in Split)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Croatia » Split (See other walking tours in Split)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Riva Harbor
- Podrum (Cellars of Diocletian's Palace)
- Diocletian's Palace
- Cathedral of St. Domnius
- Grgur Ninski Statue
- Game of Thrones Museum
- People's Square (Pjaca)
- Fruit's Square
- Prokurative (Republic Square)
1) Riva Harbor (must see)
Strolling down Split’s iconic Riva Harbor feels less like sightseeing and more like slipping straight into the city’s daily rhythm. Imagine a wide, palm-lined promenade hugging the Adriatic, where every breeze seems to carry the scent of salt and roasted coffee beans. Locals call it simply “Riva,” but what it really is—Split’s living room: open-air, sunlit, and always buzzing.
Originally shaped by Marshal Marmont’s French-era urban redesign in the early 1800s, the Riva replaced defensive walls with a graceful promenade. Over a century later, it was pedestrianized in the 1990s, transforming it into one of Split’s most popular waterfront promenades.
Once upon a time, Emperor Diocletian himself had ships docked right at his palace walls, bringing exotic goods, fresh fish, and perhaps the occasional amphora of fine wine. Today, cruise ships glide into the Port of Split, which ranks as the largest passenger port in Croatia and the third busiest in the Mediterranean, handling around 5 million passengers annually. Visitors and locals alike sip espresso and watch the world drift by. The Riva is a living testament to Split’s soul as a port city shaped by centuries of trade, sea stories, and salty winds.
The first thing you might want to do here is claim a spot on one of the many benches. Watch as sunlight dances across the Adriatic’s deep blue surface, then wander past cheerful cafés and gelato stands. Feeling peckish? Fresh seafood, local pastries, or a quick espresso are always just steps away. And yes, you’ll be sharing your view with the city’s famously fearless pigeons.
Turn around, and you’ll see the ancient south wall of Diocletian’s Palace rising behind the promenade, a striking blend of Roman stone and lively modern façades. It is this collision of past and present that gives the Riva its vibrant energy.
As evening falls, don’t rush off. The sunset here is a nightly ritual. The sky shifts from rose-gold to deep indigo, street musicians begin to play, and the harbor seems to glow.
In Split, you don’t just pass through the Riva. You slow down, look around, and truly feel the heartbeat of the city.
Originally shaped by Marshal Marmont’s French-era urban redesign in the early 1800s, the Riva replaced defensive walls with a graceful promenade. Over a century later, it was pedestrianized in the 1990s, transforming it into one of Split’s most popular waterfront promenades.
Once upon a time, Emperor Diocletian himself had ships docked right at his palace walls, bringing exotic goods, fresh fish, and perhaps the occasional amphora of fine wine. Today, cruise ships glide into the Port of Split, which ranks as the largest passenger port in Croatia and the third busiest in the Mediterranean, handling around 5 million passengers annually. Visitors and locals alike sip espresso and watch the world drift by. The Riva is a living testament to Split’s soul as a port city shaped by centuries of trade, sea stories, and salty winds.
The first thing you might want to do here is claim a spot on one of the many benches. Watch as sunlight dances across the Adriatic’s deep blue surface, then wander past cheerful cafés and gelato stands. Feeling peckish? Fresh seafood, local pastries, or a quick espresso are always just steps away. And yes, you’ll be sharing your view with the city’s famously fearless pigeons.
Turn around, and you’ll see the ancient south wall of Diocletian’s Palace rising behind the promenade, a striking blend of Roman stone and lively modern façades. It is this collision of past and present that gives the Riva its vibrant energy.
As evening falls, don’t rush off. The sunset here is a nightly ritual. The sky shifts from rose-gold to deep indigo, street musicians begin to play, and the harbor seems to glow.
In Split, you don’t just pass through the Riva. You slow down, look around, and truly feel the heartbeat of the city.
2) Podrum (Cellars of Diocletian's Palace)
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.
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.
3) Diocletian's Palace (must see)
Call it a palace if you like, but Diocletian’s masterpiece is really part imperial retirement villa, part military fortress, and part living city. Built at the end of the third century AD for the Roman emperor who gave up power in favor of peace (and yes, cabbages), it’s a place where stone walls once sheltered soldiers, emperors, monks—and today, generations of Split’s residents.
Perched on a peninsula near Salona—then Dalmatia’s Roman capital and Diocletian’s birthplace—the palace originally served as a seaside sanctuary for the emperor’s final years. When he died in 312, the complex remained under Roman control and occasionally offered refuge to members of the imperial family who needed to lay low.
In the 7th century, when Slavic and Avar invaders destroyed Salona, survivors escaped behind these formidable walls, founding a new settlement right inside the palace. And here’s the surprise—they never left. Today, Split’s Old Town literally lives within those ancient foundations: temples transformed into churches, courtyards became vibrant squares, and homes sprang up between columns.
Later transformations added layers of history. The emperor’s mausoleum was converted into what is now recognized as the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in its original structure—the Cathedral of Domnius. In the 18th century, Scottish architect Robert Adam studied the palace ruins and helped inspire the elegance of Neoclassical architecture across Europe.
The palace’s layout originally formed an irregular rectangle, once fortified by 16 defensive towers. Its southern façade opened directly to the sea, with ships docking at what is still known as the Sea Gate. Three other gates connected the city walls to external routes: the Golden Gate to the north, leading toward Salona; the Silver Gate to the east, facing Stobreč; and the Iron Gate on the west, reserved for military access.
Indeed, there are few places like this, where centuries layer so vividly in stone—Roman ambition, medieval resilience, and Venetian finesse all mingle beneath your footsteps...
Perched on a peninsula near Salona—then Dalmatia’s Roman capital and Diocletian’s birthplace—the palace originally served as a seaside sanctuary for the emperor’s final years. When he died in 312, the complex remained under Roman control and occasionally offered refuge to members of the imperial family who needed to lay low.
In the 7th century, when Slavic and Avar invaders destroyed Salona, survivors escaped behind these formidable walls, founding a new settlement right inside the palace. And here’s the surprise—they never left. Today, Split’s Old Town literally lives within those ancient foundations: temples transformed into churches, courtyards became vibrant squares, and homes sprang up between columns.
Later transformations added layers of history. The emperor’s mausoleum was converted into what is now recognized as the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in its original structure—the Cathedral of Domnius. In the 18th century, Scottish architect Robert Adam studied the palace ruins and helped inspire the elegance of Neoclassical architecture across Europe.
The palace’s layout originally formed an irregular rectangle, once fortified by 16 defensive towers. Its southern façade opened directly to the sea, with ships docking at what is still known as the Sea Gate. Three other gates connected the city walls to external routes: the Golden Gate to the north, leading toward Salona; the Silver Gate to the east, facing Stobreč; and the Iron Gate on the west, reserved for military access.
Indeed, there are few places like this, where centuries layer so vividly in stone—Roman ambition, medieval resilience, and Venetian finesse all mingle beneath your footsteps...
4) Cathedral of St. Domnius (must see)
In 305 AD, Emperor Diocletian, known for his brutal persecution of Christians, retired to sunny Dalmatia to cultivate cabbages and built himself a magnificent mausoleum at the heart of his new palace. A few centuries later, that same mausoleum was transformed into a cathedral dedicated to one of the very martyrs he had executed. What a dramatic irony of history...
The structure we see today was expertly crafted from white marble, limestone, and brick around the late third century. By the seventh century, refugees from destroyed Salona, who settled in the palace walls, consecrated it as a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A choir was later added, and by the 12th century, the elegant bell tower honoring Bishop Domnius rose above the ancient stone.
Saint Domnius himself was the Bishop of Salona, born in Antioch and beheaded in 304 alongside other Christians, ironically dying just a year before Diocletian abdicated. Today, this cathedral is still in use within its original structure, making it the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world still used in its primary form.
As you approach the cathedral, you’ll walk along the same main north-south and east-west streets that guided pilgrims through the palace centuries ago. At their crossing lies the Peristyle, a grand courtyard that serves as the main entrance to the cathedral.
Cross the threshold, and you’re stepping into over 1,700 years of layered history: from an emperor’s resting place to a medieval choir loft, through the Romanesque tower, and into a treasury. The latter is filled with numerous masterpieces such as the 13th-century Madonna and Child panel, intricately crafted reliquaries, ceremonial chalices, and manuscripts spanning from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
It is fair to say that nowhere else do imperial power, medieval devotion, and contemporary faith converge so elegantly, especially when viewed through the lens of fate’s own historical twist...
The structure we see today was expertly crafted from white marble, limestone, and brick around the late third century. By the seventh century, refugees from destroyed Salona, who settled in the palace walls, consecrated it as a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A choir was later added, and by the 12th century, the elegant bell tower honoring Bishop Domnius rose above the ancient stone.
Saint Domnius himself was the Bishop of Salona, born in Antioch and beheaded in 304 alongside other Christians, ironically dying just a year before Diocletian abdicated. Today, this cathedral is still in use within its original structure, making it the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world still used in its primary form.
As you approach the cathedral, you’ll walk along the same main north-south and east-west streets that guided pilgrims through the palace centuries ago. At their crossing lies the Peristyle, a grand courtyard that serves as the main entrance to the cathedral.
Cross the threshold, and you’re stepping into over 1,700 years of layered history: from an emperor’s resting place to a medieval choir loft, through the Romanesque tower, and into a treasury. The latter is filled with numerous masterpieces such as the 13th-century Madonna and Child panel, intricately crafted reliquaries, ceremonial chalices, and manuscripts spanning from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
It is fair to say that nowhere else do imperial power, medieval devotion, and contemporary faith converge so elegantly, especially when viewed through the lens of fate’s own historical twist...
5) Grgur Ninski Statue (must see)
Just outside Split’s ancient Golden Gate stands a figure as bold in bronze as he once was in life. Meet Grgur Ninski (or Gregory of Nin): the 10th-century bishop whose raised hand still seems to call for change—and whose famously polished big toe might just bring you luck.
In 926 AD, Bishop Gregory did the unthinkable for his time: he began preaching and conducting services in Croatian rather than Latin. This wasn’t just a liturgical choice; it was an act of defiance against church tradition and Rome’s authority. For ordinary people across Dalmatia who spoke no Latin, it meant finally hearing prayers and sermons in words they understood. Over time, Grgur became more than a bishop—he became a national symbol of cultural identity and the right to speak one’s own language.
The statue you see today is the work of renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, completed in 1929. Towering at nearly 28 feet, Grgur’s figure is dramatic and commanding, his finger pointing skyward as if frozen mid-sermon. Originally, this monumental piece stood within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. But during World War II, occupying Italian forces removed it. In 1954, it found its new and permanent home near the Golden Gate, where it welcomes both locals and travelers.
Did you know? Almost everything about the statue is dark bronze, except that famous toe. Generations of locals, travelers, and pilgrims have polished it to a golden gleam, each hoping for a wish to come true or a bit of luck to take home.
So when you visit, don’t just snap a photo. Pause, look up at Gregory’s determined gaze, and give that big toe a gentle rub. Because in Split, a little faith and a bit of bronze can still work wonders.
In 926 AD, Bishop Gregory did the unthinkable for his time: he began preaching and conducting services in Croatian rather than Latin. This wasn’t just a liturgical choice; it was an act of defiance against church tradition and Rome’s authority. For ordinary people across Dalmatia who spoke no Latin, it meant finally hearing prayers and sermons in words they understood. Over time, Grgur became more than a bishop—he became a national symbol of cultural identity and the right to speak one’s own language.
The statue you see today is the work of renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, completed in 1929. Towering at nearly 28 feet, Grgur’s figure is dramatic and commanding, his finger pointing skyward as if frozen mid-sermon. Originally, this monumental piece stood within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. But during World War II, occupying Italian forces removed it. In 1954, it found its new and permanent home near the Golden Gate, where it welcomes both locals and travelers.
Did you know? Almost everything about the statue is dark bronze, except that famous toe. Generations of locals, travelers, and pilgrims have polished it to a golden gleam, each hoping for a wish to come true or a bit of luck to take home.
So when you visit, don’t just snap a photo. Pause, look up at Gregory’s determined gaze, and give that big toe a gentle rub. Because in Split, a little faith and a bit of bronze can still work wonders.
6) Game of Thrones Museum (must see)
Tucked away on Bosanska Street, just a stone’s throw from actual filming spots, Split’s Game of Thrones Museum feels less like a gallery and more like a secret passage into Westeros itself. After all, it was right here, in the ancient Podrum cellars beneath Diocletian’s Palace, that Daenerys kept her dragons chained, turning centuries-old Roman stone into a set worthy of fire and blood.
Created by local enthusiast Luka Galik, the museum prides itself on authenticity, and it shows. Inside, you’ll find meticulously crafted replica weapons, costumes, and props echoing those used on set, alongside striking photographs captured during production. Each display is carefully arranged to draw you deeper into the world of noble houses, shifting alliances, and legendary battles.
Wander through themed rooms that bring fan-favorite characters to life: Khaleesi’s quiet resolve, Tyrion’s clever mischief, Jon Snow’s steadfast honor, and Hodor’s enduring loyalty. Dim lighting and raw stone walls create a mood that’s half medieval fortress, half cinematic set, reminding you this was filmed among real history, not just in a studio.
What makes this museum different? Beyond what you see, there’s what you smell: subtle hints of cedarwood, jasmine, and lavender float through the air, blending memory, imagination, and atmosphere. It’s a small detail, yet it transforms your visit into something immersive, part exhibition and part sensory journey.
And if you’re wondering, yes, the Podrum wasn’t the only filming site. Several courtyards and corridors of Diocletian’s Palace also became streets of Meereen, where unsullied marched and conspiracies simmered.
Step back outside into the sunlit streets of Split—and you’ll carry a bit of Westeros with you.
Created by local enthusiast Luka Galik, the museum prides itself on authenticity, and it shows. Inside, you’ll find meticulously crafted replica weapons, costumes, and props echoing those used on set, alongside striking photographs captured during production. Each display is carefully arranged to draw you deeper into the world of noble houses, shifting alliances, and legendary battles.
Wander through themed rooms that bring fan-favorite characters to life: Khaleesi’s quiet resolve, Tyrion’s clever mischief, Jon Snow’s steadfast honor, and Hodor’s enduring loyalty. Dim lighting and raw stone walls create a mood that’s half medieval fortress, half cinematic set, reminding you this was filmed among real history, not just in a studio.
What makes this museum different? Beyond what you see, there’s what you smell: subtle hints of cedarwood, jasmine, and lavender float through the air, blending memory, imagination, and atmosphere. It’s a small detail, yet it transforms your visit into something immersive, part exhibition and part sensory journey.
And if you’re wondering, yes, the Podrum wasn’t the only filming site. Several courtyards and corridors of Diocletian’s Palace also became streets of Meereen, where unsullied marched and conspiracies simmered.
Step back outside into the sunlit streets of Split—and you’ll carry a bit of Westeros with you.
7) People's Square (Pjaca) (must see)
Though everyone calls it People’s Square, its original name was Saint Lawrence’s Square, dating all the way back to the 13th century. What makes this place special is that it was the very first part of Split where folks dared to live outside the safety of Diocletian’s Palace walls, marking the city’s slow but steady expansion beyond the emperor’s ancient fortress.
Life here never stops. The city clock overlooking the square has 24 numerals instead of the usual 12, reminding everyone that in People’s Square, time flows on its own unique rhythm. This is where locals and visitors alike gather to rest, eat, drink, meet friends, and simply soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Connected directly to the Peristyle of the old palace, the square blends the ancient with the everyday.
Surrounding the square, architecture tells its own story—Renaissance grace, Venetian elegance, and Gothic charm all line the streets. Dominating the north side is the Old Town Hall, a 15th-century building that today hosts art and history exhibitions. Legend has it that every building in Split holds a secret or a tale, and here those stories feel alive.
Among the gems you’ll discover in the square are the ornate palaces of former nobility, the Church of Our Lady of the Bell Tower, the Old Town Clock, the charming Old Town Café, and the historic Morpurgo Bookstore, welcoming readers since 1860.
At the base of the square’s flagpole, a quote from local poet Tonći Petrasov reads:
"One doesn’t need to travel anywhere,
nor does one have to search elsewhere,
what you are looking for is precisely here."
In People’s Square, those words ring true. This is where Split’s past and present meet, where stories are shared, and where the city’s spirit pulses strongest.
Life here never stops. The city clock overlooking the square has 24 numerals instead of the usual 12, reminding everyone that in People’s Square, time flows on its own unique rhythm. This is where locals and visitors alike gather to rest, eat, drink, meet friends, and simply soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Connected directly to the Peristyle of the old palace, the square blends the ancient with the everyday.
Surrounding the square, architecture tells its own story—Renaissance grace, Venetian elegance, and Gothic charm all line the streets. Dominating the north side is the Old Town Hall, a 15th-century building that today hosts art and history exhibitions. Legend has it that every building in Split holds a secret or a tale, and here those stories feel alive.
Among the gems you’ll discover in the square are the ornate palaces of former nobility, the Church of Our Lady of the Bell Tower, the Old Town Clock, the charming Old Town Café, and the historic Morpurgo Bookstore, welcoming readers since 1860.
At the base of the square’s flagpole, a quote from local poet Tonći Petrasov reads:
"One doesn’t need to travel anywhere,
nor does one have to search elsewhere,
what you are looking for is precisely here."
In People’s Square, those words ring true. This is where Split’s past and present meet, where stories are shared, and where the city’s spirit pulses strongest.
8) Fruit's Square
Officially, it’s called Radić Brothers Square, named after Stjepan and Ante Radić, founders of the Croatian Peasant Party back in 1904, known for bravely standing up to political dominance from Belgrade. They paid dearly for their cause, but their legacy still echoes here.
And yet, ask anyone in Split, and they’ll just say “Fruit’s Square.” Why? Because for centuries, this charming corner of the Old Town was the place to haggle over baskets of figs, peaches, and sun-warmed grapes. Even today, the name sticks—proof that old habits, like old nicknames, die hard.
The square itself is small but rich in character. Most striking is the 15th-century Venetian Tower, an octagonal relic from Split’s medieval fortifications that once watched over traders and townsfolk alike. Directly opposite stands the grand Baroque palace of the noble Milesi family, its bold 17th-century façade often hailed as Croatia’s finest piece of Baroque architecture.
Guarding the square is the dignified statue of Marko Marulić, the 15th-century writer and philosopher, celebrated as the father of Croatian literature. And as you wander across worn stone paving, remember: each slab here has seen centuries of whispered gossip, heated debates, and maybe the occasional squashed fig...
Fruit’s Square may be small, but it offers a perfect slice of Split’s layered past, where stone towers, Baroque elegance, and a stubborn old nickname all come together in one sunny corner of the city.
And yet, ask anyone in Split, and they’ll just say “Fruit’s Square.” Why? Because for centuries, this charming corner of the Old Town was the place to haggle over baskets of figs, peaches, and sun-warmed grapes. Even today, the name sticks—proof that old habits, like old nicknames, die hard.
The square itself is small but rich in character. Most striking is the 15th-century Venetian Tower, an octagonal relic from Split’s medieval fortifications that once watched over traders and townsfolk alike. Directly opposite stands the grand Baroque palace of the noble Milesi family, its bold 17th-century façade often hailed as Croatia’s finest piece of Baroque architecture.
Guarding the square is the dignified statue of Marko Marulić, the 15th-century writer and philosopher, celebrated as the father of Croatian literature. And as you wander across worn stone paving, remember: each slab here has seen centuries of whispered gossip, heated debates, and maybe the occasional squashed fig...
Fruit’s Square may be small, but it offers a perfect slice of Split’s layered past, where stone towers, Baroque elegance, and a stubborn old nickname all come together in one sunny corner of the city.
9) Prokurative (Republic Square)
Strolling into Republic Square, better known to locals as Prokurative, you might feel as if you’ve wandered into Venice by mistake. Thank Antonio Bajamonti, the 19th-century mayor of the city, remembered as one of its most successful, who dreamed of turning Split from a sleepy port into a vibrant cultural center. In 1859, he even funded with his own money the grand Teatro Bajamonti.
Framed on three sides by stately red neo-Renaissance buildings, the square opens proudly toward the sea, letting the Adriatic breeze sweep through its elegant arches. Look closely: on the left wing, you’ll see graceful Venetian colonnades and bas-reliefs below the windows. But on the right—just smooth, unadorned walls.
Did you know? Legend has it that the Venetian architect, who designed the square, grew so homesick that he abandoned the project midway, sailing back to Venice and leaving one side unfinished.
Today, Prokurative is more than an architectural showpiece. It’s Split’s favorite open-air living room. Cafés spill out onto sunlit terraces, musicians tune their instruments, and festival banners flutter in the breeze. Most famously, it hosts the Split Music Festival, when voices echo off stone façades and the square itself becomes a stage.
Blending Italian charm, local history, and a few unfinished dreams, Prokurative remains a beloved gathering place—proof that in Split, even what’s left undone can become part of the story...
Framed on three sides by stately red neo-Renaissance buildings, the square opens proudly toward the sea, letting the Adriatic breeze sweep through its elegant arches. Look closely: on the left wing, you’ll see graceful Venetian colonnades and bas-reliefs below the windows. But on the right—just smooth, unadorned walls.
Did you know? Legend has it that the Venetian architect, who designed the square, grew so homesick that he abandoned the project midway, sailing back to Venice and leaving one side unfinished.
Today, Prokurative is more than an architectural showpiece. It’s Split’s favorite open-air living room. Cafés spill out onto sunlit terraces, musicians tune their instruments, and festival banners flutter in the breeze. Most famously, it hosts the Split Music Festival, when voices echo off stone façades and the square itself becomes a stage.
Blending Italian charm, local history, and a few unfinished dreams, Prokurative remains a beloved gathering place—proof that in Split, even what’s left undone can become part of the story...
Walking Tours in Split, Croatia
Create Your Own Walk in Split
Creating your own self-guided walk in Split is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Diocletian Palace Tour
One of the best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world, Diocletian’s Palace is also probably the most impressive “retirement home” in history. Imagine quitting a job at the age of sixty and deciding your quiet seaside cottage should also function as a fortress. That was exactly the plan of Roman emperor Diocletian... In 305 AD, after abdicating—which is something Roman... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Marjan Hill Walking Tour
Marjan Hill is a picturesque natural wonder – a unique landform – located on the Split peninsula in Croatia. The majestic hill (or the low mountain, if you like) is surrounded by the sea and the city, and represents the green oasis ideal for walks, excursions, and rock climbing. Visitors to the area are greeted with a plethora of sights catering to various interests and equally enjoyed by... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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