# Diocletian's Palace

- **Country:** Croatia
- **Coordinates:** 43.508333, 16.440000
- **Notes:** Diocletian's Palace was built in 3rd century AD as a residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in his hometown of Split. One of the best preserved Roman Architecture in Europe, The Palace is under UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
- **Year Built:** 3rd century AD
- **Castle Type:** Palace
- **Location Text:** Split, Split-Dalmatia County

Diocletian's Palace is an ancient Roman fortress and residential complex located in Split, Croatia. Constructed between approximately 295 and 305 AD, the site was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian to serve as his retirement residence following his abdication. Built on a peninsula roughly six kilometers southwest of Salona, the former capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, the structure reflects the architectural style of third-century Roman military forts. The massive compound was originally divided into two distinct sections: the southern half served as the Emperor's private quarters, while the northern half housed a substantial military garrison. Although the exact architects remain unknown, the design was heavily influenced by contemporary frontier fortifications found across the Roman Empire.

Today, the palace is not merely a ruin but a living part of the city, forming about half of Split's historic old town. Over centuries, the original structures were adapted into a vibrant urban neighborhood where approximately 3,000 people currently reside. The ancient walls now enclose a bustling community filled with shops, boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants, with the central Peristyle square remaining a focal point for visitors and locals alike. This unique integration of ancient history and modern daily life distinguishes the site from many other archaeological locations.

The historical significance of the complex was formally recognized in 1979 when UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site under the name Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian. It stands as one of the most complete and well-preserved examples of Roman palace architecture in the world. Despite some construction potentially continuing even after Diocletian began his residence there, the site has survived intact enough to showcase the grandeur of the late Roman Empire. Its preservation offers invaluable insight into imperial life, military engineering, and the evolution of urban settlements from antiquity to the present day.

![Photo of Diocletian's Palace](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Luftbild_vom_Diokletianpalast_in_Split%2C_Kroatien_%2848608754492%29.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian's_Palace (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)