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Coordinates: 43°30′30″N 16°26′24″E / 43.50833°N 16.44000°E / 43.50833; 16.44000
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m →‎Gallery: Changed "knocked" to "struck", the correct term for minting a coin. Previous word seems to be an auto-translation artifact.
→‎Temple: Changed order of pictures, on the basis that the frontal, exterior view makes the best introductory image; rewording in subsequent caption (among other things, that’s a vault and not a dome)
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox historic site
{{Infobox historic site
| name = Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
| name = Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
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| area =
| area =
| built = 4th century AD
| built = 4th century AD
| architect =
| architect =
| architecture =
| architecture =
| governing_body =
| governing_body =
| designation1 = WHS
| designation1 = WHS
| designation1_offname =
| designation1_offname =
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| designation1_date = 1979 <small>(3rd [[World Heritage Committee|Session]])</small>
| designation1_date = 1979 <small>(3rd [[World Heritage Committee|Session]])</small>
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/97 97]
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/97 97]
| designation1_free1name = State Party
| designation1_free1name = Region
| designation1_free1value = {{CRO}}
| designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Southern Europe|Europe]]
| designation1_free2name = Region
| designation1_free2value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Southern Europe|Europe]]
| designation2 = Croatia Cultural
| designation2 = Croatia Cultural
| designation2_offname = Dioklecijanova palača
| designation2_offname = Dioklecijanova palača
| designation2_date =
| designation2_date =
| designation2_number =
| designation2_number =
| designation3 =
| designation3 =
| designation3_offname =
| designation3_offname =
| designation3_date =
| designation3_date =
| designation3_number =
| designation3_number =
| native_name2 = Palatium Diocletiani
| native_language2 = Latin
}}
}}


'''Diocletian's Palace''' ({{lang-hr|Dioklecijanova palača}}, {{IPA-sh|diɔklɛt͡sijǎːnɔʋa pǎlat͡ʃa|pron}}) is an ancient palace built for the [[Roman emperor]] [[Diocletian]] at the turn of the fourth century AD, which today forms about half the old town of [[Split, Croatia]]. While it is referred to as a "palace" because of its intended use as the retirement residence of Diocletian, the term can be misleading as the structure is massive and more resembles a large fortress: about half of it was for Diocletian's personal use, and the rest housed the military garrison.
'''Diocletian's Palace''' ({{lang-hr|Dioklecijanova palača}}, {{IPA-sh|diɔklɛt͡sijǎːnɔʋa pǎlat͡ʃa|pron}}, [[Latin]]: ''Palatium Diocletiani'') was built at the end of the third century AD as a residence for the [[Roman emperor]] [[Diocletian]], and today forms about half of the old town of [[Split, Croatia]]. While it is referred to as a "palace" because of its intended use as the retirement residence of Diocletian, the term can be misleading as the structure is massive and more resembles a large fortress: about half of it was for Diocletian's personal use, and the rest housed the military garrison.


The complex was built on a peninsula six kilometres southwest from [[Salona]], the former capital of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]], one of the [[Demography of the Roman Empire#Urbanization|largest cities of the late empire]] with 60,000 people and the birthplace of Diocletian. The terrain around Salona slopes gently seaward and is typical [[karst]], consisting of low [[limestone]] ridges running east to west with [[marl]] in the clefts between them. Today the remains of the palace are part of the historic core of Split, which in 1979 was listed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]].
The complex was built on a peninsula {{Convert|6|km|mi|spell=in}} southwest from [[Salona]], the former capital of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]], one of the [[Demography of the Roman Empire#Urbanization|largest cities of the late empire]] with 60,000 people and the birthplace of Diocletian. The terrain around Salona slopes gently seaward and is typical [[karst]], consisting of low [[limestone]] ridges running east to west with [[marl]] in the clefts between them. Today the remains of the palace are part of the historic core of Split, which in 1979 was listed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]].


==History==
==History==
[[Diocletian]] had ordered the construction of the heavily fortified compound near his hometown of [[Spalatum]] in preparation for his retirement on 1 May 305 AD.<ref>Fik Meijer (2004) ''Emperors Don't Die in Bed'' p. 114</ref> The site chosen was near [[Salona]], the provincial administrative centre of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]], on the southern side of a short peninsula. Based on Roman map data (known through the medieval parchment copy of the ''[[Tabula Peutingeriana]]''), there was already a Spalatum settlement in that bay, the remains and size of which have not yet been established.

[[Diocletian]] had ordered the construction of the heavily fortified compound near his hometown of [[Spalatum]] in preparation for his retirement on 1 May 305 AD.<ref>Fik Meijer (2004) ''Emperors Don't Die in Bed'' p. 114</ref> The site chosen was near [[Salona]], the provincial administrative centre of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]], on the southern side of a short peninsula, On the basis of Roman map data (known through the medieval parchment copy of the ''[[Tabula Peutingeriana]]''), there was already a Spalatum settlement in that bay, the remains and size of which have not yet been established.


[[Image:Diocletian's Palace (original appearance).jpg|thumb|left|Reconstruction of Diocletian's Palace in its original appearance upon completion in AD 305 (viewed from the south-west)]]
[[Image:Diocletian's Palace (original appearance).jpg|thumb|left|Reconstruction of Diocletian's Palace in its original appearance upon completion in AD 305 (viewed from the south-west)]]
The beginning of the construction of Diocletian's palace has not exactly been established. It is assumed to have begun around 295, after the introduction of the [[Tetrarchy]] (the rule of four). Yet ten years after that decision, when Diocletian abdicated in 305, the palace seems to have still been unfinished, and there are indications that some works were taking place while the emperor was residing at the Palace. It is unknown under whose architectural ideas the palace was built and who its builders were. The complex was modelled on [[Roman forts]] of the 3rd-century era, examples of which can be seen across the [[Limes (Roman Empire)|''limes'']], such as the bridgehead fort of [[Deutz, Cologne#History|''Castrum Divitia'']] across the [[Rhine]] from [[Cologne]].<ref>Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. ''The Late Roman Army'' p. 34</ref>
The beginning of construction of Diocletian's palace has not exactly been established. It is assumed to have begun around 295, after the introduction of the [[Tetrarchy]] (the rule of four). Yet ten years after that decision, when Diocletian abdicated in 305, the palace seems to have still been unfinished, and there are indications that some works were taking place while the emperor was residing at the Palace. It is unknown under whose architectural ideas the palace was built and who its builders were. The complex was modelled on [[Roman forts]] of the 3rd-century era, examples of which can be seen across the [[Limes (Roman Empire)|''limes'']], such as the bridgehead fort of [[Deutz, Cologne#History|''Castrum Divitia'']] across the [[Rhine]] from [[Cologne]].<ref>Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. ''The Late Roman Army'' p. 34</ref>


However, the engraved Greek names Zotikos and Filotas, as well as many Greek characters, indicate that a number of builders were originally from the eastern part of the empire, i.e. Diocletian brought with him masters from the East. Still, it is highly likely that a large part of the workforce was of local origin. The basic materials came from close proximity. The white limestone comes from [[Brač]] and some of Seget near [[Trogir]]; [[tufa]] was extracted from nearby riverbeds and bricks were made in Spalatum and other workshops located nearby.
However, the engraved Greek names Zotikos and Filotas, as well as many Greek characters, indicate that a number of builders were originally from the eastern part of the empire, i.e. Diocletian brought with him masters from the East. Still, a large part of the workforce was likely of local origin. The basic materials came from close proximity. The white limestone comes from [[Brač]] and some of Seget near [[Trogir]]; [[tufa]] was extracted from nearby riverbeds, and bricks were made in Spalatum and other workshops located nearby.


At [[Carnuntum]], people begged Diocletian to return to the throne in order to resolve the conflicts that had arisen through [[Constantine the Great|Constantine]]'s rise to power and Maxentius' usurpation.<ref>Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 31–32; Lenski, 65; Odahl, 90.</ref> Diocletian famously replied:
At [[Carnuntum]], people begged Diocletian to return to the throne in order to resolve the conflicts that had arisen through [[Constantine the Great|Constantine]]'s rise to power and Maxentius' usurpation.<ref>Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 31–32; Lenski, 65; Odahl, 90.</ref> Diocletian famously replied:
{{quote|If you could show the cabbage that I planted with my own hands to your emperor, he definitely wouldn't dare suggest that I replace the peace and happiness of this place with the storms of a never-satisfied greed.<ref>Aurelius Victor, ''Epitome de Caesaribus'' 39.6.</ref>}}
{{blockquote|If you could show the cabbage that I planted with my own hands to your emperor, he definitely wouldn't dare suggest that I replace the peace and happiness of this place with the storms of a never-satisfied greed.<ref>Aurelius Victor, ''Epitome de Caesaribus'' 39.6.</ref>}}
This was a reference to the Emperor retiring to his palace to grow [[cabbage]]s.
This was a reference to the Emperor retiring to his palace to grow [[cabbage]]s.


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Its second life came when Salona was largely destroyed in the invasions of the [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]] and [[Slavs]] in the 7th century, though the exact year of the destruction still remains an open debate between archaeologists. Part of the expelled population, now refugees, found shelter inside the palace's strong walls and with them a new, organized city life began.<ref>Charles George Herbermann, ''The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference'' (1913). See also Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, ''De administrando imperio''; Greek text edited by Gy. Moravcsik; English translation by R. J. H. Jenkins. Rev.ed., Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, 1967, 1985; and Thomae Archidiaconi (Archdeacon Thomas of Split), ''Spalatensis Historia Salonitanorum atque Spalatinorum pontificum'' (''History of the Bishops of Salona and Split''). Damir Karbić, Mirjana Matijević Sokol, Olga Perić, and James Ross Sweeney, eds. Budapest: CEU Press ( 2006).</ref> Since then, the palace has been continuously occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls.<ref>[http://www.croatiatraveller.com/Heritage_Sites/Diocletian'sPalace.htm Diocletian's Palace] Croatia Traveller</ref> [[St Martin's Church (Split)|St Martin's Church]] is an example of this trend. Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes can still be found within the walls.
Its second life came when Salona was largely destroyed in the invasions of the [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]] and [[Slavs]] in the 7th century, though the exact year of the destruction still remains an open debate between archaeologists. Part of the expelled population, now refugees, found shelter inside the palace's strong walls and with them a new, organized city life began.<ref>Charles George Herbermann, ''The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference'' (1913). See also Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, ''De administrando imperio''; Greek text edited by Gy. Moravcsik; English translation by R. J. H. Jenkins. Rev.ed., Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, 1967, 1985; and Thomae Archidiaconi (Archdeacon Thomas of Split), ''Spalatensis Historia Salonitanorum atque Spalatinorum pontificum'' (''History of the Bishops of Salona and Split''). Damir Karbić, Mirjana Matijević Sokol, Olga Perić, and James Ross Sweeney, eds. Budapest: CEU Press ( 2006).</ref> Since then, the palace has been continuously occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls.<ref>[http://www.croatiatraveller.com/Heritage_Sites/Diocletian'sPalace.htm Diocletian's Palace] Croatia Traveller</ref> [[St Martin's Church (Split)|St Martin's Church]] is an example of this trend. Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes can still be found within the walls.


In the period of the free medieval commune, between the 12th and 14th centuries, there was a greater architectural development, when many medieval houses filled not only Roman buildings but also a large part of the free space of streets and docks. Also completed in this period was the construction of the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] [[bell tower]] of the [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius]], which inhabits the building that was originally erected as Jupiter's temple and then used as the Mausoleum of Diocletian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo-magazine.com/how-life-goes-on-in-a-ruined-roman-palace/|title=How life goes on in a ruined Roman palace|date=2016-12-22|website=Apollo Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-21}}</ref>
In the period of the free medieval commune, between the 12th and 14th centuries, there was a greater architectural development when many medieval houses filled not only Roman buildings but also a large part of the free space of streets and docks. Also completed in this period was the construction of the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] [[bell tower]] of the [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius]], which inhabits the building that was originally erected as Jupiter's temple and then used as the Mausoleum of Diocletian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo-magazine.com/how-life-goes-on-in-a-ruined-roman-palace/|title=How life goes on in a ruined Roman palace|date=2016-12-22|website=Apollo Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-21}}</ref>


After the [[Middle Ages]], the palace was virtually unknown in the rest of Europe, until the Scottish architect [[Robert Adam]] had the ruins surveyed. Then, with the aid of French artist and antiquary [[Charles-Louis Clérisseau]] and several draughtsmen, Adam published ''Ruins of the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia'' (London, 1764).<ref>[https://archive.org/details/RuinspalaceEmpe00Adam Text] at Archive.org; [http://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/ruinspalaceempe00adam Text] at the Smithsonian Institution; [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/DLDecArts/DLDecArts-idx?id=DLDecArts.AdamRuins Text] at University of Wisconsin</ref>
After the [[Middle Ages]], the palace was virtually unknown in the rest of Europe until the Scottish architect [[Robert Adam]] had the ruins surveyed. Then, with the aid of French artist and antiquary [[Charles-Louis Clérisseau]] and several draughtsmen, Adam published ''Ruins of the Palace of Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia'' (London, 1764).<ref>[https://archive.org/details/RuinspalaceEmpe00Adam Text] at Archive.org; [http://library.si.edu/digital-library/book/ruinspalaceempe00adam Text] at the Smithsonian Institution; [http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/DLDecArts/DLDecArts-idx?id=DLDecArts.AdamRuins Text] at University of Wisconsin</ref>


Diocletian's palace was an inspiration for Adam's new style of [[Neoclassical architecture]]<ref name="CMHogan">Hogan, C. Michael, [http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17691 "Diocletian's Palace"], The Megalithic Portal, A. Burnham ed., 6 October 2007.</ref> and the publication of measured drawings brought it into the design vocabulary of European architecture for the first time. A few decades later, in 1782, the French painter [[Louis-François Cassas]] created drawings of the palace, published by [[Joseph Lavallée]] in 1802 in the chronicles of his voyages.<ref>''Voyage pittoresque et historique de l'Istrie et de la Dalmatie rédigé d'après l'Itinéraire de L. F. Cassas par Joseph Lavallée'' (Paris, 1802).</ref>
Diocletian's palace was an inspiration for Adam's new style of [[Neoclassical architecture]]<ref name="CMHogan">Hogan, C. Michael, [http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17691 "Diocletian's Palace"], The Megalithic Portal, A. Burnham ed., 6 October 2007.</ref> and the publication of measured drawings brought it into the design vocabulary of European architecture for the first time. A few decades later, in 1782, the French painter [[Louis-François Cassas]] created drawings of the palace, published by [[Joseph Lavallée]] in 1802 in the chronicles of his voyages.<ref>''Voyage pittoresque et historique de l'Istrie et de la Dalmatie rédigé d'après l'Itinéraire de L. F. Cassas par Joseph Lavallée'' (Paris, 1802).</ref>


Today, the Palace is well preserved with all the most important historical buildings, in the center of the city of Split, the second-largest city of modern Croatia. Diocletian's Palace far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation. The Palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian [[Adriatic]] coast. As the world's most complete remains of a Roman palace, it holds an outstanding place in Mediterranean, European, and world heritage.
Today, the Palace is well preserved with all the most important historical buildings, in the centre of the city of Split, the second-largest city of modern Croatia. Diocletian's Palace far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation. The Palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian [[Adriatic]] coast. As the world's most complete remains of a Roman palace, it holds an outstanding place in Mediterranean, European, and world heritage.


==Cultural heritage==
==Cultural heritage==
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In November 1979, [[UNESCO]], in line with the international convention on cultural and natural heritage, adopted a proposal that the historic city of Split built around the Palace should be included in the register of [[World Cultural Heritage]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://w3.mrki.info/split/diokl.html|title=Diocletian's Palace|website=W3.mrki.info|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>
In November 1979, [[UNESCO]], in line with the international convention on cultural and natural heritage, adopted a proposal that the historic city of Split built around the Palace should be included in the register of [[World Cultural Heritage]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://w3.mrki.info/split/diokl.html|title=Diocletian's Palace|website=W3.mrki.info|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>


In November 2006, the City Council decided to permit over twenty new buildings within the palace (including a shopping and garage complex), although the palace had been declared a [[World Heritage Site]]. It is said that this decision was politically motivated and largely due to lobbying by local property developers. Once the public in 2007 became aware of the project, they petitioned against the decision and won. No new buildings, shopping center or the underground garage were built.
In November 2006, the city council decided to permit over twenty new buildings within the palace (including a shopping and garage complex), although the palace had been declared a [[World Heritage Site]]. It is said that this decision was politically motivated and largely due to lobbying by local property developers. Once the public 2007 became aware of the project, they petitioned against the decision and won. No new buildings, shopping centres or underground garages were built.


The [[World Monuments Fund]] has been working on a conservation project at the palace, including surveying structural integrity and cleaning and restoring the stone and plasterwork.
The [[World Monuments Fund]] has been working on a conservation project at the palace, including surveying structural integrity and cleaning and restoring the stone and plasterwork.


The palace is depicted on the [[Obverse and reverse|reverse]] of the Croatian 500 [[Croatian kuna|kuna]] banknote, issued in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/enovcan.htm?tsfsg=5caabbb4dca58151e125c650d3cdae36|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506012028/http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/enovcan.htm?tsfsg=5caabbb4dca58151e125c650d3cdae36|url-status=dead|title=Features of Kuna Banknotes|archive-date=6 May 2009|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/novcanice/e500k.htm?tsfsg=a649438eb16231e47533d70f5e0ed4c4|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604014206/http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/novcanice/e500k.htm?tsfsg=a649438eb16231e47533d70f5e0ed4c4|url-status=dead|title=500 kuna|archive-date=4 June 2011|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>
The palace was depicted on the [[Obverse and reverse|reverse]] of the Croatian 500 [[Croatian kuna|kuna]] banknote, issued in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/enovcan.htm?tsfsg=5caabbb4dca58151e125c650d3cdae36|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506012028/http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/enovcan.htm?tsfsg=5caabbb4dca58151e125c650d3cdae36|url-status=dead|title=Features of Kuna Banknotes|archive-date=6 May 2009|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/novcanice/e500k.htm?tsfsg=a649438eb16231e47533d70f5e0ed4c4|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604014206/http://www.hnb.hr/novcan/novcanice/e500k.htm?tsfsg=a649438eb16231e47533d70f5e0ed4c4|url-status=dead|title=500 kuna|archive-date=4 June 2011|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref>


==Architecture==
==Architecture==
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The ground plan of the palace is an irregular rectangle measuring east: 214.97 m, north: 174.74 m, south: 181.65 m (adjusting for the terrain), with sixteen towers projecting from the western, northern, and eastern facades on the facades facing the mainland. There are four towers on the corners of the square, giving the palace a characteristic of the [[Roman fortifications|legionary forts]] similar to those on the [[Danube]].<ref>Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. The Late Roman Army p. 143</ref>
The ground plan of the palace is an irregular rectangle measuring east: 214.97 m, north: 174.74 m, south: 181.65 m (adjusting for the terrain), with sixteen towers projecting from the western, northern, and eastern facades on the facades facing the mainland. There are four towers on the corners of the square, giving the palace a characteristic of the [[Roman fortifications|legionary forts]] similar to those on the [[Danube]].<ref>Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. The Late Roman Army p. 143</ref>


Two of the six octagonal ground-floor towers were framed by three landing entrances, the six rectangular ground floors of the rectangular floor being between the corner and the octagonal. To date, three corner towers (except the southwestern) have been preserved, and only the remains of octagonal and rectangular ones. Three well-preserved landings have been architecturally fragmented, especially the northern one, which was the main approach from [[Salona]]. The south, [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|seaside gate]], is small, simple and well preserved. The facade walls of the palace in their lower parts are massive and simple without openings, and in the upper part there are large arches that face the land, ie on the west, north and east facades. [[Cellars of Diocletian's Palace|subterranean portions]] of the palace feature [[barrel vault]]ed stonework.
Two of the six octagonal ground-floor towers were framed by three landing entrances, the six rectangular ground floors of the rectangular floor being between the corner and the octagonal. To date, three corner towers (except the southwestern) have been preserved, and only the remains of octagonal and rectangular ones. Three well-preserved landings have been architecturally fragmented, especially the northern one, which was the main approach from [[Salona]]. The south, [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|seaside gate]], is small, simple and well-preserved. The facade walls of the palace in their lower parts are massive and simple without openings, and in the upper part, there are large arches that face the land, i.e. on the west, north and east facades. [[Cellars of Diocletian's Palace|Subterranean portions]] of the palace feature [[barrel vault]]ed stonework.


===Outer walls===
===Outer walls===
{{Panorama
Only the southern facade, which rose directly from or very near to the sea, was unfortified. The elaborate architectural composition of the arcaded gallery on its upper floor differs from the more severe treatment of the three shore facades. A monumental gate in the middle of each of these walls led to an enclosed courtyard. The southern [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|’Sea Gate’]] (the ''Porta Meridionalis'') was simpler in shape and dimensions than the other three, and it is thought that it was originally intended either as the emperor's private access to the sea, or as a service entrance for supplies.
|image = File:Der Palast Diokletians in Spalato - Niemann - Tafel 19 und 20 - Südmauer - zum Meer, 1906.jpg
|height = 250
|width =
|alt =
|caption = Southern walls in Split (South part of the palace), recorded by [[George Niemann]] in 1906.
|dir =
|align =
}}

{{Panorama
|image = File:Der Palast Diokletians in Spalato - Niemann - Tafel 02b - Nordmauer um 1907.jpg
|height = 250
|width =
|alt =
|caption = Northern walls in Split (North part of the palace), recorded by [[George Niemann]] in 1907.
|dir =
|align =
}}

{{Panorama
|image = Der Palast Diokletians in Spalato - Niemann - Tafel 02 - Ostmauer um 1907.jpg
|height = 250
|width =
|alt =
|caption = Eastern walls in Split (East part of the palace), recorded by [[George Niemann]] in 1907.
|dir =
|align =
}}

Only the southern facade, which rose directly from or very near to the sea, was unfortified. The elaborate architectural composition of the arcaded gallery on its upper floor differs from the more severe treatment of the three shore facades. A monumental gate in the middle of each wall led to an enclosed courtyard. The southern [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|'Sea Gate']] (the ''Porta Meridionalis'') was simpler in shape and dimensions than the other three, and it is thought that it was originally intended either as the emperor's private access to the sea or as a service entrance for supplies.


===The North Gate===
===The North Gate===
{{Main|Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}
{{Main|Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}


The Porta septemtrionalis ("the northern gate) "is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally the Main gate from which the Emperor entered the complex, the gate is on the road to the north, towards [[Salona]], the then capital of the Roman province of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]] and Diocletian's birthplace. It is probably the gate the Emperor entered after his [[abdication]] from the imperial throne on 1 May 305.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/zlatna-vrata-u-splitu|title=Zlatna vrata u Splitu|website=Putovnica.net|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref> Today the 7th-century church of [[St Martin's Church (Split)|St Martin]] can be found above the gate, and is open to the public.
The Porta septemtrionalis ("the northern gate”) is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally the Main gate from which the Emperor entered the complex, the gate is on the road to the north, towards [[Salona]], the then capital of the Roman province of [[Dalmatia (Roman province)|Dalmatia]] and Diocletian's birthplace. It is probably the gate the Emperor entered after his [[abdication]] from the imperial throne on 1 May 305.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/zlatna-vrata-u-splitu|title=Zlatna vrata u Splitu|website=Putovnica.net|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref> Today the 7th-century church of [[St Martin's Church (Split)|St Martin]] can be found above the gate, and is open to the public.
[[File:Croatia-01232 - Silver Gate (9548728661).jpg|thumb|upright|Silver Gate]]
[[File:Croatia-01232 - Silver Gate (9548728661).jpg|thumb|upright|Silver Gate]]


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{{Main|Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}
{{Main|Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}


The Porta Orientalis ("the eastern gate")<ref name="split">{{cite web|url=http://www.split.hr/citylights/10/index_hr.html|title=Split.hr &#124; Srebrna vrata|website=split.hr|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a secondary gate, it faces east towards the Roman town of Epetia, today [[Stobreč]].<ref>Šušnjar, Bogdan, Villa of the Diocletian in Split, p. 74th</ref> Probably in or around the 6th century, above the gate in the sentry corridor, a small church dedicated to St Apolinar<ref name="putovnica">{{cite web|url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/srebrna-vrata-u-splitu|title=Srebrna vrata u Splitu &#124; Vodiči na Putovnica.net|website=putovnica.net|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> was built. This coincided with the complex seeing an [[Migration Period|influx of refugees]] from outlying communities, similar churches were over the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]], the [[Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Iron Gate]], and the [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Bronze Gate]]. The structure of this part of the wall and the door itself were later incorporated in various buildings in the following centuries, such as the Church of Dušica, which was destroyed in the Second World War.<ref name="split"/>
The Porta Orientalis ("the eastern gate")<ref name="split">{{cite web|url=http://www.split.hr/citylights/10/index_hr.html|title=Split.hr &#124; Srebrna vrata|website=split.hr|access-date=2019-06-28|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119022327/http://www.split.hr/citylights/10/index_hr.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a secondary gate, it faces east towards the Roman town of Epetia, today [[Stobreč]].<ref>Šušnjar, Bogdan, Villa of the Diocletian in Split, p. 74th</ref> Probably in or around the 6th century, above the gate in the sentry corridor, a small church dedicated to St Apolinar<ref name="putovnica">{{cite web|url=https://www.putovnica.net/odredista/hrvatska/split/sto-posjetiti-znamenitosti-u-splitu/srebrna-vrata-u-splitu|title=Srebrna vrata u Splitu &#124; Vodiči na Putovnica.net|website=putovnica.net|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> was built. This coincided with the complex seeing an [[Migration Period|influx of refugees]] from outlying communities, similar churches were over the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]], the [[Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Iron Gate]], and the [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Bronze Gate]]. The structure of this part of the wall and the door itself were later incorporated in various buildings in the following centuries, such as the Church of Dušica, which was destroyed in the Second World War.<ref name="split"/>


===The West Gate===
===The West Gate===
{{Main|Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}
{{Main|Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)}}
Porta Occidentalis ("the western gate")<ref name="visitsplit.com">{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/523/the-iron-gate|title = Split - the Iron Gate|website=Visitisplit.com}}</ref> is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a military gate, from which troops entered the complex, the gate is the only one to have remained in continuous use to the present day. During the [[Christian persecution of paganism under Theodosius I|persecutions under Theodosius I]] a relief sculpture of [[Nike (mythology)|Nike]], the Roman goddess of Victory (which stood on the lintel) was removed from the gate, later in the 5th century, [[Early Christians|Christians]] engraved a [[Christian cross|Cross]] in its place.<ref name="visitsplit.com"/><ref>Prijatelj, Kruno, Spomenici Splita i okolice, str. 34.</ref> In the 6th century, above the gate a small church dedicated to [[Theodora (6th century)|St. Teodora]].<ref>[https://www.min-kulture.hr/default.aspx?id=6212&IsItSearchRegistar=yes&free=&kat_opcina=&kat_cestica=&klasifikacija=-1&naziv=&smjestaj=&opcina=&zupanija=&vrsta=NEP(P)&unesco=&vrsta_zastite=za%c5%a1ti%c4%87eno+kulturno+dobro&Page=1] {{dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> This coincided with the complex seeing an [[Migration Period|influx of refugees]] from outlying communities, similar churches were over the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]], the [[Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Silver Gate]], and the [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Bronze Gate]].
Porta Occidentalis ("the western gate")<ref name="visitsplit.com">{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/523/the-iron-gate|title = Split the Iron Gate|website=Visitisplit.com}}</ref> is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a military gate from which troops entered the complex, the gate is the only one to have remained in continuous use to the present day. During the [[Christian persecution of paganism under Theodosius I|persecutions under Theodosius I]] a relief sculpture of [[Nike (mythology)|Nike]], the Roman goddess of Victory (which stood on the lintel) was removed from the gate, later in the 5th century, [[Early Christians|Christians]] engraved a [[Christian cross|Cross]] in its place.<ref name="visitsplit.com"/><ref>Prijatelj, Kruno, Spomenici Splita i okolice, str. 34.</ref> In the 6th century, above the gate a small church dedicated to [[Theodora (6th century)|St. Teodora]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.min-kulture.hr/default.aspx?id=6212&IsItSearchRegistar=yes&free=&kat_opcina=&kat_cestica=&klasifikacija=-1&naziv=&smjestaj=&opcina=&zupanija=&vrsta=NEP(P)&unesco=&vrsta_zastite=za%c5%a1ti%c4%87eno+kulturno+dobro&Page=1 |title=Ministarstvo kulture Republike Hrvatske – KULTURNA BAŠTINA – Registar kulturnih dobara |access-date=2 July 2019 |archive-date=3 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603123755/https://www.min-kulture.hr/default.aspx?id=6212&IsItSearchRegistar=yes&free=&kat_opcina=&kat_cestica=&klasifikacija=-1&naziv=&smjestaj=&opcina=&zupanija=&vrsta=NEP(P)&unesco=&vrsta_zastite=za%C5%A1ti%C4%87eno+kulturno+dobro&Page=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This coincided with the complex seeing an [[Migration Period|influx of refugees]] from outlying communities, similar churches were over the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]], the [[Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Silver Gate]], and the [[Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Bronze Gate]].


===The South Gate===
===The South Gate===
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===Inner layout===
===Inner layout===
The design is derived from both [[Roman villa|villa]] and [[castrum]] types, and this duality is also evident in the arrangement of the interior. The transverse road ([[Decumanus Maximus|decumanus]]) linking the [[Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Eastern gate]] and [[Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Western gate]] divided the complex into two halves.
The design is derived from both [[Roman villa|villa]] and [[castrum]] types and this duality is also evident in the arrangement of the interior. The transverse road ([[Decumanus Maximus|decumanus]]) linking the [[Silver Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Eastern gate]] and [[Iron Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Western gate]] divided the complex into two halves.


===Southern half===
===Southern half===
[[File:SPLIT-Maritime front restitution.jpg|thumb|Reconstruction of the facade to the sea from E. Hébrard and J. Zeiller, Spalato, le Palais de Dioclétien, Paris, 1912]]
[[File:SPLIT-Maritime front restitution.jpg|thumb|Reconstruction of the facade to the sea from E. Hébrard and J. Zeiller, Spalato, le Palais de Dioclétien, Paris, 1912]]
In the southern half there were more luxurious structures than the northern section; these included both public, private and religious buildings, as well as the [[Diocletian|Emperor]]'s apartments.
In the southern half there were more luxurious structures than in the northern section; these included public, private and religious buildings, as well as the [[Diocletian|Emperor]]'s apartments.


====Emperor's apartment====
====Emperor's apartment====
The [[Diocletian|Emperor]]'s apartments formed a block along the seafront, with an exterior square and circular floor plan, with a dome. From there, one approached the Emperor's apartment, which stretched 40 m deep along the entire south facade; it is only partly preserved in the upper floor, but its ground-floor, translated substructures that directly bore it are almost completely preserved, so the overall layout and appearance of the upper spaces can be seen given the coincidence of the upper and lower floor plans. On the west side of the upper floor are preserved the remains of a dome hall and two halls with apses, and on the east side are parts of an octagonal dining room ([[triclinium]]) with three halls with a cross floor plan. The wall of the Western Cross Hall is preserved in full height. Diocletian's apartment was interconnected by a long room along the southern façade (cryptoporticus)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/525/vestibule|title=Split - Vestibule|website=Visitsplit.com|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref> from which through 42 windows and 3 balconies a view of the sea was opened. Two baths were recently found north of the Emperor's apartment, one adjacent to the west and the other to the eastern halls. Although for many centuries almost completely filled with refuse, most of the substructure is well preserved and indicates the original shape and disposition of the rooms above.
The [[Diocletian|Emperor]]'s apartments formed a block along the seafront, with an exterior square and circular floor plan, with a dome. From there, one approached the Emperor's apartment, which stretched 40 m deep along the entire south facade; it is only partly preserved on the upper floor, but its ground-floor, translated substructures that directly bore it are almost completely preserved, so the overall layout and appearance of the upper spaces can be seen given the coincidence of the upper and lower floor plans. On the west side of the upper floor are preserved the remains of a dome hall and two halls with apses, and on the east side are parts of an octagonal dining room ([[triclinium]]) with three halls with a cross floor plan. The wall of the Western Cross Hall is preserved at full height. Diocletian's apartment was interconnected by a long room along the southern façade (cryptoporticus)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/525/vestibule|title=Split Vestibule|website=Visitsplit.com|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref> from which through 42 windows and 3 balconies a view of the sea was opened. Two baths were recently found north of the Emperor's apartment, one adjacent to the west and the other to the eastern halls. Although for many centuries almost completely filled with refuse, most of the substructure is well preserved and indicates the original shape and disposition of the rooms above.


====The Vestibule====
====The Vestibule====
{{Main|Vestibule (Split)}}
{{Main|Vestibule, Split}}
A rotunda, that was once the first section of the imperial corridor in the Palace that led via the Peristyle to the Imperial apartments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/split/attractions/vestibule/a/poi-sig/1544002/358789|title = Vestibule &#124; Split, Croatia Attractions|website=Lonelyplanet.com}}</ref> of the Palace.
A rotunda, that was once the first section of the imperial corridor in the Palace that led via the Peristyle to the Imperial apartments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/split/attractions/vestibule/a/poi-sig/1544002/358789|title = Vestibule &#124; Split, Croatia Attractions|website=Lonelyplanet.com}}</ref> of the Palace.


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{{Main|Cellars of Diocletian's Palace}}
{{Main|Cellars of Diocletian's Palace}}
[[File:Split D81 3055 (38620797821).jpg|thumb|Cellars of Diocletian's Palace]]
[[File:Split D81 3055 (38620797821).jpg|thumb|Cellars of Diocletian's Palace]]
Set below what were the Imperial apartments, the [[Cellars of Diocletian's Palace]] are a set of substructures, located at the southern end of the Palace,<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.absolute-croatia.com/split-region-dalmatia/split/attractions/item/diocletians-palace-basements-split|title=Diocletian's palace basement, Split|website=Absolute-croatia.com}}</ref> that represent one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/529/the-substructures|title=Split - The Substructures|website=Visitsplit.com}}</ref>
Set below what were the Imperial apartments, the [[Cellars of Diocletian's Palace]] are a set of substructures located at the southern end of the Palace,<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.absolute-croatia.com/split/attractions/diocletian-palace-cellars|title=Diocletian's palace basement, Split|website=Absolute-croatia.com}}</ref> that represent one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://visitsplit.com/en/529/the-substructures|title=Split The Substructures|website=Visitsplit.com}}</ref>


====Peristyle====
====Peristyle====
A monumental court, called the Peristyle, formed the northern access to the imperial apartments in front of the Vestibule. It also gave access to Diocletian's mausoleum on the east (today the [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius]]), and to three temples on the west (two of which are now lost, with the third, originally being the [[Temple of Jupiter, Split|temple of Jupiter]], becoming a baptistery). There is also a temple just to the west of the Peristyle called The Temple of [[Aesculapius]], which has a semi-cylindrical roof built of stone blocks, which did not leak until the 1940s when it was covered with a lead roof. The temple was recently restored.
A monumental court, the Peristyle, formed the northern access to the imperial apartments in front of the Vestibule. It also gave access to Diocletian's mausoleum on the east (today the [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius]]) and to three temples on the west (two of which are now lost, with the third, originally being the [[Temple of Jupiter, Split|temple of Jupiter]], becoming a baptistery). There is also a temple just to the west of the Peristyle called The Temple of [[Aesculapius]], which has a semi-cylindrical roof built of stone blocks, which did not leak until the 1940s when it was covered with a lead roof. The temple was recently restored.


====Northern half====
====Northern half====
The northern half of the palace, divided into two parts by the main north-south street (''[[cardo]]'') leading from the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]] (''Porta aurea'') to the Peristyle, is less well preserved. It is usually supposed that each part was a residential complex, housing soldiers, servants, and possibly some other facilities.
The northern half of the palace, divided into two parts by the main north–south street (''[[cardo]]'') leading from the [[Golden Gate (Diocletian's Palace)|Golden Gate]] (''Porta aurea'') to the Peristyle, is less well preserved. It is usually supposed that each part was a residential complex housing soldiers, servants, and possibly some other facilities.


====Streets and annex buildings====
====Streets and annex buildings====
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==Filming location==
==Filming location==
Diocletian's Palace was used as a location for filming the [[Game of Thrones (season 4)|fourth season]] of the [[HBO]] series ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://winteriscoming.net/2013/09/day-72-filming-in-diocletians-palace-zrnovnica/ |title=Day 72: Filming in Diocletian's Palace & Žrnovnica |work=WinterIsComing.net |date=27 September 2013 |access-date=26 April 2014 }}</ref> The palace also hosted a task on the [[The Amazing Race 31|31st season]] of the [[CBS]] reality show ''[[The Amazing Race (American TV series)|The Amazing Race]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/36524-split|title=Let's Split: The Amazing Race Discovers Croatia in Season 31 (VIDEO)|work=Total Croatia News|last=Rogulj|first=Daniela|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2019/06/jacksons-the-amazing-race-youtube-stars-tyler-oakley-korey-kuhl-take-the-lead.html|title=Jackson's 'The Amazing Race' YouTube stars Tyler Oakley, Korey Kuhl take the lead|work=[[Booth Newspapers]]|last=McLaren|first=Hunter|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
Diocletian's Palace was used as a location for filming the [[Game of Thrones (season 4)|fourth season]] of the [[HBO]] series ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://winteriscoming.net/2013/09/day-72-filming-in-diocletians-palace-zrnovnica/ |title=Day 72: Filming in Diocletian's Palace & Žrnovnica |work=WinterIsComing.net |date=27 September 2013 |access-date=26 April 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325184516/http://winteriscoming.net/2013/09/day-72-filming-in-diocletians-palace-zrnovnica/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The palace also hosted a task on the [[The Amazing Race 31|31st season]] of the [[CBS]] reality show ''[[The Amazing Race (American TV series)|The Amazing Race]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/36524-split|title=Let's Split: The Amazing Race Discovers Croatia in Season 31 (VIDEO)|work=Total Croatia News|last=Rogulj|first=Daniela|date=13 June 2019|access-date=31 December 2019|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928100645/https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/36524-split|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2019/06/jacksons-the-amazing-race-youtube-stars-tyler-oakley-korey-kuhl-take-the-lead.html|title=Jackson's 'The Amazing Race' YouTube stars Tyler Oakley, Korey Kuhl take the lead|work=[[Booth Newspapers]]|last=McLaren|first=Hunter|date=13 June 2019|access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
=== Outside areas within the complex ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Outside areas within the complex">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Outside areas within the complex">
File:Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian-108818.jpg|Diocletian's Palace.
File:Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian-108818.jpg|Diocletian's Palace.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Views of the exterior of the complex ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Views of the exterior of the complex">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Views of the exterior of the complex">
File:View of Diocletian's Palace, Split 01.jpg|South view of the Palace.
File:View of Diocletian's Palace, Split 01.jpg|South view of the Palace.
File:Split center from the air 1.jpg|Aerial view of the Diocletian Palace in the city of Split (2012).
File:Split center from the air 1.jpg|Aerial view of the Diocletian Palace in the city of Split (2012).
File:Northern wall of Diocletian's Palace, Split.jpg|North wall of the palace.
File:Northern wall of Diocletian's Palace, Split.jpg|North wall of the palace.
File:Porta aurea, northern gate of Diocletian's Palace, Split.jpg|Golden gate, north gate of the palace..
File:Porta aurea, northern gate of Diocletian's Palace, Split.jpg|Golden gate, north gate of the palace.
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== The Golden Gate ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="The Golden Gate">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="The Golden Gate">
File:Porta Aurea, Split (20330851833).jpg|Porta Aurea (detail) in 2013.
File:Porta Aurea, Split (20330851833).jpg|Porta Aurea (detail) in 2013.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Diagrams and reconstructions ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Diagrams and reconstructions">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Diagrams and reconstructions">
File:SPLIT-Model from NE.jpg|Model of the Palace when built.
File:SPLIT-Model from NE.jpg|Model of the Palace in its original state.
File:SPLIT-Farlati restitution.jpg|Reconstruction by Farlatija.
File:SPLIT-Farlati restitution.jpg|Reconstruction by Farlatija.
File:SPLIT-City plan 1912.jpg|General plan of Split in 1912.
File:SPLIT-City plan 1912.jpg|General plan of Split in 1912.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Temple ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Temple">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Temple">
File:SPLIT-Temple restitution 1.jpg|The dome of the temple, reconstructed by E. Hébrard.
File:SPLIT-Temple restitution 2.jpg|Reconstruction of Jupiter's Temple (now St. John's Church).
File:SPLIT-Temple restitution 2.jpg|Reconstruction of Jupiter's Temple (St. John's Church).
File:SPLIT-Temple restitution 1.jpg|Cutaway reconstruction drawing by E. Hébrard, showing the temple's vaulted interior.
File:One of the three surviving Egyptian sphinxes located on the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, Split (11907934043).jpg|Granite sphinx of Ramses II. 3,500 years old, it comes from the site of Pharaoh Thoutmose III . The other two Sphinxes can be found in the Temple of Jupiter in Diocletian's Palace, and in the Split Museum.
File:One of the three surviving Egyptian sphinxes located on the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, Split (11907934043).jpg|Granite sphinx of Ramses II. 3,500 years old, it comes from the site of Pharaoh Thutmose III. The other two Sphinxes can be found in the Temple of Jupiter in Diocletian's Palace, and in the Split Museum.
</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Mausoleum ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Mausoleum">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Mausoleum">
File:SPLIT-Mausoleum 3D view.jpg|3D mausoleum cross-section.
File:SPLIT-Mausoleum 3D view.jpg|3D mausoleum cross-section.
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</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Church/Cathedral ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Church/Cathedral">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Church/Cathedral">
File:Split IMG 8102.jpg|[[Bell tower|Campanile]] of [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius|Split Cathedral]].
File:Split IMG 8102.jpg|[[Bell tower|Campanile]] of [[Cathedral of Saint Domnius|Split Cathedral]].
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</gallery>
</gallery>


=== Cellars and underground complex of the Palace ===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Cellars and underground complex of the Palace">
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Cellars and underground complex of the Palace">
Split2006.2.JPG|[[Vestibule (Split)|The Vestibule]] leading to the cellars of the Palace.
Split2006.2.JPG|[[Vestibule (Split)|The Vestibule]] leading to the cellars of the Palace.
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File:20130603 Split 232.jpg|Part of the underground palace complex.
File:20130603 Split 232.jpg|Part of the underground palace complex.
File:Diocletian's Palace substructure 2.jpg|East wing of the underground complex.
File:Diocletian's Palace substructure 2.jpg|East wing of the underground complex.
</gallery>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" caption="Miscellaneous">
File:DiocletianusFollis-transparent.png|[[Follis]] with Diocletian's portrait, struck at [[Trier]] in 300 - 301.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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[[Category:Diocletian]]
[[Category:Diocletian]]
[[Category:4th-century establishments in the Roman Empire]]
[[Category:4th-century establishments in the Roman Empire]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Split-Dalmatia County]]
[[Category:City walls in Croatia]]
[[Category:City walls in Croatia]]
[[Category:Establishments in Dalmatia (Roman province)]]
[[Category:Establishments in Dalmatia (Roman province)]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Split]]

Latest revision as of 16:37, 27 June 2024

Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
Native names
Croatian: Povijesna jezgra grada Splita s Dioklecijanovom palačom
Latin: Palatium Diocletiani
View of the Peristyle (the central square within the Palace) towards the entrance of Diocletian's quarters
LocationSplit, Croatia
Coordinates43°30′30″N 16°26′24″E / 43.50833°N 16.44000°E / 43.50833; 16.44000
Built4th century AD
TypeCultural
Criteriaii, iii, iv
Designated1979 (3rd Session)
Reference no.97
RegionEurope
Official nameDioklecijanova palača
Diocletian's Palace is located in Croatia
Diocletian's Palace
Location of Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian in Croatia

Diocletian's Palace (Croatian: Dioklecijanova palača, pronounced [diɔklɛt͡sijǎːnɔʋa pǎlat͡ʃa], Latin: Palatium Diocletiani) was built at the end of the third century AD as a residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian, and today forms about half of the old town of Split, Croatia. While it is referred to as a "palace" because of its intended use as the retirement residence of Diocletian, the term can be misleading as the structure is massive and more resembles a large fortress: about half of it was for Diocletian's personal use, and the rest housed the military garrison.

The complex was built on a peninsula six kilometres (3.7 mi) southwest from Salona, the former capital of Dalmatia, one of the largest cities of the late empire with 60,000 people and the birthplace of Diocletian. The terrain around Salona slopes gently seaward and is typical karst, consisting of low limestone ridges running east to west with marl in the clefts between them. Today the remains of the palace are part of the historic core of Split, which in 1979 was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

History

[edit]

Diocletian had ordered the construction of the heavily fortified compound near his hometown of Spalatum in preparation for his retirement on 1 May 305 AD.[1] The site chosen was near Salona, the provincial administrative centre of Dalmatia, on the southern side of a short peninsula. Based on Roman map data (known through the medieval parchment copy of the Tabula Peutingeriana), there was already a Spalatum settlement in that bay, the remains and size of which have not yet been established.

Reconstruction of Diocletian's Palace in its original appearance upon completion in AD 305 (viewed from the south-west)

The beginning of construction of Diocletian's palace has not exactly been established. It is assumed to have begun around 295, after the introduction of the Tetrarchy (the rule of four). Yet ten years after that decision, when Diocletian abdicated in 305, the palace seems to have still been unfinished, and there are indications that some works were taking place while the emperor was residing at the Palace. It is unknown under whose architectural ideas the palace was built and who its builders were. The complex was modelled on Roman forts of the 3rd-century era, examples of which can be seen across the limes, such as the bridgehead fort of Castrum Divitia across the Rhine from Cologne.[2]

However, the engraved Greek names Zotikos and Filotas, as well as many Greek characters, indicate that a number of builders were originally from the eastern part of the empire, i.e. Diocletian brought with him masters from the East. Still, a large part of the workforce was likely of local origin. The basic materials came from close proximity. The white limestone comes from Brač and some of Seget near Trogir; tufa was extracted from nearby riverbeds, and bricks were made in Spalatum and other workshops located nearby.

At Carnuntum, people begged Diocletian to return to the throne in order to resolve the conflicts that had arisen through Constantine's rise to power and Maxentius' usurpation.[3] Diocletian famously replied:

If you could show the cabbage that I planted with my own hands to your emperor, he definitely wouldn't dare suggest that I replace the peace and happiness of this place with the storms of a never-satisfied greed.[4]

This was a reference to the Emperor retiring to his palace to grow cabbages.

Diocletian lived on for four more years, spending his days in his palace gardens. He saw his tetrarchic system fail, torn by the selfish ambitions of his successors. He heard of Maximian's third claim to the throne, his forced suicide, and his damnatio memoriae. In his palace, statues and portraits of his former companion emperor were torn down and destroyed. Deep in despair and illness, Diocletian may have committed suicide. He died on 3 December 312.[5][6][Note 1]

With the death of Diocletian, the life of the palace did not end, and it remained an imperial possession of the Roman court, providing shelter to the expelled members of the Emperor's family. In 480, Emperor Julius Nepos was murdered by one of his own soldiers, reportedly stabbed to death in his villa near Salona.[7] Since Diocletian's palace was in the area, it might have been the same building.

The Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Its second life came when Salona was largely destroyed in the invasions of the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century, though the exact year of the destruction still remains an open debate between archaeologists. Part of the expelled population, now refugees, found shelter inside the palace's strong walls and with them a new, organized city life began.[8] Since then, the palace has been continuously occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls.[9] St Martin's Church is an example of this trend. Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes can still be found within the walls.

In the period of the free medieval commune, between the 12th and 14th centuries, there was a greater architectural development when many medieval houses filled not only Roman buildings but also a large part of the free space of streets and docks. Also completed in this period was the construction of the Romanesque bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which inhabits the building that was originally erected as Jupiter's temple and then used as the Mausoleum of Diocletian.[10]

After the Middle Ages, the palace was virtually unknown in the rest of Europe until the Scottish architect Robert Adam had the ruins surveyed. Then, with the aid of French artist and antiquary Charles-Louis Clérisseau and several draughtsmen, Adam published Ruins of the Palace of Emperor Diocletian at Spalatro in Dalmatia (London, 1764).[11]

Diocletian's palace was an inspiration for Adam's new style of Neoclassical architecture[12] and the publication of measured drawings brought it into the design vocabulary of European architecture for the first time. A few decades later, in 1782, the French painter Louis-François Cassas created drawings of the palace, published by Joseph Lavallée in 1802 in the chronicles of his voyages.[13]

Today, the Palace is well preserved with all the most important historical buildings, in the centre of the city of Split, the second-largest city of modern Croatia. Diocletian's Palace far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation. The Palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian Adriatic coast. As the world's most complete remains of a Roman palace, it holds an outstanding place in Mediterranean, European, and world heritage.

Cultural heritage

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View of the Peristyle in 1764, engraving by Robert Adam. The Peristyle is the central square of the palace, where the main entrance to Diocletian's quarters (pictured) is located.

In November 1979, UNESCO, in line with the international convention on cultural and natural heritage, adopted a proposal that the historic city of Split built around the Palace should be included in the register of World Cultural Heritage.[14]

In November 2006, the city council decided to permit over twenty new buildings within the palace (including a shopping and garage complex), although the palace had been declared a World Heritage Site. It is said that this decision was politically motivated and largely due to lobbying by local property developers. Once the public 2007 became aware of the project, they petitioned against the decision and won. No new buildings, shopping centres or underground garages were built.

The World Monuments Fund has been working on a conservation project at the palace, including surveying structural integrity and cleaning and restoring the stone and plasterwork.

The palace was depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 500 kuna banknote, issued in 1993.[15][16]

Architecture

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Floor plan of Diocletian's palace

The ground plan of the palace is an irregular rectangle measuring east: 214.97 m, north: 174.74 m, south: 181.65 m (adjusting for the terrain), with sixteen towers projecting from the western, northern, and eastern facades on the facades facing the mainland. There are four towers on the corners of the square, giving the palace a characteristic of the legionary forts similar to those on the Danube.[17]

Two of the six octagonal ground-floor towers were framed by three landing entrances, the six rectangular ground floors of the rectangular floor being between the corner and the octagonal. To date, three corner towers (except the southwestern) have been preserved, and only the remains of octagonal and rectangular ones. Three well-preserved landings have been architecturally fragmented, especially the northern one, which was the main approach from Salona. The south, seaside gate, is small, simple and well-preserved. The facade walls of the palace in their lower parts are massive and simple without openings, and in the upper part, there are large arches that face the land, i.e. on the west, north and east facades. Subterranean portions of the palace feature barrel vaulted stonework.

Outer walls

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Southern walls in Split (South part of the palace), recorded by George Niemann in 1906.
Northern walls in Split (North part of the palace), recorded by George Niemann in 1907.
Eastern walls in Split (East part of the palace), recorded by George Niemann in 1907.

Only the southern facade, which rose directly from or very near to the sea, was unfortified. The elaborate architectural composition of the arcaded gallery on its upper floor differs from the more severe treatment of the three shore facades. A monumental gate in the middle of each wall led to an enclosed courtyard. The southern 'Sea Gate' (the Porta Meridionalis) was simpler in shape and dimensions than the other three, and it is thought that it was originally intended either as the emperor's private access to the sea or as a service entrance for supplies.

The North Gate

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The Porta septemtrionalis ("the northern gate”) is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally the Main gate from which the Emperor entered the complex, the gate is on the road to the north, towards Salona, the then capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and Diocletian's birthplace. It is probably the gate the Emperor entered after his abdication from the imperial throne on 1 May 305.[18] Today the 7th-century church of St Martin can be found above the gate, and is open to the public.

Silver Gate

The East Gate

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The Porta Orientalis ("the eastern gate")[19] is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a secondary gate, it faces east towards the Roman town of Epetia, today Stobreč.[20] Probably in or around the 6th century, above the gate in the sentry corridor, a small church dedicated to St Apolinar[21] was built. This coincided with the complex seeing an influx of refugees from outlying communities, similar churches were over the Golden Gate, the Iron Gate, and the Bronze Gate. The structure of this part of the wall and the door itself were later incorporated in various buildings in the following centuries, such as the Church of Dušica, which was destroyed in the Second World War.[19]

The West Gate

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Porta Occidentalis ("the western gate")[22] is one of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a military gate from which troops entered the complex, the gate is the only one to have remained in continuous use to the present day. During the persecutions under Theodosius I a relief sculpture of Nike, the Roman goddess of Victory (which stood on the lintel) was removed from the gate, later in the 5th century, Christians engraved a Cross in its place.[22][23] In the 6th century, above the gate a small church dedicated to St. Teodora.[24] This coincided with the complex seeing an influx of refugees from outlying communities, similar churches were over the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate, and the Bronze Gate.

The South Gate

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Part of the southern wall today

The Porta Meridionalis or "the southern gate" is the smaller of the four principal Roman gates into the Palace. Originally a sea gate from which the Emperor entered the complex by boat, via basement rooms in the Imperial Palace.

Inner layout

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The design is derived from both villa and castrum types and this duality is also evident in the arrangement of the interior. The transverse road (decumanus) linking the Eastern gate and Western gate divided the complex into two halves.

Southern half

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Reconstruction of the facade to the sea from E. Hébrard and J. Zeiller, Spalato, le Palais de Dioclétien, Paris, 1912

In the southern half there were more luxurious structures than in the northern section; these included public, private and religious buildings, as well as the Emperor's apartments.

Emperor's apartment

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The Emperor's apartments formed a block along the seafront, with an exterior square and circular floor plan, with a dome. From there, one approached the Emperor's apartment, which stretched 40 m deep along the entire south facade; it is only partly preserved on the upper floor, but its ground-floor, translated substructures that directly bore it are almost completely preserved, so the overall layout and appearance of the upper spaces can be seen given the coincidence of the upper and lower floor plans. On the west side of the upper floor are preserved the remains of a dome hall and two halls with apses, and on the east side are parts of an octagonal dining room (triclinium) with three halls with a cross floor plan. The wall of the Western Cross Hall is preserved at full height. Diocletian's apartment was interconnected by a long room along the southern façade (cryptoporticus)[25] from which through 42 windows and 3 balconies a view of the sea was opened. Two baths were recently found north of the Emperor's apartment, one adjacent to the west and the other to the eastern halls. Although for many centuries almost completely filled with refuse, most of the substructure is well preserved and indicates the original shape and disposition of the rooms above.

The Vestibule

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A rotunda, that was once the first section of the imperial corridor in the Palace that led via the Peristyle to the Imperial apartments[26] of the Palace.

The Palace Cellars

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Cellars of Diocletian's Palace

Set below what were the Imperial apartments, the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace are a set of substructures located at the southern end of the Palace,[27] that represent one of the best preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world.[28]

Peristyle

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A monumental court, the Peristyle, formed the northern access to the imperial apartments in front of the Vestibule. It also gave access to Diocletian's mausoleum on the east (today the Cathedral of Saint Domnius) and to three temples on the west (two of which are now lost, with the third, originally being the temple of Jupiter, becoming a baptistery). There is also a temple just to the west of the Peristyle called The Temple of Aesculapius, which has a semi-cylindrical roof built of stone blocks, which did not leak until the 1940s when it was covered with a lead roof. The temple was recently restored.

Northern half

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The northern half of the palace, divided into two parts by the main north–south street (cardo) leading from the Golden Gate (Porta aurea) to the Peristyle, is less well preserved. It is usually supposed that each part was a residential complex housing soldiers, servants, and possibly some other facilities.

Streets and annex buildings

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Both parts of the palace were apparently surrounded by streets,[14] leading to the perimeter walls through a rectangular buildings (possibly storage magazines).[dubiousdiscuss]

Building materials

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Sphinx at the Peristyle

The Palace is built of white local limestone and marble of high quality, most of which was from the Brač marble quarries on the island of Brač, of tuff taken from the nearby river beds, and of brick made in Salonitan and other factories. Some material for decoration was imported: Egyptian granite columns, fine marble for revetments and some capitals produced in workshops in the Proconnesos.

Egyptian sphinxes

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The Palace was decorated with numerous 3500-year-old granite sphinxes, originating from the site[dubiousdiscuss] of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III. Only three have survived the centuries. One is still on the Peristyle, the second sits headless in front of Jupiter's temple, and a third is housed in the city museum.

Filming location

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Diocletian's Palace was used as a location for filming the fourth season of the HBO series Game of Thrones.[29] The palace also hosted a task on the 31st season of the CBS reality show The Amazing Race.[30][31]

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Outside areas within the complex

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Views of the exterior of the complex

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The Golden Gate

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Diagrams and reconstructions

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Temple

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Mausoleum

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Church/Cathedral

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Cellars and underground complex of the Palace

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The range of dates proposed for Diocletian's death have stretched from 311 through to 318. Until recently, the date of 3 December 311 has been favoured; however, the absence of Diocletian on Maxentius' "AETERNA MEMORIA" coins would indicate that he was alive through to Maxentius' defeat in October 312. Given that Diocletian had died by the time of Maximian Daia's death in July 313, it has been argued that the correct date of his death was 3 December 312.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Fik Meijer (2004) Emperors Don't Die in Bed p. 114
  2. ^ Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. The Late Roman Army p. 34
  3. ^ Barnes, Constantine and Eusebius, 31–32; Lenski, 65; Odahl, 90.
  4. ^ Aurelius Victor, Epitome de Caesaribus 39.6.
  5. ^ a b Nakamura, Byron J. (July 2003). "When Did Diocletian Die? New Evidence for an Old Problem". Classical Philology. 98 (3): 283–289. doi:10.1086/420722. JSTOR 420722. S2CID 161249335.
  6. ^ Barnes, Constantine and Eusebius, 41.
  7. ^ Wilhelm Ensslin, "Julius Nepos", in Paulys Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft, Band XVI,2 (1935), S. 1505–1510.
  8. ^ Charles George Herbermann, The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference (1913). See also Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, De administrando imperio; Greek text edited by Gy. Moravcsik; English translation by R. J. H. Jenkins. Rev.ed., Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, 1967, 1985; and Thomae Archidiaconi (Archdeacon Thomas of Split), Spalatensis Historia Salonitanorum atque Spalatinorum pontificum (History of the Bishops of Salona and Split). Damir Karbić, Mirjana Matijević Sokol, Olga Perić, and James Ross Sweeney, eds. Budapest: CEU Press ( 2006).
  9. ^ Diocletian's Palace Croatia Traveller
  10. ^ "How life goes on in a ruined Roman palace". Apollo Magazine. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  11. ^ Text at Archive.org; Text at the Smithsonian Institution; Text at University of Wisconsin
  12. ^ Hogan, C. Michael, "Diocletian's Palace", The Megalithic Portal, A. Burnham ed., 6 October 2007.
  13. ^ Voyage pittoresque et historique de l'Istrie et de la Dalmatie rédigé d'après l'Itinéraire de L. F. Cassas par Joseph Lavallée (Paris, 1802).
  14. ^ a b "Diocletian's Palace". W3.mrki.info. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Features of Kuna Banknotes". Archived from the original on 6 May 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  16. ^ "500 kuna". Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  17. ^ Dixon, Karen R. and Southern, Pat. The Late Roman Army p. 143
  18. ^ "Zlatna vrata u Splitu". Putovnica.net. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  19. ^ a b "Split.hr | Srebrna vrata". split.hr. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  20. ^ Šušnjar, Bogdan, Villa of the Diocletian in Split, p. 74th
  21. ^ "Srebrna vrata u Splitu | Vodiči na Putovnica.net". putovnica.net. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  22. ^ a b "Split – the Iron Gate". Visitisplit.com.
  23. ^ Prijatelj, Kruno, Spomenici Splita i okolice, str. 34.
  24. ^ "Ministarstvo kulture Republike Hrvatske – KULTURNA BAŠTINA – Registar kulturnih dobara". Archived from the original on 3 June 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  25. ^ "Split – Vestibule". Visitsplit.com. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  26. ^ "Vestibule | Split, Croatia Attractions". Lonelyplanet.com.
  27. ^ "Diocletian's palace basement, Split". Absolute-croatia.com.
  28. ^ "Split – The Substructures". Visitsplit.com.
  29. ^ "Day 72: Filming in Diocletian's Palace & Žrnovnica". WinterIsComing.net. 27 September 2013. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  30. ^ Rogulj, Daniela (13 June 2019). "Let's Split: The Amazing Race Discovers Croatia in Season 31 (VIDEO)". Total Croatia News. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  31. ^ McLaren, Hunter (13 June 2019). "Jackson's 'The Amazing Race' YouTube stars Tyler Oakley, Korey Kuhl take the lead". Booth Newspapers. Retrieved 31 December 2019.

Further reading

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