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2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian
5.0
45 Ratings
Split
Explore Split’s historic center with Art Historian Josipa. Discover Diocletian’s Palace, hidden courtyards, and local favorites on this 2-hour walking tour.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Strossmayer Park - We will meet in the midst of Strossmayer Park, locally known as ‘Đardin’, next to the central fountain. Our story of Split will begin with the tale of water, which brings life to the Palace for over 17 centuries.
- Grgur Ninski Statue - Before entering the Palace at the Golden or Northern Gate, we will stop by the 7-meter tall, bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, work of a famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. Besides grabbing its toe for good luck, we will learn some intriguing details about this monument that became ingrained in local popular culture.
- The Golden Gate - The northern entrance to the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace was one of four entry points to the ancient Roman palace. After learning some of the most intriguing details about its history, we will proceed with our tour along Cardo, the main Roman street stretching from North to South, towards Peristyle.
- Dioklecijanova - After entering the Palace through the Golden Gate, we will traverse the ancient Cardo Maximus, the main Roman street that spanned from North to South. This historic pathway leads us directly to our next destination: the majestic Peristyle.
- Eastern (Silver) Gate - The secret behind this short but significant detour from the Peristyle toward the east will be unveiled on site.
- The Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace - As we stroll along the narrow Cardo, the grandeur of the Diocletian’s Palace reveals itself as we approach the monumental Peristyle. We will learn the story of its origin and history, unraveling many of the stories it holds.
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius - While on the Peristyle, we’ll delve into the history of what was originally a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor, which has since been repurposed as a Christian cathedral. Your guide will ensure you receive all the essential information, complemented by intriguing historical details to spark your imagination. We will not be entering the Cathedral since it is a paid site and this tour does not include entering any paid sites or museums.
- Temple of Jupiter - This must-see attraction was once listed as ‘one of the most beautiful European monuments’ by the Scottish architect Robert Adam in the 18th century. Its beauty and charm remain just as captivating today.
- Let Me Pass (Pusti me da prodjem) Street - Measuring less than 10 meters in length and only 57 centimeters wide, this street is recognized as one of the narrowest in the world. However, its significance extends beyond its size. Holding a special place in the memories of Split citizens it is also honored with a public monument on the other location in the city.
- Vestibulum of Diocletian’s Palace - Once serving as the entry point to the Emperor’s Quarters, Vestibule has become one of the most popular open-air photo spots. We will pause here to admire the scenery, capture a photo or two, and perhaps even savor the traditional ‘klapa’ singing, often performed in this acoustically rich environment.
- Diocletian Palace Substructures - Similar to locals, we’ll take this ‘shortcut,’ which holds rich archaeological and historical significance, to reach the Riva waterfront. As we journey, we’ll notice a shift in atmosphere from the vibrant Peristyle to the quieter and darker substructures before emerging onto the bustling Riva waterfront. While we won’t explore the substructures in their entirety due to additional admission fees and time constraints, we can arrange a separate guided visit if you’re interested in delving deeper into this remarkable structure.
- Maketa Grada Splita - Nearby the seaside exit from the Diocletian Palace Substructures, there is a large-scale model of Split Old Town. We will stop by it in order to better understand the city topography and layout. This short stop will serve as a helpful reminder of the information we’ve covered previously during our tour.
- Riva Harbor - As an important meeting place in Split, Riva functions as both a street, a promenade, and a square. We’ll take a leisurely stroll along a portion of it to reach our next destination, the Fruit Square.
- Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) - We will unveil the secrets of Fruit Square, the Milesi Palace, and the remains of a parish church of St. Michael, sharing many more fascinating facts about this area as we pass through toward our next destination.
- Pjaca - On one side, Riva; on the other, Pjaca. Another historically important meeting place for the locals, Pjaca holds numerous local legends and anecdotes that will be revealed during our tour.
- City Clock - While standing on Pjaca and gazing towrads the east and the oldest part of the city, entrapped within the walls of the Palace, one will notice the city clock tower. Taking a closer look, one might notice there is something peculiar about it. Join our tour to discover what it could be and how it once affected people’s habits.
- Split Fish Market - The only fish market, perhaps in the entire world, where no flies buzz around. The mystery behind this effortless success in Split will be unveiled.
- Marmontova Ulica - Once the westernmost part of the Old Town city walls, this area has since been transformed into an important promenade during the early 19th century. While major changes occurred during the 20th century as well, you will hear more about them on-site.
- Prokurative - Have you noticed that many places in Split have alternative names? The Republic Square, for instance, still retains its historical name ‘Prokurative’. This expansive public square serves as our tour’s ending point. Along with learning a few more intriguing details about its history and surroundings, we will conclude our story of Split with a reflection on the theme of water, just as we began.
What's Included
- Licensed local tour guide, Josipa, owner of Aspalathos Guided Tours
Additional Information
Step into the captivating world of Split’s historic center with this expert-guided small group walking tour. Led by Josipa, an Art Historian and passionate storyteller, you’ll explore Split’s history, architecture, and culture from Roman times to today. Starting in Strossmayer Park, outside Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll journey through 17 centuries within the city’s Roman and medieval walls. Discover the transformation of the Roman palace into the vibrant city it is today. Your guide will lead you through Split’s old town, revealing Egyptian sphinxes, the splendor of Peristyle, and the lively Riva waterfront. Explore preserved 4th-century Roman architecture and see how it has been repurposed over centuries. Learn what makes Split a unique UNESCO site. Our small group sizes ensure a personal experience, with ample opportunity for leisurely conversation. Josipa’s extensive knowledge allows each tour to be uniquely crafted in real-time, tailored to the group’s interests and prior knowledge.
- Disclaimer: This tour does not enter any museums or paid sites.
- Please be mindful of the possibility of hot weather and ensure you wear appropriate sun protection and carry a water bottle. There will be opportunities to refill your water bottle along our tour route.
Location
Strossmayerova Fountain
Ulica kralja Tomislava
Our meeting point is conveniently set in the shade of Strossmayer's Park, also known as 'Đardin', providing a comfortable start to the tour. Your guide, Josipa, will be waiting by the central fountain, holding a yellow-blue sign that reads 'Aspalathos Guided Tours.'
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(45 Ratings)
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Ecatherina_m
Aug 24, 2024
Great tour. - Josipa shared a lot of interesting information about Split and it's history. The tour was very enlightening. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
P6849gddavel
Aug 18, 2024
Fantastic tour guide - She did a great job. She was very entertaining and informative on the history and architecture of the city. We really learned a lot about Split.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture799695
Aug 18, 2024
Best tour guide ever - Josipa was the best tour guide ever! I had a booking for a morning tour that I missed due to a delayed flight and she called me to check on me when I was beeing late, and after explaining it to her, she offered me to join another tour of hers. That same afternoon, she gave me an amazing private tour of the city! Not only she went beyond what her duties were (at the end of the day, I missed the original tour due to my personal circumstances and she didn’t have to get me another spot) but she gave me an amazing tour of all the city center, explaining very interesting details about the history, architecture and art of it, and took me to many less touristy but beautiful spots as well as great restaurant, bars and activities recomentations. 100% would recommend booking a tour with her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aureliediop
Aug 17, 2024
A fantastic visit - Josipa is so knowledgeable and she is clearly passionate about history and Split. She makes interested links through different periods and architectural designs. We highly recommend her ! Thank you Josipa !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion18921284303
Aug 11, 2024
Top top top! - We truly enjoyed our tour with Josipa! It was so much more than you normally expect from a walking tour. Extraordinary! Josipa as a tour guide with her extensive knowledge is a must do tour in Split!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W_s
Aug 7, 2024
Friendly, informative and knowledgeable - I was lucky to be the only person in the tour, so I got a private tour from Josipa, which made the tour even more enjoyable as it's more of a conversation.
She's very knowledgeable, and as a local she knows the best places for specific activities and food (do ask her about it).
The tour itself is nice as well, with a good balance of standing and walking and the places we've visited was not only within Old Town city walls.
Look no further for other tours, just book a tour with Josipa!
Review provided by Viator
Yuriy_u
Aug 5, 2024
History and architecture of Split - Josipa, our tour guide, was wonderful! She is knowledgeable and a very intelligent art historian. We really enjoyed our tour and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Jami21
Aug 5, 2024
Ask for Josipa as your guide!! Great walking tour of Split! - Josipa was our guide and she was amazing. She had so much knowledge about the history of Split and the Romans, etc. it was two of us plus her and she took to some places easy yo get with just 3 people. We loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
542niamhd
Aug 3, 2024
Great tour and guide - Brilliant tour. Guide was very informative and interesting. Super friendly and had a lot of love for the city. Learned so much about the city in the 2 hour tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z9722jcivanac
Jul 23, 2024
Most brilliant guide! - We absolutely enjoyed it with Josipa! Amazing 2 hours in and around Split Old Town and - on a bike! Would recommend to everyone visiting and wanting to hear the true story of Split!
Review provided by Tripadvisor