2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian

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Split, Croatia

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100 to 120 minutes (Approx.)
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Overview

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.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Strossmayerova Fountain, Ul. kralja Tomislava 12, 21000, Split, Croatia

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We meet all travelers in the center of Strossmayer Park in Split, next to the central fountain. You will recognize your guide, Josipa, by the yellow and blue sign that says “Aspalthos Guided Tours” which she will be holding.

End point

Trg Šperun, Šperun ul., 21000, Split, Croatia

Our tour will conclude at Šperun, a charming and picturesque square located at the edge of the historic Varoš neighborhood. Fittingly, we will end our Story of Split with the theme of water, bringing the journey full circle, just as we began.

Description

Stop At: Strossmayer Park, Northern Split, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Grgur Ninski Statue, Ulica Kralja Tomislava 12, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: The Golden Gate, Ul. Kralja Tomislava, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Dioklecijanova, 21000, Split, Croatia

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.

Stop At: Eastern (Silver) Gate, Diocletian's Palace, Split 21000

The secret behind this short but significant detour from the Peristyle toward the east will be unveiled on site.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: The Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, Dioklecijanova Ulica, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Kraj Sv.Duje 5, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Temple of Jupiter, Kraj Sveti Ivana, Split 21000

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.

Pass By: Let Me Pass (Pusti me da prodjem) Street, Kraj svetog Ivana, Split 21000

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.

Stop At: Vestibulum of Diocletian's Palace, Ulica Iza Vestibula 1, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Diocletian Palace Substructures, IZA Vestibula 3, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Maketa Grada Splita, 21000, Obala Hrvatskog Narodnog Preporoda 23, 2100, Split

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Riva Harbor, Riva Promenade, Split 21000

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.

Stop At: Fruit's Square (Trg Brace Radic), Trg Brace Radic, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Pjaca, Narodni trg, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: City Clock, Southeastern corner of Pjaca/Narodni Trg, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Split Fish Market, Obrov 5, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Marmontova Ulica, Marmontova ulica, Split 21000

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.

Stop At: Prokurative, TRG Republike 1, Split 21000

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Trg Šperun, Šperun ul., 21000, Split, Croatia

Our tour will conclude at Šperun, a charming and picturesque square located at the edge of the historic Varoš neighborhood.

Duration: 5 minutes

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What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 100 to 120 minutes (Approx.)
  • Return Details:

    Trg Šperun, Šperun ul., 21000, Split, Croatia

What's Included

  • Your licensed local tour guide, Josipa, the owner of Aspalathos Guided Tours
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Disclaimer: This tour does not enter any museums or paid sites.
  • This tour will take place rain or shine.
  • The tour will wait for a maximum of 10 minutes beyond the scheduled time before departing from the starting point.
  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-474049P1

Reviews

4.98
62 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 62 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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