Walking tour of Split with an Art Historian
Step into Split's captivating historic center with this expert-guided, small-group walking tour. Led by Josipa, an art historian involved in ongoing archaeological fieldwork, you’ll explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture from Roman times to the present. Expect stories and insights not found in guidebooks. Starting just outside Diocletian's Palace, you’ll journey through 17 centuries within the city’s Roman and medieval walls. On this 2-hour tour, you'll visit all the iconic sights, along with a few lesser-known gems tucked away from the usual paths. Your guide will lead you through town, revealing Egyptian sphinxes, the splendor of the Peristyle, the lively Riva waterfront, and more. Find answers to questions about the original functions of the palace, learn how to identify its authentic parts, and hear the latest findings from recent explorations of the palace area. Small group sizes ensure a personal experience with plenty of opportunities for leisurely conversation.
Options
Small Group Walking Tour
What's included in Walking tour of Split with an Art Historian
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Inclusions
- Your licensed local tour guide, Josipa, the owner of Aspalathos Guided Tours
- 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.
- Pet-friendly: If you'd like to bring your dog along, please contact us before booking to discuss the details. Our guide, Josipa, is a fellow dog owner and loves having dogs around, but we want to ensure all guests are comfortable. A quick check-in allows us to make the experience enjoyable for everyone!
- Please be mindful of the possibility of hot weather and ensure you wear appropriate sun protection and carry a water bottle.
- Please note that our tour includes several unavoidable steps. If you have difficulty walking, consider your comfort and safety before booking, and feel free to contact us for further assistance.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Find the meeting point by searching ‘Strossmayer Park’ or ‘Strossmayerova Fountain’ on your map. Head to the round fountain at the center of the park, beneath the shade of the trees. Look for your guide, Josipa, holding a yellow and blue ‘Aspalthos Guided Tours’ sign.
End Points
- If our walk through the Palace takes a bit longer (sometimes great conversations lead us down unexpected paths), we may finish the tour at this alternate endpoint, closer to the Palace.
- Another endpoint for our tour is Prokurative – officially known as Republic Square.
- 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.