Salona Archaeological Park
Explore the vast ruins of Salona, ancient capital of Dalmatia and birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. Discover Roman life and early Christian history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Salona Archaeological Park
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast ruins of Salona, ancient capital of Dalmatia and birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. Discover Roman life and early Christian history.
"Impressive remains of a walled Roman town, a nice 2-3h activity near Split."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There are no facilities on-site, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Amphitheatre
Southwest entrance
Imagine gladiatorial contests in this vast arena, a testament to Roman entertainment and engineering.
Basilica of the Five Martyrs
Near the Amphitheatre
Explore early Christian history amidst hundreds of scattered Roman and Christian sarcophagi.
Thermae and Manastirine
Central ruins
Wander through the remains of Roman baths and a significant monastic complex, offering glimpses into daily life.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
A walk through the Roman town of Salona
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There are no facilities on-site, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
A walk through the Roman town of Salona/Šetnja rimskim gradom Salonom
What are your favourite roman ruins?
🎟️ Joint Tickets Save Money
Consider a combined ticket with the Split Archaeological Museum for a fuller picture.
📱 Use Augmented Reality
Scan QR codes to visualize how monuments looked in their prime.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There are no facilities on-site, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🎟️ Joint Tickets Save Money
Consider a combined ticket with the Split Archaeological Museum for a fuller picture.
📱 Use Augmented Reality
Scan QR codes to visualize how monuments looked in their prime.
🚗 Parking Available
There's a small, free car park at the main entrance and another near the amphitheater.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Salona for its extensive Roman ruins and historical significance, particularly the amphitheater and early Christian basilicas. The augmented reality features are a highlight for visualizing the past. However, some note the lack of facilities and the potential for litter if visitors are not mindful.
"Tickets are sold in the house that is inside the property. We decided to purchase a joint ticket to this and the Archaeological Museum in Split. The building has some interesting information on the building and it's history and purpose.
The star are the remains of the roman city that are quite extensive. Display boards throughout help you understand the layout of the city and where you are in it. It is a short walk down a path to reach the amphitheater and Basilica of the Five Martyrs. There is parking and another entrance at the amphitheater.
The view back to the harbor is quite impressive and the site is well worth the visit. So many remains of roman cities are not so easy to access or understand. The city has some development around it but not so much that it makes it hard to understand why this was chosen as a site for the ancient city."
Thomas Winslett
"Beautiful place, we were satisfied with our visit. We explored the entire area. It would definitely be worth it if the kids looked up from their phones and cleaned up their checkpoints before opening. I understand that's probably asking a lot, but after climbing into 16 sarcophagi and pulling out a plastic bottle, and leaving the amphitheater feeling like a janitor... well, that’s a bit of a shame, isn’t it?"
Martin Hattas
"This is a big site made up of many interesting parts; Amphitheatre, Thermae, Basilica, Manastirine etc. I got there using No 37 bus from Split so entered from the SW part of the site by the Amphitheatre. My advice is to go early (9.00am) it's very hot currently and there's plenty of walking to do if you want to see everything on this site. Take a water bottle with you also as no facilities here. Information boards at key points give you some useful background information on what you're looking at aswell as diagrammatic illustrations of what the place would have looked like fully constructed. Easy to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this area. Very interesting."
Miles Macdonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salona is a short drive from Split, about 15 minutes. You can take local bus number 37 or use Uber for a convenient ride. +1
Yes, there is a small, free car park at the main entrance on the north side and another entrance with parking near the amphitheater.
While possible, it's a longer walk and not recommended, especially in the heat. Public transport or a short taxi/Uber ride is more practical.
The site is extensive. Information boards at key points provide background, and QR codes offer augmented reality views of the original structures.
Yes, bus number 37 from Split stops near the site, making it accessible for those without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are sold at the house located inside the property, near the main entrance.
Ticket prices can vary, but it's often recommended to consider a joint ticket with the Split Archaeological Museum for better value.
Information on discounts is usually available at the ticket office. Consider checking for student or senior rates if applicable.
While the site is not fully fenced and some locals may enter from other points, purchasing a ticket supports the preservation of this historical site.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office upon arrival, especially if planning a late afternoon visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the extensive ruins and learning about its history.
Key highlights include the Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica of the Five Martyrs with its sarcophagi, the Thermae, and the Manastirine complex. +1
Children can find it interesting, especially with the augmented reality features. However, some visitors note that engagement can vary.
Facilities are limited on-site. It's advisable to use restrooms before entering and bring your own water and snacks.
Some visitors have observed locals walking dogs on the site. However, it's always best to check local regulations regarding pets in archaeological parks.
📸 📸 Photography
The Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica with its sarcophagi, and the views back towards the harbor offer great photographic opportunities.
Regulations regarding drone usage can be strict at historical sites. It's recommended to check with the site management before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the ruins.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket office if you plan to use one.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's crucial to manage expectations. Some reviews mention children being less engaged if they're glued to their phones. Make it an interactive adventure by turning it into a scavenger hunt for specific ruins or by discussing the historical context beforehand. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited, and comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider taking the local bus number 37 from Split, which is an economical way to reach the site. While there's a small fee for parking, it's generally reasonable. Some visitors have noted that the site isn't fully fenced, and locals sometimes enter from other points, but purchasing a ticket supports the preservation efforts.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the information boards and utilize the augmented reality features to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site's evolution. Exploring the Basilica of the Five Martyrs and the surrounding sarcophagi provides a unique insight into early Christian burial practices and beliefs. Don't miss the chance to walk along the ancient city walls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Salona
The archaeological park showcases the remnants of this once-grand city, including its impressive amphitheater, public baths (thermae), basilicas, and residential areas. The site also holds significant importance for early Christianity, with numerous early Christian basilicas and a vast necropolis containing hundreds of sarcophagi. The ongoing excavations continue to reveal more about Salona's rich past, making it a treasure trove for historians and archaeologists.
Exploring Salona offers a tangible connection to Roman and early Christian history. The scale of the ruins, combined with informative display boards and augmented reality features, allows visitors to visualize the city's former glory and understand its profound impact on the region. It's a journey back in time, offering a unique perspective on the ancient world.
Exploring Salona: What to Expect
For a more immersive experience, utilize the augmented reality (AR) features available via QR codes. These AR overlays can help you visualize how the ancient buildings and monuments would have looked in their prime, bringing the history to life. Comfortable footwear is essential, as the terrain can be uneven. It's also highly recommended to bring a water bottle, especially during warmer months, as on-site facilities are minimal.
The site is not fully enclosed, and some visitors have noted that locals sometimes access parts of it without tickets. However, purchasing a ticket not only grants you access but also contributes to the preservation and ongoing research of this invaluable historical treasure. The views back towards the coast and Split are also quite impressive, adding to the overall scenic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit