Diocletian's Cellars
Step back in time in Diocletian's Cellars, exploring ancient Roman substructures and iconic Game of Thrones filming locations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmosphere
Diocletian's Cellars
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time in Diocletian's Cellars, exploring ancient Roman substructures and iconic Game of Thrones filming locations.
"Massive Roman stone chambers that once supported the emperor’s living quarters above."
🚶♀️ Shortcut to Promenade
Use the cellars as a direct path from the palace to the waterfront promenade.
💰 Affordable Exploration
Entry is reasonably priced, offering great value for exploring ancient Roman chambers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Roman Architecture
Beneath Diocletian's Palace
Explore massive, well-preserved stone halls that once supported the emperor's living quarters. Feel the history in every corner.
Game of Thrones Filming Location
Meereen Dragon Chamber
See where Daenerys Targaryen chained her dragons in Season 4. A must-see for fans of the show!
Historical Insights
Informative Boards
Learn about the cellars' function and history through detailed explanations and descriptions of past uses.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the 'Wow' Factor
Best Times
Insider Tips
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One-Day Itinerary in Split
🚶♀️ Shortcut to Promenade
Use the cellars as a direct path from the palace to the waterfront promenade.
💰 Affordable Exploration
Entry is reasonably priced, offering great value for exploring ancient Roman chambers.
Split in 2 hours?
Roman History Is So Cool (Diocletian’s Palace)
🐉 Game of Thrones Bonus
Fans will love spotting the exact locations used for iconic scenes in the show.
🧐 Guided Tour Value
Enhance your visit with a tour for deeper historical context and engaging stories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Shortcut to Promenade
Use the cellars as a direct path from the palace to the waterfront promenade.
💰 Affordable Exploration
Entry is reasonably priced, offering great value for exploring ancient Roman chambers.
🐉 Game of Thrones Bonus
Fans will love spotting the exact locations used for iconic scenes in the show.
🧐 Guided Tour Value
Enhance your visit with a tour for deeper historical context and engaging stories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Diocletian's Cellars for their atmospheric Roman architecture and historical significance, with many appreciating the Game of Thrones filming locations. While some find the empty halls lacking a certain 'wow' factor, others highlight the value of guided tours for a richer understanding of the site's past.
"Really cool spot to explore under Diocletian’s Palace. The cellars are super atmospheric—massive stone halls that feel like you’ve stepped back into Roman times. It’s crazy to think how well-preserved everything is. You can wander around at your own pace, and there are signs explaining what each area was used for."
Laurence Ho
"The tours are a fantastic way to understand Roman/European history and what an important impact Split and the old world played in the times. Game of Thrones set locations were a bonus for fans, but not the thrust of the tour. Dino was a fantastic tour guide."
David Garrett, III
"To be honest, I was a bit disappointed when visiting the ancient cellars of the Roman palace.
Granted, there were descriptions of what each room was used for and what it contained, and the architecture itself wasn't in bad shape – in fact, it was well preserved.
However, it lacked that “wow” factor, some effort to reflect the lifestyle of the Romans who once worked there.
Instead, it was just empty and damp corridors.
Admittedly pretty, but still missing something."
Mikołaj Janta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Diocletian's Cellars are located directly beneath Diocletian's Palace, which is a short walk from the Split port. You can enter the cellars from within the palace complex or via an entrance on the Riva promenade.
The cellars are within the heart of Split's historic center, easily reachable on foot from most areas. If arriving by bus or train, it's a short walk to the palace.
Yes, the cellars are very close to the cruise port. Follow the signs towards Diocletian's Palace, and you'll find entrances to the cellars within the palace grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the cellars are open daily from morning until early evening. It's best to check the official Diocletian's Palace website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission to the main areas of the cellars is typically around €8. Some deeper sections or special exhibitions might have separate fees.
For general entry, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially if you visit during off-peak hours. However, for guided tours, it's advisable to book ahead, particularly during peak season.
While there's a standard entry fee, guided tours offer a more in-depth experience and may be considered a different 'option.' Check for combined tickets if visiting other parts of Diocletian's Palace.
Yes, there is a small fee to explore the deeper rooms, which are particularly notable for their Game of Thrones filming locations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find massive, well-preserved Roman stone halls, informative boards detailing their history and function, and areas used as filming locations for Game of Thrones.
Yes, children can find the ancient architecture and Game of Thrones connections exciting. The space is generally safe for exploration, but supervision is recommended.
A self-guided tour can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest level. Guided tours might extend this to 1-1.5 hours.
Photography is generally allowed inside Diocletian's Cellars for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
The cellars originally served as the substructure supporting Diocletian's imperial palace above, used for storage, service areas, and possibly housing for staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand stone arches, the cavernous halls, and the specific areas featured in Game of Thrones offer excellent photo opportunities. Look for dramatic lighting and architectural details.
Yes, it can be quite dim, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing detailed shots.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the site management, but generally, they might be restricted in crowded areas to avoid obstruction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Bring a flashlight: While there's some lighting, a small flashlight can add to the adventure and help explore darker corners.
* Keep it short and sweet: Focus on the most engaging parts, like the dragon chambers, to maintain younger children's interest.
* Consider a guided tour: A good guide can make the history come alive for kids with captivating stories.
🎬 Game of Thrones Fans
Don't miss:
* The specific chambers used for the dragon scenes.
* Imagining the intense moments that unfolded in these ancient spaces.
* Taking photos to commemorate your visit to this iconic filming location.
🏛️ History Buffs
Key takeaways for history buffs:
* Appreciate the advanced Roman engineering.
* Understand the functional layout of an imperial palace.
* Connect the cellars to the broader history of Split and the Roman world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unveiling the History
The cellars are not just empty spaces; they are filled with historical context. Informative boards are strategically placed throughout the complex, detailing the original function of each area, from storage rooms to potential living quarters for palace staff. This provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to understand how the palace operated as a self-contained unit. The sheer scale of the construction is awe-inspiring, showcasing the advanced architectural techniques of the Roman era.
Beyond their historical significance, Diocletian's Cellars gained modern fame as a filming location for the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. Specifically, these atmospheric stone corridors were used to depict the dungeons of Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen famously chained her dragons. For fans of the show, this adds an extra layer of excitement, allowing them to stand in the very spots where iconic scenes were filmed.
Navigating the Cellars: Tips for Visitors
While the cellars are well-preserved, they can feel a bit damp and empty to some visitors, lacking the 'wow' factor of more elaborately decorated historical sites. To counter this, consider joining a guided tour. Local guides often bring the history to life with engaging stories and deeper insights into Roman daily life, transforming the experience from a simple walk-through to an educational journey.
For photography enthusiasts, the cellars offer a unique, moody ambiance. The natural stone textures and the play of light and shadow create dramatic visuals. However, the lighting can be dim, so a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod might be beneficial for capturing the best shots. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the historical site itself when taking photos.
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