Cellars of Diocletian's Palace, Roman underground chambers in Split, Croatia
The Cellars of Diocletian's Palace are Roman underground chambers that extend beneath the southern section of the palace, forming a network of halls and corridors. These spaces reflect the layout of the imperial apartments that once occupied the floors above.
These substructures were built between 295 and 305 CE to support the emperor's living quarters while serving as storage for palace supplies. Their construction was part of Diocletian's grand vision to create a monumental retreat on the Adriatic coast.
The underground halls host art exhibitions, theater performances, and craft fairs where locals and visitors gather for contemporary cultural events. You can experience how these ancient spaces continue to serve as a vibrant venue for creative activities.
You can enter through two main access points: the Porta Aenea from the Riva waterfront or the staircase from the Peristyle. The ground is uneven in places and the chambers stay cool, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.
The well-preserved basement halls allow archaeologists to reconstruct the exact layout of the imperial apartments that once stood above them. This underground maze reveals more about daily palace life than many other ruins in the region.
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