Diocletian Palace Gates Split

Gateways to Time

Unveiling Split’s Historic Charm Through Its Four Majestic Portals

Diocletian Palace Gates. Embark on a journey through the ancient city of Split, where history comes alive through its remarkable gates. The Golden Gate stands tall, a testament to Roman grandeur and triumphs. Follow the path to the Silver Gate, adorned with intricate carvings that bridge the gap between past and present. As you traverse the formidable Iron Gate, feel the weight of centuries in its stone arches. Each tells a story of resilience and endurance. Let the whispers of history guide you through the bustling streets, leading you to the hidden charm of the Brass Gate. In Split, each gate is a portal to a different era. Promising a blend of heritage and modern vibrancy that is nothing short of captivating.

The Golden Gate Split – Diocletian Palace Gates

Unveiling Porta Septemtrionalis A Stroll Through History

In the heart of Split, the Roman masterpiece known as Porta Septemtrionalis beckons visitors to step into history. Dating back to the 1st of June 305, these gates witnessed the footsteps of Emperor Diocletian as he entered his palace. Crafted as a rectangular fortress with double doors. Porta Septemtrionalis stood as a strategic bastion, showcasing the brilliance of defensive military tactics known as propugnaculum. Adorning its facade were niches housing sculptures of the influential tetrarchs, immortalizing the faces of power—Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus.

A Regal Path and Transformative Legacy

The journey through Porta Septemtrionalis unfolds along a regal path, guiding visitors from Peristyle through Cardo Street, leading directly to Salona, the capital of the Roman Province Dalmatia. This path, reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family, echoes the footsteps of history. In the present day, the gates, alongside the monument to Bishop Gregius of Nin, reflect the transformative touch of Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. His artistry adds an enchanting layer to this Split landmark, making it a must-visit for those exploring the city.

Venetian Influence and Diocletian’s Legacy

Under the influence of Venice in the 16th century, Porta Septemtrionalis underwent a metamorphosis, earning the name Porta Aurea or Golden Gates—a title that endures to this day. This Venetian influence adds an intriguing chapter to the gates’ evolution. Originally built as a retirement residence for Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century A., The fortress-like palace now dominates half of Old Town Split. Despite the passage of ages, the timeless quadrant design, featuring the Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate, preserves the significance and stories embedded within Diocletian’s Palace. Explore the enduring legacy of a fortress in time.

Unveiling The Silver Gate – Diocletian Palace Gates

A Passage Through Time

At the eastern frontier of the palace lies Porta Orientalis, a gateway with roots in Roman history. This entrance, also known as the Silver Gate, served as a passageway from the east to the west, guiding travellers along the main street, Decumanus, towards the Iron Gate and Pjaca, the bustling central city square. While not as extravagantly adorned as its Golden counterpart, the Silver Gate boasts a unique charm, its history is interwoven with periods of closure and reconstruction.

The Resilience of Silver A Glimpse into the Past

Closed from the Middle Ages until 1952, the Silver Gate underwent extensive reconstruction during the Baroque church Dušica’s destruction. The remnants of octagonal towers on either side hint at the gate’s original splendour and the robust control it exerted over entrances from the north, east, and west. Today, those who pass through these gates can tread upon the ancient pavement of Decumanus, once traversed by Diocletian’s subjects. The Silver Gate, a witness to centuries of history, gained a poignant chapter in 2000 AD when Pope John Paul II graced it with his presence, admiring the beauty of St Domnius’s Cathedral.

Beyond the Gates

Mini-Churches, Venetian Ventures, and Papal Presence

Above the gate, a narrow corridor houses the mini-church of Saint Apolinar, dating back to the sixth century. Established during a flood of refugees, similar mini-churches adorned the other gates. In the 18th century, the Venetians, asserting their influence, opened a “small gate” beside the Silver Gate. Opposite this historical entrance, the monastery and church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, built by Dominicans in the 17th century, stand proudly. The Silver Gate, with its connections to the Pope’s visit and the rich tapestry of its surroundings, serves not just as an entry point but as a testament to Split’s vibrant history.

The Iron Gate – Diocletian Palace Gates

Gateway Through Time Porta Occidentalis

In the heart of Split, Porta Occidentalis, known as the Iron Gate, stands as a witness to 17 centuries of the city’s evolution. From its Roman origins, the gate has seen the ebb and flow of power, the influences of different eras, and the vibrant life of the city. With the bells of the Renaissance clock still chiming, the Iron Gate continues to welcome the citizens of Split. The lintel, once graced by a relief of Nika, the Roman Goddess of Victory, saw a transformation in the fifth century when Christians replaced it with a cross, marking a shift in symbolism.

Ecclesiastical Echoes and Medieval Courthouse

A Tale Above the Gate

In the eleventh century, a small church dedicated to Our Lady of the Belfry, originally devoted to St Theodor, adorned the space above the Iron Gate. A remarkable early Romanesque bell tower accompanied this structure. Throughout the Middle Ages, the area within the gate served as a courthouse, witnessing legal proceedings. The echoes of this historical dynamism persist, with the gate’s interior once hosting a bustling empire of small shops until just fifty years ago.

A Tapestry of History

Walls, Bell Tower, and Unique Palaces

Today, the Iron Gate preserves its historical dynamics, with housing construction within its very walls. The bell tower offers a glimpse of the Roman guards’ pathway, providing a captivating view of the Decumanus and the People’s Square (Narodni trg). Of special interest is the city clock, boasting 24 digits instead of the usual 12. Nestled by the gate is one of the most beautiful palaces of late Split noblemen. Owned by the Cypriani Benedetti family, and adorned with two unique six-arch windows. The Iron Gate, with its rich history and architectural gems, invites both locals and visitors to step into the enchanting tapestry of Split’s past.

The Brass Gate – Diocletian Palace Gates

Gateway to the Sea Porta Meridionalis

Porta Meridionalis, known as the Brass Gate, unfolds a unique tale within the rich history of the Diocletian Palace. Unlike its counterparts, this gate stands modest in size but diverges in function. Leading directly through the Substructures to the sea. The gate, with its Renaissance name Aanea, earned the attribute “Secure,” signifying its pivotal role in facilitating escape by sea in the event of an attack on the Palace from the mainland.

Aanea’s Waterfront Legacy

The Secure Escape Route

Beyond its historical significance, the Brass Gate has stood the test of time. Showcasing authentic door blocks that reveal a two-millennium-old water resistance. This gate, once ensuring the safety of the palace dwellers, now serves as the “main” entrance for tourists. Visitors, guided by local experts, frequently pass through these ancient doors to commence their exploration of the Diocletian Palace. Traversing the Substructures to reach the central part of the palace complex.

Tourist Trails and Ancient Waters

The Brass Gate when built

The Brass gate was right on the waterfront in times gone by. Over the years the seafront has been built up as sea defences were added to keep the water from flooding the City.

Today, the Brass Gate stands not just as a relic of antiquity but as a vibrant gateway for modern explorers. Tourists, drawn by the allure of history, begin their journeys through this gate, guided by local experts who unveil the secrets of the Diocletian Palace. As these visitors step through the Brass Gate, they embark on a voyage through time, immersing themselves in the intriguing tales and architectural wonders that define this corner of Split’s ancient legacy.

Location of The gates can be found on the Walls

North South East and West