Salona Roman Ruins Tour

Tour Type
Group tour
Duration
1,5 Hours
Group Size
1-50 persons
Departure
16:00
Price from
20 EUR

If you are fascinated by the history of ancient Rome or ancient ruins, this tour is a great choice for you! Only a few kilometers away from Diocletian’s Palace, you can visit the remains of the ancient city whose inhabitants founded the modern city of Split.

Salona Roman City Ruins Amphitheater
Salona Roman City Ruins Amphitheater seen from the air

The beginnings of the city are related to the indigenous Illyrian tribes, which had an important port in this area. Salona was a multicultural settlement and home for various ancient religious cults. In the course of the wars between the Illyrians and the Romans, the city fell under the rule of the young Roman Republic. Subsequently, Salona became the capital of the entire province of Dalmatia.

The reign of Diocletian, who originated from this area, is considered to be the peak period of Salona’s development and prosperity. It was a bustling metropolis with over 60,000 inhabitants! In the following years, Salona developed into an important center of Christianity. According to tradition, the first bishop of Salona was St. Venantius, a martyr from the era of Emperor Valerian.

Salona Roman City Ruins
Salona Roman City Ruins seen from the air

The ancient metropolis was re-invented in the 19th century. Extensive archaeological research was conducted here by an outstanding local researcher, Frane Bulic. It was he who, in 1894, organized the International Congress of Christian Archeology in Salona.

Ancient Salona Roman Ruins Tour Highlights

Manastirine

The Ancient Necropolis was built outside the city walls, with the remains of a three-nave basilica. It was the burial location of the local martyr, St. Domnius.

Tusculum

The location where the International Congress of Christian Archeology took place in 1894. The name refers to Cicero’s villa, and the building itself was modeled after it. Nowadays, young inhabitants of Split often decide to organize their wedding photo sessions here.

The Episcopal Center with the Baptistery and the Oratories

The remains of what used to be the largest twin basilica complex in the entire area of the Eastern Adriatic, as well as locations where early Christians would secretly gather for worship. The complex also includes the remains of a baptistery.

Salona Roman City Ruins
Salona Roman City Ruins Episcopal Center

The Amphitheater

Dating back to the mid-2nd century AD, the amphitheater had three floors and an arena of over 2,500 square meters. The total capacity was an impressive 17,000 spectators! The gathered crowds most often watched gladiator fights, although there were also executions of Christians taking place here. The first to die in the arena were Bishop Domnio and five martyrs in 304 A.D.

Salona Roman City Ruins Amphitheater
Salona Roman City Ruins Amphitheater seen from the air

Price per person

20
  • The price includes:
  • Visit to Salona
  • English speaking tour leader
  • Audio Guide in 8 languages
  • Insurance and VAT