The layout of the cellars provides the only accurate template for the original appearance of the Emperor's now-destroyed living quarters directly above.
The cellars were used as a waste dump for the inhabitants of the palace for centuries, which paradoxically protected the masonry from structural collapse.
Many rooms feature drainage channels that suggest the basement was used to store goods, though it primarily served as a platform for the upper palace floors.
The Substructures feature a 'triple arch' design characteristic of the late Roman architectural style during the transition to the Byzantine period.
The site was a primary filming location for the 'Game of Thrones' television series, standing in for the dragon dungeons of Meereen.
Diocletian's Cellars, known as the Substructures, serve as the basement level of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace in Split, Croatia. These chambers were built to elevate the Emperor's residential quarters to a higher level, providing a grand entrance from the sea. They represent one of the best-preserved ancient Roman subterranean complexes in the world, mirroring the floor plan of the imperial apartments above. The space consists of a series of barrel-vaulted rooms connected by corridors. Because the structure remained filled with refuse for centuries, it was protected from environmental erosion and architectural modification until major archaeological excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, visitors walk through these cool, stone corridors to observe original mortar and Roman masonry techniques. The site serves as a vital historical link between the palace's residential upper level and the Riva promenade.
The central hall looking toward the southern exit, which frames the sea view through the ancient Roman archway.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the historic stone floors can be uneven and occasionally damp.
Bring a light jacket, as the stone-walled environment is significantly cooler than the outdoor Mediterranean heat.
Visit the gift shop located within the cellars, as it is one of the few places to purchase authentic local stone carvings.
Do not mistake the public transit route through the cellars for a shortcut; it is a paid archaeological site.
Maintain a respectful volume; refrain from touching delicate exposed mortar joints.
