Saint Domnius’ Cathedral

We tried several times to get inside the cathedral, but to no avail. A female "gatekeeper" stood at the door, barring anyone she considered "tourists." If local authorities position the cathedral solely as a place of prayer and not a tourist attraction, then why include it in the list of tourist attractions? This division between "us" and "them" is irritating and depressing. The cathedral's bell tower is visible from everywhere in the Old City. It's ornate and impressive.

The oldest Catholic cathedral in the world (consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD) that remains in use in its original structure, without near-complete renovation at a later date. The structure itself, built in AD 305 is the Mausoleum of Diocletian. The Cathedral of St. Domnius is a complex of a church, formed from an Imperial Roman mausoleum, with a bell tower. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the bell tower to Saint Domnius. Together they form the Cathedral of St. Domnius.

Very nice building with beautiful golden interior. If you are able to climb steep stairs I recommend to visit the tower (costs extra), the view gives you a complete overview over Split. Great!

Absolutely stunning, this is a must see if you are in Croatia. I highly suggest taking a guided walking tour with an expert as there are so many aspects to this palace. You get a sense of feel of the history, the culture, the different times in the different centuries. This is a great place to visit for somebody who is into architecture, going back to the 15th and 16th century, where you can see the architectural influences going back into the generations, just based on the stones that were used in the different sections of the cathedral.

Little work to get up , if you have gone to the top of the Vatican it will be peanuts for you. It’s also less impressive, i didn’t like the guards at the entrance I find them rude , it’s also small but the courtyard is very interesting and you get a beautiful view of top

This is really quite a special place for those of Catholic faith. It's considered to be the oldest Catholic Cathedral in the world that remains in use in it's original structure, consecrated at the beginning of the 7th Century. Beautiful altars and paintings adorn the interior. It's well worth combining a visit here with the Bell Tower which provides you with magnificent views of the city.

My Experience of the Cathedral of Split – A Journey Through History Visiting the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split was a truly unforgettable experience. Standing in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, the cathedral is not just a building – it’s a powerful reminder of the layers of history that have shaped the city. To walk through a structure that was once the mausoleum of a Roman emperor and is now a Christian cathedral still in use today was deeply moving. The contrast between its ancient Roman architecture and its sacred Christian function made the experience feel both timeless and alive. Climbing the bell tower offered breathtaking views of Split and the Adriatic Sea, but what struck me most was the feeling of being surrounded by centuries of faith, art, and resilience. The carved wooden doors, the stone columns, the quiet atmosphere inside – everything spoke of a long and rich story that continues to this day. For me, the cathedral was the highlight of my visit to Split. It brought history to life in a way few places can. If you're seeking a place where the ancient and the spiritual meet, this cathedral is an experience not to be missed. ZazaPress

Much smaller than I was expecting but then I learnt it was the Emperor's mausoleum before being repurposed in the 7th century. It is worth the visit and part of the multi-site ticket. Pity that too many large tour groups try to go into the small space at once. You need to buy the tickets from the ticket office on the other side of the square.