Salona

Salona is the archaeological site of an ancient Roman city on the edge of modern-day Solin, just a few kilometres from Split, along the Jadro River.

What was Salona?

Founded in the third century BC, the settlement grew into the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. At its peak it housed roughly 60,000 people, making it one of the largest urban centres of the late Roman Empire along the eastern Adriatic. The city also played a surprising role in the twilight of the Western Empire: Julius Nepos, the last emperor recognised by Constantinople, took refuge here after being deposed, and Salona effectively served as the de facto capital of the Western Roman Empire between 476 and 480, after Rome itself had already fallen from imperial control in the west. The city's decline came in the seventh century, when invasions by the Avars and Slavs destroyed most of the urban fabric, pushing survivors to seek shelter inside the walls of the nearby Diocletian's Palace, around which Split later grew.

What can you see among the ruins?

The archaeological zone spans a wide area that rewards a slow walk tracing the city's different layers of history. Sections of the defensive walls that once enclosed the entire settlement still stand, alongside the remains of the forum, the civic heart of Roman public life. Visitors can also make out the outline of a theatre used for performances and gatherings, and a separate amphitheatre — an elliptical structure built for public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests. Fragments of public baths, a staple of Roman daily routine, and stretches of the aqueduct that once carried water from nearby springs into the city are also visible on site. Don't skip the early Christian cemetery of Manastirine, where martyrs and bishops were buried; it's a reminder that Salona was also an important early centre of Christianity in the region.

How do you get there?

The site sits within the town of Solin, in Split-Dalmatia County, about 8 km northeast of central Split. Thanks to the proximity of Split and its airport, reaching the ruins is straightforward by local bus, taxi, or rental car. Modern Solin, now home to more than 20,000 residents, grew up largely around the footprint of the old Roman city, so the ruins sit right alongside contemporary streets and neighbourhoods.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the site is open-air and quite extensive, it's best explored in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially during the Dalmatian summer. Spring and autumn tend to offer the most comfortable conditions, with fewer visitors and milder weather for a leisurely walk through the ruins. Sturdy shoes are worth packing, as the ground is uneven and partly overgrown, and many of the remaining structures reward a closer, unhurried look.

Frequently asked questions

Is Salona the same as Split? No — Salona was a separate city and the capital of Roman Dalmatia, while Split grew up around Emperor Diocletian's palace, built after Salona had already begun to decline. Following the seventh-century invasions, Salona's residents relocated to Split.

How long does it take to see the ruins? A relaxed visit covering the main highlights — the forum, theatre, amphitheatre, and baths — typically takes about ninety minutes to two hours, depending on your pace and interest in the archaeological details.

Is entry to the site free? Access to much of the grounds is free, though certain fenced sections with better-preserved remains may require a ticket — it's worth checking locally or ahead of your visit.

Can you visit without a car? Yes. Thanks to Split's proximity and its local bus network, reaching Solin and the ruins is entirely possible without your own vehicle.