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Salona Archaeological Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Salona was the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and today stands as Croatia's most significant archaeological site, located near the city of Solin. During its peak in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, especially during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the city boasted a population of around 60,000 and featured all the amenities of a major Roman metropolis. The extensive archaeological park includes the remains of a massive amphitheater that once held 18,000 spectators, public baths, a forum, and various temples. Salona is also a crucial site for early Christian history, home to several paleo-Christian basilicas and cemeteries like Manastirine, where Christian martyrs were buried. The city was eventually destroyed by Avar and Slavic invasions in the 7th century, forcing its inhabitants to flee to the safety of Diocletian's Palace, which led to the founding of modern Split. Today, the ruins provide a fascinating look into Roman engineering and the early development of Christianity in the Mediterranean.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Starine · Basilica · Salona - archaeological site / park
Nearby: Stobreč (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	7	10	13	18	22	25	25	21	17	13	8
Rain mm	91	89	78	65	57	51	29	41	90	88	126	116

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Salona Archaeological Park is a vast excavation site that is freely accessible and can be visited. The ruins of the Roman city, including baths, forums, and early Christian basilicas, are walkable.

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Typical hours

The park typically has no fixed opening hours and is accessible during daylight hours. Some areas may be fenced off, but the main ruins are viewable at any time.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the park without restrictions, convenient for lovers of ancient architecture. A tripod can be useful for shots of the large ruin expanses in good light.

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Time needed

For a thorough walk through the archaeological park, allow about one and a half to two hours. If you are interested in the details of the excavations, the visit can take longer.

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Combine with

The park is near the Salona Amphitheater, which can also be visited. Pairing it with the city of Split, especially Diocletian's Palace, is recommended as Solin is a short drive away.

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Getting there

The park is in Solin, about five kilometers northeast of Split, easily reachable by car. There is a parking lot at the entrance; by public bus, take the bus to the 'Solin' stop and walk about 15 minutes.

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Insider tip

Bring a water bottle and a hat, as the park has little shade. Visit the site early in the morning when temperatures are pleasant and the light is soft.

Geography

Coordinates

43.53930, 16.48280

Facts

The amphitheater of Salona was constructed during the 2nd century AD.
The city walls extended over a total length of approximately 4 kilometers.
Emperor Diocletian was likely born in the immediate vicinity of Salona.
The site includes important early Christian cemeteries such as Manastirine.
The city's decline followed the Avar and Slavic invasions around 614 AD.
Salona served as the administrative and religious center of Dalmatia province.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Salona Amphitheater<1 km · SEExplore →

📍Mravince3 km · EExplore →

📍Kamen4 km · SEExplore →

Brodosplit Shipyard4 km · SWExplore →

Klis Fortress4 km · NEExplore →

Kaštel Gomilica5 km · WExplore →

Church of St. Nicholas Split5 km · SWExplore →

📍Stobreč5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Salona Archaeological Park (10)

Starine🌳 park

Park on the site of the ancient Roman city of Salona on the Dalmatian coast, in present-day Croatia.

Basilica

Excavation site of an early Christian basilica in the Roman city of Salona.

Salona - archaeological site / park

Archaeological park with the ruins of the Roman city Salona, once capital of Dalmatia.

Baptistery

Early Christian baptistery in Salona, remains of the font and mosaics.

Porta Caesarea

Roman city gate in Salona, part of the ancient fortifications.

Archeological Museum Salona🏛 museum

Museum with finds from the Roman city Salona, including sculptures and everyday objects.

Necropolis ad Viam Suburbanam

Roman necropolis along a road leading out of Salona, with funerary monuments.

crkva Svete Obitelji

Church building in Solin, Croatia, dedicated to the Holy Family.

crkva Gospe od Otoka

Roman Catholic church in Salona, Croatia, dedicated to Our Lady of the Island.

Marusinac

Early Christian site in Salona, with remains of a basilica and a mausoleum.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Salona in ancient times?

It was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and one of the empire's largest cities.

What is the most impressive monument in Salona?

The Roman amphitheater, which once accommodated up to 18,000 spectators.

Was Salona the birthplace of an emperor?

Emperor Diocletian was likely born in or near Salona.

How do you get from Split to Salona?

It is located in Solin, 5 km from Split, accessible by local buses 1 and 37.

What is the Manastirine site?

It is one of the most important early Christian cemeteries with ruins of a basilica.

Salona Archaeological Park: where is it located?

Salona Archaeological Park is located in Croatia.

Salona Archaeological Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Starine, Basilica, Salona - archaeological site / park.

Salona Archaeological Park: when is the best time to visit?