Saint Domnius Cathedral — Attraction in Grad Split

Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The Catholic Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Svetog Duje), known locally as Sveti Dujam, is a building complex, formed by the imperial Roman mausoleum of Diocletian and a bell tower. The main part of the church is the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian, dating from the late 3rd century. The mausoleum was built like the rest of the palace with white local limestone and high-quality marble and with bricks made in Thessaloniki and other factories. The bell tower was built in the year 1100 in the Romanesque style. The church is dedicated exclusively to the Virgin Mary and the bell tower to Saint Domnius. Together they form the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The church, consecrated in the early 7th century, is considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world still in use in its original structure, with almost no subsequent renovation (although the bell tower dates from the 12th century). It is named after Saint Domnius (3rd-century bishop of Salona), patron saint of Split. Salona was a large Roman city, the capital of the province of Dalmatia. Saint Domnius was martyred along with seven other Christians during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian and was beheaded in 304. The church's sacristy houses the relics of Saint Domnius, which were transferred to the cathedral after his death. Access to the Cathedral of Agios Domnios is from the monumental courtyard of the Peristyle, almost in the center of...

This grand church is built on top of the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, which is amusing because Diocletian is rather notorious in history for persecuting Christianity, perhaps second only to Nero. The church itself is dedicated to Mary, but the bell tower is dedicated to St. Domnius [Hint: Climb the bell tower and be amazed!]. The interior of the church is very large and well decorated, as it is the Cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Split. Note the beautiful wooden doors of the cathedral as you exit, they show scenes from the life of Christ. There are altars inside holding relics of saints, and there is an altar dedicated to Mary. Also note the fantastic pulpit and the room behind the main altar, which has paintings of Christian scenes, and a wooden crucifix. Also, don't miss the treasury. The amazing gilt main altar with cherubic angel supporting a possible relic is also not to be missed. Don't miss the ancient crypt underneath the church, dedicated to St. Lucy. Outside the church, take a look at the supporting architecture, as well as the ancient colonnade. If you want to climb the Bell Tower to get a great view of the city and the sea surrounding it. There is an admissions fee, but it is not...

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...