Split travel guide
A Guide to the Ancient Roman Ruins of Salona
Before there was Split, there was Salona, the Roman capital of the province of Dalmatia. Its ruins lie in Solin, just outside the city, and few visitors make it, so you can often have the site nearly to yourself. This page covers what Salona was, what you'll see, what tickets cost and how to plan your visit.
While figuring out your Salona trip is a critical piece of the puzzle, you will need to plan the rest of your itinerary, dining slots and sightseeing routes. Before you set out, make sure to read our definitive Split travel guide to map out your entire stay.
Salona at a glance
| Where | Solin, just outside Split. The visitor point is at Tusculum, Don Frane Bulića 91 |
|---|---|
| Run by | The Archaeological Museum in Split |
| Adult ticket | €8 |
| Children, students and retirees | €4 |
| Family ticket | €15 |
| Combined adult ticket | €10 for Salona and the Archaeological Museum in Split, valid 7 days |
| Getting there | Local buses run from Split to Solin; or a short taxi ride |
Prices checked in October 2026 on the museum's price list. The museum's pages give different opening hours, so check before you go: +385 21 329 340 or info@armus.hr.
What was Salona?
Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and one of the largest cities on the Adriatic. When the emperor Diocletian, who came from this region, retired around 300 AD, he built his palace by the sea a few kilometres away, the palace that became Split.
Salona was also an early centre of Christianity. Its bishop Domnius died in Diocletian's persecution and is now Split's patron saint. When the city was abandoned in the 7th century, its people found shelter inside the palace walls, and Split was born.
What to see at Salona
- The amphitheatre: the most striking ruin, on the edge of the old city.
- Early Christian basilicas: the remains of the churches and cemeteries of one of the first Christian communities on the coast, including Manastirine, by the visitor point at Tusculum.
- The theatre and Roman roads: walk the old streets between the ruins.
- Tusculum: the house by the entrance, home to the visitor point.
Plan your visit
- Allow time: a morning or an afternoon covers the site at an easy pace.
- Heat: it is an open-air site, so bring water and a hat in summer and avoid midday.
- Shoes: the ground is uneven, with stones and grass between the ruins.
- Combine it: use the combined ticket for the Archaeological Museum in Split, which shows finds from Salona. From October to May the museum opens Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays and holidays.
- Klis Fortress: on the ridge above Solin, it pairs well with Salona if you have a car.
What to plan next for your trip
Once you have sorted out your Salona trip, it's time to explore the rest of Dalmatia - Split. Back in town, see where Diocletian retired in our guide to Diocletian's Palace. If you are staying on the mainland, check out our guide to Biokovo Nature Park.