Silver Gate (Porta Argentea, Roman name Porta Orientalis) is the eastern entrance to Diocletian’s Palace, located on Hrvojeva street in Split‘s Old Town (Grad), 21000 Split, Croatia. It was built around 295–305 AD as part of Emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace. Travelers come for its preserved Roman stonework and its direct link to the bustling Green Market. It is also the quickest way into the Peristyle and Split Cathedral.
What to Expect at Silver Gate
The gate keeps the shape of a rectangular propugnaculum, a defensive courtyard where arriving visitors could be checked before entering. It opens onto the decumanus, the palace’s east–west axis, which runs west toward Pjaca (People’s Square), Split’s traditional meeting place. It was more modestly decorated than the northern Golden Gate. The gate was walled up in the Middle Ages and reopened after restoration in the 1950s, when the church of St. Dominius that had blocked it was removed.
Outside the walls, the gate faces the Green Market (Pazar), where stalls sell figs, lavender, cheese and dried fruit. Inside, a short walk along the decumanus brings you to the Peristyle. Look up to see the remains of the octagonal guard towers that once flanked the entrance, along with traces of the upper sentry walkway.
- Roman Propugnaculum: An enclosed guard court between the outer and inner doors, still readable in the stonework.
- Decumanus Walk: The original Roman street leading straight to the Peristyle.
- Green Market: Split’s open-air produce market, just outside the gate.
- Exterior Wall Views: Some of the palace’s best-preserved eastern walls, with arcaded upper windows.
- St. Dominius Church Fragments: Traces of the medieval church that once filled the gateway.
Silver Gate at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Hrvojeva, 21000 Split, Croatia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Old Town (Grad), eastern side of Diocletian’s Palace |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours, daily |
| Admission / Price Range | Free ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | About 5 minutes on foot from Split bus station, train station and ferry port; paid lots along Obala Lazareta |
| Official Website & Phone | visitsplit.com; Split Tourist Board +385 21 348 600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive before 9 a.m. so you can browse the Green Market while it is fresh and see the gate before cruise groups fill the decumanus. Evenings bring warm floodlighting and fewer crowds. From the bus, train and ferry hub, walk north along the Riva and Obala Lazareta. Local Promet bus lines stop nearby at the Riva and Zagrebačka street.
The approach from the market is mostly level, but the polished limestone is uneven and slippery when wet. Wheelchairs and strollers can manage with care, though steps appear deeper inside the palace. Nearby, you can reach the Peristyle and Cathedral of St. Domnius in 2 minutes, the Golden Gate and Grgur Ninski statue in 5, and the Riva promenade cafés in 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Silver Gate?
The gate is open around the clock. Early morning pairs well with the market, and the evenings are atmospheric and lit.
Do I need a ticket?
No, walking through the gate is free. Separate tickets apply only to nearby sites such as the cathedral, bell tower and palace substructures.
How long should I spend here?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the gate itself. Budget two hours if you plan to continue through the full palace.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchairs?
Yes, it is family friendly and has no dress code. Wheelchair users should expect slick, uneven stone, and the routes from the market side are the most level.
When planning your Split travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Split, pair this stop with standout local spots including TAVERN Deep Shade, Split sign, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split, and Gallery Emanuel Vidovic (nearby).
