500px Photo ID: 102534255 - Diocletian palace UNESCO world heritage site in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia

xbrchx / 500px

Peristil

Split


This picturesque colonnaded ancient Roman peristyle (courtyard) lies at the very heart of Diocletian's Palace. In summer you can almost be guaranteed a pair of strapping local lads dressed as legionaries adding to the scene. Notice the black-granite sphinx sitting between the columns near the cathedral; dating from the 15th century BC, it was one of 12 looted from Egypt when the palace was constructed.