Jewish Heritage of Split - Europe's third oldest active synagogue
Ancient menorahs carved in Roman walls tell the story of Split's enduring Jewish community.
Highlights
- Private tour of the Jewish ghetto
- Meeting inside the synagogue with congregation shamash
- Visit to substructure to see ancient carved menorah
Every tour is private
and you choose the time!
Yes, we can customize this tour to fit your specific needs – like different time of the day to start, can we add a bike ride, etc. – Just ask!
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Of the 70,000 Jews in Yugoslavia before WW2, only 3,500 survived
Overview of your tour
Jewish life within the Roman empire began well before the 4thC when the remarkable Palace of Diocletian was built. But within its walls, we can literally trace Judaic history and how it became an integral part of the fabric of not only Roman, but the history of Split up to the present time. Ancient Jewish prayers and symbols, carefully carved into the walls of the palace substructure, still whisper stories of medieval worshippers.
The synagogue, Europe's third oldest still serving its congregation, stands as a testament to continuous Jewish presence, with its Aron Hakodesh ingeniously incorporated into the palace's western wall. Today, meet Albert, the synagogue's shamash, whose personal narratives will bring this living heritage to life. The Jewish cemetery, established in 1573, occupies one of Split's most scenic locations on the Marjan hill slopes, offering both historical significance and breathtaking views.
Your tour itinerary
Our journey includes a fascinating walk through all of Diocletian's Palace. First, we'll explore the substructure to see ancient menorahs that were carved into the walls, then visit the Mausoleum (now the oldest Cathedral cathedral on the planet still in daily use in its original location) and Temple of Jupiter before reaching the majestic Peristyle square.
Our path continues through the medieval town that grew within the palace walls, including the Golden Gate with its Statue of Gregory of Nin, the historic Pjaca square, and Fruit square with its iconic Venetian tower.
Today's Jewish community in Split is about 100
Tour details
What's extra
- Admission fees:
- Substructure of Diocletian’s Palace (7€)
- Cathedral and Temple of Jupiter (8€)
- All sites accept credit cards
- Food, drinks, and snacks
Please note
- We advise to wear non-slip comfortable walking shoes as all the streets are cobbled, so they are slippery especially in wet weather.
Meeting location
- Cruise terminal, the Split Tourist office on the Riva next to the Hotel Adriana, your hotel or apartment – please let us know!
Pricing
- 100e per person – up to 4 people
- 75e per person – 5,6 people
- If your group is larger than 6, please contact us for details
Great guides, Great reviews
Individually, our team has experience working as private guides for some of the most respected names in the travel industry, including Abercrombie & Kent, National Geographic Travel, Tours by Locals, Jon Baines Travel, numerous Virtuoso agencies and world-class cruise lines like Azamara, Windstar, Princess, Regent, Silver Sea and others.