Bronze Gate (Diocletian's Palace)


The Bronze Gate, or "the southern gate" is the smaller of the four principal Roman gates into the stari grad of Split that was once Diocletian's Palace. Originally a sea gate from which the Emperor entered the complex by boat, via the basement rooms in the Imperial Palace. Today it is the main entry point from the Promenade to the Cathedral.

History

During the late antiquity, the gate was known as the Porta Meridionalis and Diocletian probably entered his palace through this gate when embarking/disembarking for sea voyages. There was no promenade, instead, the sea lapped up against the walls, so ships could dock at the Palace. It was constructed just below the peristyle. In the Middle Ages, the gate was known as the 'Security Gate'. Today this is the most used gate within the Palace, with many tourists starting their guided tours from here, as it has access to the Riva.

Description

The Bronze Gate was the main gate of Diocletian's palace, located in the middle of the south wall; today this section of the outer walls are the best preserved.
The style of the gate is completely different from the other three gates of the Palace. It is smaller in size, no decoration and not supported by gatehouses either side. The gate used to be a direct exit to the sea and escape in the event of an attack on the Palace, so in the Middle Ages, it was known as the "Security Gate".