Diocletian's Palace Cellars

Overview

The Palace Cellars (Podrumi) are the underground substructures that mirror the layout of the now-vanished imperial apartments above. These remarkably preserved vaulted halls offer the clearest picture of the original palace's spatial organization and grandeur.

Highlights

• Scale: The underground halls precisely replicate the floor plan of the emperor's private quarters that once stood above.
• Barrel Vaults: Massive Roman vaulted chambers stretching across the full width of the southern palace.
• Game of Thrones: The cellars served as Daenerys's throne room in Meereen on the HBO series.

History

The cellars were built around 305 AD as the structural foundation for the imperial apartments on the floor above. Over centuries they filled with refuse and were forgotten until archaeological excavations in the 20th century revealed their extraordinary preservation.

Visitor Tips

• Entry: Access from the Bronze Gate on the Riva promenade.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.