The Salona ruins, located near the modern-day city of Solin, might be one of the most underrated destinations in Dalmatia. Just a 10-15-minute drive from Split, this historical site is often overlooked. For a fair ticket price, you can spend an entire afternoon exploring this ancient Roman city and get a sense of how the Romans lived over 2,000 years ago.
Join us as we visit Salona’s basilicas, thermae, and the famous amphitheater, which hosts fascinating events during the summer.
Here you have my best tips and recommendations when visiting Salona
About Salona
Solana is a city founded by Illyrian tribes in the 3rd century. Salona became part of the Eastern Roman Empire around 0-50 BC when the Roman Empire expanded to this region.
The Roman emperor Diocletian was born in Salona. He commissioned the building of the Diocletian Palace in Split so that he could return to the area after his retirement.
Saint Domnius, the patron Saint of Split, was the bishop of Salona, he and other Christians were murdered (Executed) by Diocleatian’s army.
Salona, at its peak, had about 60,000 inhabitants, and in parts of the 5th century A.D., it was the capital of the Roman Empire.
Avars and Slavs invaded Salona in the 7th century A.D., most citizens found protection in the Palace in Split, and others escaped to Island Brac.
Visiting Salona
As I mentioned in the Video, Salona has three entrances. I have named them on the map below to explain.
If you want to see the whole of Salona, you should enter the Main Entrance. At this Entrance, you have a fairly large, free parking lot.
- Bus Line No. 1 stops at bus stop Starine Salona 1, 150 meters from the Entrance.
- NextBike station is next to the coffee bar, 100 meters from the Entrance.
If you have limited time or want to avoid too much walking, you should enter Entrance 2 next to the Amphitheatre, here you also have free parking.
- Bus Line No. 1 stops at bus stop Starine Barišići 1, 600 meters from the Entrance.
Entrance 3 is only relevant if you are staying in Solin. (Note: to buy a ticket when entering here, you need to go to Tusculum by the main entrance)
- GPS Location Main Entrance: 43.541743, 16.481943
- GPS Location Entrance 2: 43.538985, 16.474660
- GPS Location Entrance 3: 43.541826, 16.490772
Entrance Tickets
This is the price for a regular visit to Salona
- Adult 8 Euros
- Kids 4 Euros
Combi ticket Salona + Archeological Museum Split
- Adult 10 Euros
- Kids 5 Euros
Other ticket types available: Group Tickets, Family tickets
You can find the complete price list here.
You can buy tickets online here.
Opening hours
- 1st of June to the 30th of September, Salona is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- 1st of October to the 31st of May, Salona is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Note: most Sundays I visited in their winter period, the ticket office was not open.
Good to know when visiting
- You cannot buy refreshments at Salona, so I always bring water and a snack.
- You can bring your dog as long as it is on a leash.
- We usually spend 2 hours at Salona, route – Main entrance – Amphitheatre – Theater – Solana Episcopal Center.
- Salona is the largest archeological site in Croatia.
- Marusinac a cemetery Complex with two basilicas is located detached from the main Salona site.
- The Gardens you see at Salona are privately owned.
- Wildlife is present at Salona (As I mentioned in the Video).
- In July there is an amazing event taking place called Romance in Salona (Romantika u Salona), which includes an “Evening of the Gladiators” You can see a video from the 2024 event here.
- A Danish (Like me) architect Eynar Dyggve researched Salona for 40 years, and in 1987 was declared an honorary citizen of Solin
Request to the Archeological Museum of Split
Could you please consider making a yearly ticket for Salona for the citizens of Split, Solin, and Kastela?
- Dubrovnik has a system where citizens can visit the city wall for free.
- National Park Krka Waterfalls has a program called Friends of the Krka Club, which is intended for more time visitors.
FAQ
What is Salona and where is it located?
Salona is an ancient Roman city and one of the most important archaeological sites in Croatia. It is located in Solin, just 5 km from Split.
How do I get to Salona from Split?
You can reach Salona from Split by local bus, taxi, Uber, or car. The ride takes 10–15 minutes.
Do I need a ticket to enter Salona?
Yes — a small entrance fee is required, payable at the main gate.
How much are entrance tickets for Salona?
A regular ticket costs €8 for adults and €4 for children.
How long does it take to visit Salona?
A typical visit takes around 1–2 hours, depending on how much of the archaeological complex you explore.
What are the must-see attractions inside Salona?
The top highlights include the Roman amphitheater, city walls, basilicas, baths, necropolis, and early Christian sites.
What is the Salona amphitheater known for?
The Salona amphitheater is one of the largest in the Roman province of Dalmatia and could hold up to 18,000 spectators.
Is Salona suitable for families and kids?
Yes — the open outdoor layout makes it easy to walk around, and children enjoy exploring the ruins.
