Ancient City Salona

Salona was founded in the 4th century BC as a stronghold and port for the Illyrian Dalmatae. In its early days, Illyrians, Greek settlers, and Italics lived here. After the civil war between Caesar and Pompey in 47 BC, Salona became a Roman colony and the capital of the province of Illyria. The city experienced its golden age during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284–305), who had a magnificent palace built nearby and retired there after his abdication. Salona, also known as Valeria, had almost 60,000 inhabitants at that time. The old city center was trapezoidal and protected by robust walls, the eastern parts of which are still preserved today. Public buildings such as a forum with a capitol and a theater for 3500 spectators shaped the cityscape. In the 1st century BC, the city expanded to the east and west, and the city walls were extended to fortify new areas. A monumental amphitheater, built in the 2nd century AD and seating at least 15,000 spectators, testifies to the importance of gladiatorial combat. In the 3rd century, a flourishing Christian community developed in Salona, and the city became an important episcopal see. During the Migration Period, Salona was abandoned, and the medieval town of Solin later emerged east of the ancient site.

The ancient city of Salona is located in Solin, in the Split-Dalmatia County, a region of Adriatic Croatia. The site is situated at an elevation of approximately 9 m above sea level.

Today, the remains of the ancient city of Salona are accessible to visitors and can be explored. They offer a fascinating glimpse into Croatia's Roman past.

• Ancient City of Salona (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.3 km away
• Ancient City of Salona-Theater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.5 km away
• Ancient City of Salona (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.5 km away
• Ancient City of Salona-Amphitheater (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.7 km away