
Vestibule
Echoes of Empire Beneath the Open Sky
Just beyond the Peristyle in Diocletian’s Palace lies the Vestibule, a circular hall that once served as the grand entrance to the emperor’s private quarters. Built in the early 4th century, its soaring walls originally supported a glittering mosaic dome, designed to awe ambassadors and elite visitors before they met the ruler himself.
Though the dome is long gone, the open oculus above now frames the sky, creating a dramatic shaft of light that dances across the ancient stone. The acoustics here are remarkable—so much so that klapa groups often perform traditional Dalmatian a cappella songs inside, their harmonies echoing through the chamber like a living memory.
The Vestibule is more than a passageway—it’s a sensory experience. From the cool echo of footsteps to the scent of old stone warmed by the sun, it invites you to pause, look up, and feel the weight of centuries pressing gently around you.