Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, catholic church
Salona was an ancient city and the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, founded probably after the Roman civil wars under Julius Caesar. The name Salona preserves the language of the early inhabitants of this area whom the Romans called the Dalmatae, considered to be part of a larger group called the Illyrians. Salona is situated in today's town of Solin, right next to Split, is the largest archaeological park in Croatia.
You understand, it is impossible to see Croatia just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Croatia in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Salona, along with other Croatia' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Salona, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Croatia. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!
Cavtat - Known for beach, coastal town, historical center, marina, museum (art), palace, peninsula, promenade, viewpoint, franciscan monastery, franciscan church
Dubrovnik - Known for fortress, funicular, historical center, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, seaport, venetian empire; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Poreč (Porec) - Known for beach, coastal town, historic house, historical center, mosaic, promenade, walls, catholic basilica; basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; mosaic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Primošten (Primosten) - Known for beach, coastal town, cultural landscape, historical center, promenade, viewpoint, workshop, catholic church; cultural landscape is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Pula - Known for ancient theatre, fortress, gate, historical landmark, museum (olive and olive oil)
Rovinj - Known for coastal town, gate, historical center, marina, museum (heritage), promenade, viewpoint, walls, catholic church; museum (heritage) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Šibenik (Sibenik) - Known for coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, promenade, venetian empire, viewpoint, catholic cathedral, franciscan church; cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Šolta (Solta) - Known for beach, coastal town, island, marina, viewpoint, waterfall
Split - Known for beach, coastal town, gate, historical center, historical landmark, museum (archaeological), museum (art), palace, promenade, seaport; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ston - Known for architecture, fortress, historical ensemble, museum, palace, walls; historical ensemble is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Trogir - Known for coastal town, fortress, historical center, marina, museum, palace, promenade, catholic cathedral, catholic church; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trsteno - Known for arboretum, fountain, garden, monument, viewpoint
Vir - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, peninsula, scenic road, viewpoint
Vis - Known for island, marina, museum, viewpoint, winery + wine tasting
Zadar - Known for byzantine empire, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, gate, historical center, marina, museum, promenade, seaport, venetian empire, catholic cathedral; fortified town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Zagreb - Known for castle, funicular, historical center, museum, catholic cathedral
The ancient city of Salona developed near the estuary of Jadro, and the later medieval settlement was formed on one of the several islands formed by the river, which is where today's center is also situated.
In the first millennium BC the Greeks set up an emporion (marketplace) in Salona. After the conquest by the Romans, Salona became the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia because it sided with the future Roman Dictator Gaius Julius Caesar in the civil war against Pompeius and Marcus Licinius Crassus of the first Triumvirate.
Modern Solin developed on the location of ancient city of Salona which was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. In the late ancient times, Salona's importance was great both politically and religiously. Salona was an early Roman settlement with over 60,000 inhabitants and, according to the legend, the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. Salona ecame overshadowed when Roman Emperor Diocletian retired and constructed nearby the monumental massive structure, known as Diocletian's Palace, that became the core of the modern city of Split in about the year 300 AD.
Martia Iulia Valeria Salona Felix (the full name of the ancient city) was founded probably after the Roman civil wars under Julius Caesar. The early Roman city encompassed the area around the Forum and Theatre, with an entrance, the Porta Caesarea, on the north-east side, The walls were fortified with towers during the reign of Augustus.
The city quickly acquired Roman characteristics: walls; a forum; a theatre; an amphitheatre – the most conspicuous above-ground remains today; public baths; and an aqueduct. Many inscriptions in both Latin and Greek have been found both inside the walls and in the cemeteries outside, since Romans forbade burials inside the city boundaries. A number of fine marble sarcophagi from those cemeteries are now in the Archaeological Museum of Split. All this archaeological evidence attests to the city's prosperity and integration into the Roman Empire.
Salona was largely destroyed in the invasions of the Avars and Croats in the 7th-century AD, though the exact year of the destruction still remains an open subject between archaeologists. Surviving local residents of Salona moved to settlement in and around Diocletian's Palace, turning it into a fortified town.
Salona is the largest archaeological park in Croatia, whose size is attested by the monumental ramparts with towers and gates, a forum with temples, an amphitheater and cemeteries with Salonian martyrs. In the Early Middle Ages Solin was part of the Croatian territory and played an important role in Medieval Croatian state, being one of the political centres.
Christianity in Salona probably originated during the time of the apostles. The Apostle Paul mentions that his pupil Apostle Titus traveled to Dalmatia so the assumption that he worked in Dalmatia's capital city of Salona, at least for a short time, is probable. That city, located on the Adriatic coast, with excellent sea connections with Italy and the Middle East, attracted Christian messengers of faith.
In the 9th century, duke Trpimir I of Croatia built a Benedictine monastery between Klis and Solin. Inscriptions dated to 852 from there are first known written record of the name of Croats in modern-day Croatian territory.
In the 10th century, queen Helen (Jelena) had built two churches by the Jadro: the Church of St. Stephen and the Church of St. Mary. The Church of St. Stephen was the burial place of a number of Croatian kings along with other nobility, It was destroyed by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.
In the 11th century, the Church of Saint Peter and Moses (known today as ＂hollow church＂) was built north of Solin, near the two churches of Saint Mary and Stephen, in which Demetrius Zvonimir was crowned as king of Dalmatia and Croatia.
In the 20th century intensive industrialisation process of the Split basin made Solin no more than a suburb of Split. Today, with its independent municipal status, Solin is part of the Split conurbation, well connected with other towns. Besides industry, a tourism is being developed lately based on numerous archaeological sites and Solin's distinctive image that comes from many urban parks along the Jadro.
Salona related tours
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Salona during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Salona.
We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Salona. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
tour destinations: Klis, Salona, Split, Trogir, Šibenik
Day 1. We depart from Makarska and travel to Split, where we spend the day exploring the city's historic core, a vibrant living museum wrapped around the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally erected as Diocletian's mausoleum, and stroll through the Golden Gate, the palace's majestic northern entrance. Our accommodation for the night is in Split.
Day 2. After staying in Split, we travel to Klis to explore its imposing fortress, dramatically perched on a rocky crest and celebrated for its centuries-long resistance against Ottoman invasions. We then continue to Solin, the ancient city of Salona, to wander through its vast archaeological park, once the thriving capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. After that, we will come to Sibenik for accommodation.
Day 3. After staying in Sibenik, we wander through its atmospheric historic center and admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. James (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture constructed entirely from stone between the 15th and 16th centuries. We also take in the Barone Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the seaward St. Nicholas Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), both essential components of the city's defensive system. We stay another night in Sibenik.
Day 4. After 2 nights in Sibenik, we travel to the charming island-town of Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we explore its beautifully preserved medieval core, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its masterful portal, and the 15th-century Kamerlengo Fortress. Finally, we return to Makarska, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Klis, Salona, Split, Trogir, Šibenik
Day 1. We depart from Primosten and travel to Sibenik, where we explore the Barone Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 17th‑century defensive structure offering panoramic views of the city. We also visit the nearby St. Michael Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), then wander through Sibenik's atmospheric historical center and admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. James (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture built entirely of stone between the 15th and 16th centuries. We will stay overnight in Sibenik.
Day 2. After staying in Sibenik, we travel to Klis to explore its imposing fortress, dramatically perched on a rocky ridge and celebrated for its centuries‑long resistance against Ottoman invasions, as well as its role as a filming location for the series 'Game of Thrones'. We then continue to Salona (Solin) to visit the extensive archaeological site, once the thriving capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. After that, we will come to Split for accommodation.
Day 3. After staying in Split, we visit the Split Archaeological Museum, the oldest museum in Croatia, founded in 1820. We then spend the day exploring the city's historical center, a vibrant living museum wrapped around the 4th‑century Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We stroll through the Golden Gate, admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius (originally Diocletian's mausoleum), and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient imperial residence. We stay another night in Split.
Day 4. After 2 nights in Split, we travel to the Mestrovic Gallery, an art museum dedicated to the works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most renowned sculptor, housed in his former home and studio. We then continue to the charming island‑town of Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we explore its beautifully preserved medieval core, the 13th‑century Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its masterful portal, and the 15th‑century Kamerlengo Fortress. Finally, we return to Primosten, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Klis, Loreto, Salona, Split, Trogir, Šibenik
Day 1. We depart from Zadar and travel to Sibenik, where we explore the Barone Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 17th‑century defensive structure offering panoramic views of the city. We also visit the nearby St. Michael Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), then admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. James (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture built entirely of stone between the 15th and 16th centuries, and finally see the sea‑guardian St. Nicholas Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site). After that, we will come to Sibenik for accommodation.
Day 2. After staying in Sibenik, we travel to Klis to explore its imposing fortress, dramatically perched on a rocky crest and celebrated for its centuries‑long resistance against Ottoman invasions. We then continue to Salona (Solin) to visit the extensive archaeological site, once the thriving capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. After that, we will come to Split for accommodation.
Day 3. After staying in Split, we visit the Split Archaeological Museum, the oldest museum in Croatia, founded in 1820. We then spend the day exploring the city's historical center, a vibrant living museum wrapped around the 4th‑century Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We stroll through the Golden Gate, admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius (originally Diocletian's mausoleum), and soak in the atmosphere of this ancient imperial residence. We stay another night in Split.
Day 4. After 2 nights in Split, we travel to the charming island‑town of Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we explore its beautifully preserved medieval core, the 13th‑century Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its masterful portal, and the 15th‑century Kamerlengo Fortress. We then travel to Loreto to admire the Our Lady viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastline and islands. Finally, we return to Zadar, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Klis, Salona, Split, Trogir, Zadar, Šibenik
Day 1. We depart from Drvenik and travel to Split, where we spend the day exploring the city's historic core, a vibrant living museum centered around the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally built as Diocletian's mausoleum, and pass through the Golden Gate, the palace's impressive northern entryway. Our accommodation for the night is in Split.
Day 2. After staying in Split, we travel to Klis to discover its imposing fortress, strategically positioned on a steep ridge and celebrated for its centuries-long defense against Ottoman forces. We then continue to Solin, the ancient city of Salona, to explore its vast archaeological park, once the bustling capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. After that, we will come to Zadar for accommodation.
Day 3. After staying in Zadar, we explore its fortified old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a city with roots stretching back to antiquity. We experience the enchanting Sea Organ, an architectural sound installation that creates melodies from the waves, visit the 12th-century St. Anastasia's Cathedral, and stroll through the Roman Forum, the largest on the eastern Adriatic coast. We stay another night in Zadar.
Day 4. After 2 nights in Zadar, we travel to Sibenik to wander through its atmospheric historic center and admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. James (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture constructed entirely from stone between the 15th and 16th centuries. We also take in the Barone Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the seaward St. Nicholas Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), both key elements of the city's defensive system. Our accommodation for the night is in Sibenik.
Day 5. After staying in Sibenik, we travel to the charming island-town of Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we explore its beautifully preserved medieval core, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its renowned portal, and the 15th-century Kamerlengo Fortress. Finally, we return to Drvenik, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Klis, Krka, Loreto, Salona, Split, Trogir, Šibenik
Day 1. We will come to Sibenik, where we explore Barone Fortress (17th century), St. Michael Fortress (medieval origins), St. James Cathedral (15th–16th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), and St. Nicholas Fortress (16th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site). After that, we will have accommodation in Sibenik for 2 nights.
Day 2. After a first overnight in Sibenik, we travel to Krka National Park to see the famous Krka Waterfalls, then continue to Plastovo for a visit to Sladic Winery, tasting local wines. After that, we will return to Sibenik for another night.
Day 3. After 2 nights in Sibenik, we travel to Split to visit the Archaeological Museum, stroll through Split’s historical center (UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore Diocletian's Palace (4th century), the Golden Gate landmark, and St. Domnius Cathedral (7th century). We will stay in Split for 2 nights.
Day 4. After an overnight in Split, we travel to Klis to see the Olive and Olive Oil Museum and Klis Fortress (medieval, 13th century), then visit the Salona archaeological site (ancient Roman capital of Dalmatia). After that, we return to Split for another night.
Day 5. After 2 nights in Split, we travel to Trogir to explore its historical center (UNESCO World Heritage Site), St. Lawrence Cathedral (13th–16th century), and Kamerlengo Fortress (15th century), then visit Our Lady viewpoint in Loreto. After that, we return to Zadar, where the tour concludes.
This our tour is not by the way called More nature less cities. We welcome you to this 10 days discovery tour with emphasis on nature of 2 countries: Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The tour running all seasons through scenic roads from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.
On the way from Zagreb down to coast we will visit Dubovac medieval fortress and see Rastoke village with river and picturesque waterfalls. The first Dalmatian town we'll meet is Venetian town Zadar, where need to see historical fortified center, gorgeous Catholic cathedral and unique creation called Sea Organ.Zadar was important Venetian town. From Zadar, we will come to see small town Nin with its museum of Salt, and explore wonderful landscapes and viewpoints of Vir peninsula.
In Sibenik, another Venetian town, we will see famous cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site) and see its historical center. We will also explore famous Barone fortress. On the way to Split, we will see the panoramic view of coastal town Primosten from the place called Black Madonna (Statue of Our Lady Of Loreto).
In another one Venetian town, Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage site), we will walk its historical center, harbor, adore beautiful Catholic cathedral, and small fortress. On the way to Bosnia-Herzegovina we will visit Solin, a famous place mentioned in Bible, nowadays an archaeological place.
In Mostar (UNESCO World Heritage site) we will explore the historic center of Mostar and walk over famous Mostar bridge. The next day we will come to see historical town Blagaj with Dervish monastery (tekija) built around 1520, have refreshing walk in Kravica, a green area with cascade of waterfalls, and see why Medjugorje became important pilgrimage site.
After Mostar and on the way to Trebinje, we will see archaeological site Radimlja with carved gravestones (UNESCO World Heritage Site), climb passes of Ottoman hilly fortress Stolac and explore Vjetrenica cave (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
At the last day of the tour we will come to admire famous Tvrdos Orthodox monastery, where also we can taste awarded white, rose and red wines from own wine cellar. In Trebinje, we will see its small historical center, walk over Ottoman bridge, and before arrive to Dubrovnik we will have a dinner in local restaurant that serve Herzegovina food and drinks.
Explore 2 famous Balkans countries Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Extended Balkans round trip via UNESCO sites of Adriatic coast of Croatia and venetian towns of Dalmatian Riviera. Meet medieval towns, fortresses and monasteries of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
April 28, 2026 Ljubačke doline (Ljubacke doline), Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ethno village Ljubacke doline is designed and set as an open-air museum with the intention of showing the life of a community that used to inhabit this area, its traditional architecture, material culture, and furniture from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
March 25, 2026 Brauron, Greece. Brauron is an ancient archaeological site in eastern Attica, Greece, famous for its sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and nature. Brauron draws visitors with its well-preserved ruins and ties to ancient rituals. Tourists love exploring this peaceful archaeological park for a glimpse into classical Greek worship and daily life.
January 12, 2026 Ávila (Avila), Spain. Avila, a charming town in central Spain, is famous for its impressive medieval walls that surround the historic center. These stone fortifications are remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past and its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
December 28, 2025 Baeza, Spain. Baeza, a picturesque town in Andalusia, southern Spain, is famous for its outstanding Renaissance architecture. Together with neighboring Ubeda, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 under the name Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza, for its cultural significance.
December 6, 2025 Veria, Greece. Veria, also spelled Veroia or Beroea, is a city in Central Macedonia, northern Greece, known for its rich history, Byzantine architecture, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aigai (modern Vergina). Historically an important center since antiquity and the Byzantine era, it is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo. The city has numerous churches, and is nicknamed ＂Little Jerusalem＂ for its many religious sites.
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