Archaeological Museum Split

Founded in 1820 by decree of the Austrian government, this is the oldest museum in Croatia, and its collection came largely from Salona, the Roman capital of Dalmatia a few kilometres inland whose ruins were being excavated through the nineteenth century. The building it occupies was purpose-built in 1914, with an arcaded courtyard designed to display sarcophagi, inscriptions and architectural stone in the open air - which is where much of the best material is, including early Christian sarcophagi from the Salona cemeteries. Inside are Greek finds from the Adriatic colonies, Roman glass and metalwork, and a substantial coin collection.

What you actually see

• Croatia's oldest museum - founded by decree in 1820.
• A purpose-built 1914 building - with an arcaded courtyard for stone.
• Salona's sarcophagi and inscriptions - the core of the collection.
• Greek Adriatic finds - from the island colonies.

When to go

Year round; hours are shorter in winter. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Display is old-fashioned and labelling is uneven, particularly in English. It is a fifteen minute walk from the palace and most visitors skip it. Salona itself is a separate site and worth pairing with this.

Nearby

Diocletian's Palace is south; Salona is a short drive inland.