Description of the attraction
The peristyle courtyard is an integral part of most residential and public buildings of the period of antiquity and is an integral part of the Greco-Roman house. In Roman architecture, a peristyle is an open space, as a rule, a garden, a courtyard, a square, surrounded on all sides by a covered colonnade. The term has been known since the 4th century BC. In the countryside, wealthy Romans usually planted terraces around the house, and in the city they created a garden inside the house. Peristyle meant an open garden created inside a house. Columns or pillars surrounded the garden and supported a shady covered portico, the interior walls of which were often decorated with wall paintings. Such a garden usually contained flowers, bushes, fountains, benches, sculptures and even fish ponds. The Romans allocated as much space for the peristyle as the space allowed. Among the ancient Romans, the peristyle was the concentration of intimate life.
The peristyle of Diocletian's Palace is an impressive square with red granite pillars and can truly be called the heart of Diocletian's Palace. Here is the Cathedral of St. Domian, which was built on the site of the former mausoleum of Diocletian. Also from the square, steps lead to the northern entrance to the Emperor's Palace, and there is an entrance to a narrow alley that leads to the Temple of Jupiter.
The lobby of the Palace was built to impress. The hole in the ceiling was once covered with a dome and the ceiling was decorated with frescoes. The acoustics are perfect for the harmonious chapel, which were often performed here by the singers.
On warm evenings, visitors will find a café with live music on the square.
