Split to Restore Diocletian's Palace Tower, Add Museum and Viewing Deck

The southeast tower of Diocletian's Palace in Split is set to be restored and transformed into a museum with a viewing terrace, according to N1. The City of Split has chosen the Samobor-based company MAR for the reconstruction, with a contract worth 2.14 million euros — 78 percent higher than the original estimate.

The project covers the tower itself and part of the adjacent building at Lukačićeva 5, which leans against the palace walls from the inside. Together they will house two separate spaces for the Museum of the City of Split, totalling 365 square metres. The smaller space will be on the ground floor of the tower, entered from the Riva through ancient gates, while the larger one will occupy the building and the first floor of the tower.

Between the building and the tower is a loggia — a covered colonnade from Roman times that was walled into the building's façade in the 19th century. It will be opened up and arranged for exhibitions. From the loggia, an ancient staircase leads to the terrace at the top of the tower, which will become a viewpoint for small groups of visitors.

The tower is currently empty, though it once housed a restaurant on the terrace and offices for the Zagreb–Split motorway construction directorate. Part of the building's walls stand on an earthen embankment, causing uneven settling and cracking. Some of these walls will be removed, with new walls and supports taking the load. The tower's stone walls will be restored, and part of the promenade along the top of the eastern palace wall will also be improved.

The City of Split will procure the interior furnishing, equipment and museum display separately. The contract will run for 12 months from the start of works. Bids were assessed on price and warranty duration; MAR offered the lowest price and the maximum allowed five-year warranty.