Diocletian’s Palace
Split’s biggest attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient marvel is at the heart of much of the action in The weekend. Built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, it is a vast complex that covers much of the old town. In addition to the specific locations listed below, we see Beth and Zain in the narrow streets that connect its various constituent parts, including passing through the Town Museum where they talk after catching up with the Mysterious Men of the Blue Room.
The fruit square
Officially known as Trg Brace Radic (Radic Brothers Square), this square between the Riva and Diocletian’s Palace is where we see Beth calling Kate’s ex Jay. Surrounded by Baroque buildings, it was once where locals gathered to buy and sell fruit and vegetables, but now it’s more of a tourist attraction, with cafes lining the edges. The statue we see in this sequence is that of Marko Marulic, a great Croatian poet of the 15th century.
Place du Peristil
At the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, this is the square that Beth and Zain cross in a chase towards the end of the film. Its Roman architecture includes two rows of Corinthian columns on either side of the Protiron, the area where the emperor gave public speeches.
The caves
Leading directly from Peristil Square, this network of passageways and open spaces is where Beth and Zain continue their pursuit. The cellars are extensive, housing both a museum and a market, but are best known today for their appearance in game of thronesas a kennel for Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons.
The entrance hall
This is where the lawsuit comes to a dramatic conclusion. The open rotunda where Beth and police officer Pavic (Amar Bukvic) are seen is from the original palace building, with the circular hall making up a section of the corridor leading from Peristil Square to the Emperor’s apartments. A formal meeting hall in ancient times, its excellent acoustics mean it is now used as a choral performance space.
Statue of Gregory of Nin
Seen in the trailer but not in the movie itself, this monument to a 10th-century bishop and hero of Croatia was erected in 1929 on Peristil Square. It now stands north of Diocletian’s Palace and serves as a symbol of the city of Split. Rubbing the statue’s toe is said to bring good luck, so maybe Beth and Kate should have visited it at the start of their weekend.
‘The Weekend Away’ is now streaming on Netflix
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