The Peristyle

The Center of the Palace

The peristyle, derived from the ancient Greek περίστυλον (perístylon), is a rectangular courtyard in ancient architecture surrounded on all sides by continuous colonnades. The Greek word is a combination of περί (peri), meaning 'around,' and στῦλος (stylos), meaning 'column,' and essentially translates to 'surrounded by columns.'

The peristyle serves as the central courtyard of Diocletian's Palace and functions as the main entrance. It is enclosed by a colonnade with columns topped by Corinthian capitals. The peristyle was a space for public gatherings, ceremonies, and performances. The reason why the palace, constructed with brick, still stands today is explained in Friedrich Idam's podcast "opus cementitium," discussing Roman concrete.

For additional information and pictures of the peristyle, follow this link.

Picture credit: Dennis Jarvis, Halifax, Canada