Peristyle

The Peristyle is a sunken courtyard framed by tall granite columns and weathered limestone arches. Emperor Diocletian designed this space as the ceremonial heart of his retirement palace, where he appeared before his subjects appearing as a living god. Locals still gather on the red cushions spread across the stone steps, exactly where the imperial guard once stood. When the sun hits the columns just right, the white stone glows bright enough to hurt your eyes, blinding you just like the Emperor intended.