  We present new multi-frequency EVN, MERLIN and VLA observations of the radio
source 3C264, sensitive to linear scales ranging from the parsec to several
kiloparsecs. The observations confirm the existence of regions with different
properties in the first kiloparsec of the jet. The most remarkable feature is
the transition between a well collimated narrow jet at distances from the core
below 80 pc, to a conical-shaped wide jet, with an opening angle of 20 degrees.
Another change of properties, consisting of an apparent deflection of the jet
ridge line and a diminution of the surface brightness, occurs at a distance of
300 pc from the core, coincident with the radius of a ring observed at optical
wavelengths. Our observations add new pieces of information on the spectrum of
the radio-optical jet of 3C264, with results consistent with a synchrotron
emission mechanism and a spectrum break frequency in the infrared. Brightness
profiles taken perpendicularly to the jet of 3C264 are consistent with a spine
brightened jet at distances below 100 pc from the core, and an edge-brightened
jet beyond, which can be interpreted as evidence of a transverse jet velocity
structure. Our observations do not allow us to distinguish between the presence
of a face--on dust and gas disk at the center of the host galaxy of 3C264, or
rather an evacuated bubble. However, the properties of the jet structure, the
changes in the polarization angle, and the plausible jet orientation can be
naturally brought into agreement in the bubble scenario.
