Aspiring to the Heights of Trogir in Croatia, Trogir, Croatia (B)

Standing outside the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence in Trogir I was disappointed to see that no-one appeared to have climbed up to the top of its fourteenth century bell tower. Did that mean it was not open to the public? When I asked about going up there I was shown a small door and invited to enter. I did notice a sign that said I was climbing the bell tower at my own risk as I began winding my way up a narrow flight of stone steps. That was fine by me. The steps were so narrow I did wonder what would happen if I met someone coming down. But I need not have worried as there was no-one else in there and I was soon to find out why.

After reaching the top of the narrow staircase without incident I emerged onto a large patio overlooking the town’s main square Trg Ivana Pavla II or Saint Paul II Square. This square was the original the Roman forum. Some of the buildings that now surround it were constructed during the thirteenth century. When the city was renovated during the fifteenth century the square achieved the shape it is today. I had entered the square by following the narrow street leading from the North Gate on the land side of the town. Also known as the Land Gate it was the main entrance to Trogir when the Venetians ruled the town during the fifteenth century and strengthened the city walls. This gate was re-built during the seventeenth century and a drawbridge was included. Sadly, this feature is no longer in use and visitors have to walk across a small bridge to reach the island on which Trogir is based. Notable features of the Renaissance gate include the Lion of Saint Mark which symbolises Venice and a statue of Saint John of Trogir (Sv Ivan Trogirski) the patron saint of the town. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).