More often than not you’ll hear the residents of Split refer to their city as the most beautiful city in the whole world. If, by any chance, you’re looking for something other than that, perhaps a perfect combination, simply add the mindset of the locals who’re always ready to have a good time…
The city landmarks are the Diocletian’s Palace and the Saint Domnius’ Cathedral, it goes without saying. Where else can you find a palace dating back to the Roman times that is full of life, and where no ticket is required for a first-hand experience?
We’ll do a piece on the Palace some other time; the centrepiece of this article is the St Domnius’ Bell Tower. Sadly, the story of the Palace rarely includes the Bell Tower…
The residents of Split named the world’s oldest cathedral and the bell tower which looks over the historic core of the city after their patron saint. The construction of the Bell Tower lasted more than 300 years, with the heigh of approximately 60 metres and consisting of 6 levels, it represents one of the biggest architectural achievements in medieval Dalmatia.
The Bell Tower was built over the steps to a temple which became the cathedral as we know it today. There are differences of opinion as to the time of construction and the project phases. The assumption that the construction began in the 13th century, and then continued in stages, is the most widely accepted one. The used stone originated from the ancient times. The Bell Tower was constructed in the Romanesque style, and the sixth and final octogonal level was subsequently built, most likely in the first half of the 16th century.
Due to its structure and plasticity, the Bell Tower as a whole resembles a giant scultpture. Until the construction of new high-rise buildings began in the 20th century, the Bell Tower was the most prominent building in Split. It stands out over the City when observed from the coast. Seeing how the port is on a lower level compared to the whole peninsula, there are a lot of places in the City where the Bell Tower isn’t visible; that’s why, when you come to the Peristyle, it seems even more awe-inspiring and majestic.
Entrance to Saint Domnius’ Bell Tower (visitors can enjoy the view from the top)
The Bell Tower has been, and will continue to be, a famous landmark of the City. Try to separate Split from the image of the Bell Tower and vice versa – it just isn’t possible…
A. Vlaić