Sjeverna Vrata

The Sjeverna Vrata, in Trogir

The Sjeverna Vrata, or North Gate, is the historic main entrance of the fortified city of Trogir, on the continent side. The Trogir audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this gate of 1656, raised in the Venetian era, surmounted by the statue of Saint John of Trogir and the winged lion of Saint Mark, by which merchants and travellers once entered the old town.

History

In front of you rises the Sjeverna Vrata, the North Gate, built in 1656, at the time when the city was under Venetian domination. It was the main entrance of the fortified city, the obligatory passage of all those who came from the continent: there the goods were controlled, taxes were levied, and at night, the gate closed, forcing the latecomers to wait outside until morning. By raising the eyes, just above the arch, you glimpse the statue of Saint John of Trogir, the protective bishop of the city, who holds in his hands a model of Trogir. Next to it, the winged lion of Saint Mark recalls the authority of Venice, which reigned here more than three centuries. The stone arch, its coats of arms and its Renaissance decorations are not simple ornaments: they affirmed political power as much as religious faith. Today without defensive function, the North Gate remains a strong symbol of Trogir; by crossing it, you walk in the footsteps of the merchants and dignitaries who, for centuries, pass under its arch to enter the old town.

What to see

Here you cross the North Gate of Trogir, main entrance of the fortified city built in 1656 under Venice, where goods and taxes were once controlled; surmounted by the statue of Saint John of Trogir holding a model of the city and the winged lion of Saint Mark, it remains a strong symbol of the old town. The Sjeverna Vrata marks the historic entrance of Trogir. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Sjeverna Vrata stands in the north of the old town of Trogir, on the side of the bridge linking the city to the continent, reachable on foot. It is a monument in free access, that you cross to enter the historic centre classified by UNESCO. You discover it during a walk.

What do the statues of the North Gate of Trogir represent?

Above the arch stands the statue of Saint John of Trogir, the protective bishop of the city, who holds a model of Trogir in his hands; next to it, the winged lion of Saint Mark recalls the authority of Venice, which reigned here more than three centuries. Built in 1656, the North Gate thus affirmed both the Venetian political power and the religious faith.

Where is the Sjeverna Vrata in Trogir?

In the north of the old town of Trogir, on the side of the bridge towards the continent, in Croatia.