South Gate (Juzna Vrata)

The South Gate, in Trogir

The South Gate, or Južna vrata, is the historic access of Trogir from the sea, famous for its original wooden leaves preserved for five centuries. The Trogir audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this gate of the sixteenth century, raised in the Venetian era, by which sailors, fishermen and merchants entered, and whose old leaves make one of the most authentic testimonies of the city of long ago.

History

Here is the South Gate of Trogir, or Južna vrata. Built in the sixteenth century under the Venetian domination, it served as the main access to the city from the sea: it is by here that sailors, fishermen and merchants come to unload their cargoes passed. The gate also had a function of control: there the goods were verified, taxes were collected, and each visitor had to present himself there before entering the city. What makes it unique today are its original wooden leaves, exceptionally preserved for more than five centuries: rare are the fortified gates of Europe to still possess their period leaves. You imagine these heavy panels closing each evening, isolating the city from the sea and protecting its inhabitants until morning. These wooden gates, with their old ironwork, are a direct testimony of the daily life of the Trogir of long ago, between maritime commerce and defensive vigilance. The South Gate thus remains one of the most authentic symbols of the historical continuity of the city.

What to see

Here you cross the South Gate of Trogir, historic access from the sea built in the sixteenth century under Venice, where goods and taxes were once controlled; its original wooden leaves, preserved for more than five centuries, make it a rarity in Europe and an authentic testimony of the daily life of long ago. The South Gate is a symbol of the continuity of Trogir. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The South Gate stands in the south of the old town of Trogir, on the side of the sea and the promenade, reachable on foot. It is a monument in free access, that you cross to enter the historic centre. You discover it during a walk.

What is particular about the South Gate of Trogir?

It preserves its original wooden leaves for more than five centuries, which is exceptional among the fortified gates of Europe; built in the sixteenth century under Venice as the main access from the sea, where goods and taxes were controlled, it is one of the most authentic symbols of the daily life and the historical continuity of Trogir.

Where is the South Gate in Trogir?

In the south of the old town of Trogir, on the side of the sea, in Croatia.