Since my brother @jarvie just spend a few weeks in Croatia earlier this month for this I am going to highlight the Cathedral of Saint Domnius Bell Tower in Split, Croatia.
In 2010 I went on a Mediterranean cruise that started in Italy and went to Egypt, Israel, Greece and Split, Croatia!
We spent the afternoon exploring the city and my most vivid memory from that excursion to this beautiful city was seeing and climbing the bell tower.
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius Bell Tower is part of the Cathedral of St. Domnius complex which consists of the Imperial Roman Mausoleum, the bell tower and the Church.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the bell tower to Saint Domnius. Saint Domnius was the Bishop of Salona.
The Cathedral is regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure. The Mausoleum was built in AD 305 as the Mausoleum of Diocletian.
The Bell tower was added to the complex in 1100AD and extensively rebuilt in 1908.
The Bell tower from a few different angles throughout the city.
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Using the three pictures above let's take a look at the Romanesque architecture of the bell tower. It should be said that while the tower was built in 1100AD it was changed when it was rebuilt in 1908.
Features of Romanesque architecture
6th to 11th century- This tower first built in 1100AD
Thick walls- I think the walls were thick, later you will see the stairs and they are thick
Round arches- Many rounded arches all over this beautiful bell tower
Sturdy pillars- between the arches you can see the pillars
Decorative arcading An arcade is a succession of contiguous arches. These are very decorative.
Large towers- this bell tower is 187 feet (57 meters) high and provides a wonderful view of the city!
Climbing the bell tower
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The Bells
Bells were introduced to to Christian churches in Europe in 400 AD, by 11th century bell towers had become commonplace. The bells can let people know it was time for service, or prayer or on special occasions such as wedding or funerals. I would be interested to know more about how often the bells ring and why they ring on this bell tower now.
The view from the bell tower
From the top of bell tower you have a Arial view of the iconic red roofed buildings that make up the beautiful city of Split.
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I want to return to Croatia and when I do I will climb the bell tower again and I will think back to this post for the Architecture and Design community and how it is a Romanesque building and what that means.
Sources:
Cathedral of Saint Domnius-Split
Cathedral of Saint Domnius-Wikipedia
Arcade-Wikipedia
Bell Tower- Wikipedia
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