Cathedral

St Lawrence Cathedral

Trogir · Central Dalmatia

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CATEGORY: Cathedral
COUNTRY: Croatia
REGION: Trogir · Central Dalmatia
DURATION: 1 day

ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION

The Cathedral of St Lawrence is the artistic heart of Trogir, a 13th-century cathedral whose west portal was carved by the master sculptor Radovan in the Romanesque style, with a cycle of biblical figures and monthly labours that is one of the finest Romanesque works in Croatia. The cathedral sits on the main square of the old town, and its bell tower — built over four centuries in Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles — is the landmark of the island.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

The story behind it

The cathedral was begun in the 13th century on the site of an earlier church, and the west portal was carved by Master Radovan around 1240, signed and dated by the sculptor himself. The bell tower was added over the following four centuries, which gives it its mixed style, and the interior holds works by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović among others. The cathedral is the centrepiece of the UNESCO listing that covers the whole old town.

WHAT TO SEE

What to see here

The Romanesque west portal by Master Radovan, with its biblical figures and monthly labours.

The bell tower, built over four centuries in Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The carved wooden choir stalls and the baptistery.

The main square and the surrounding palaces of the old town.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why it matters

The cathedral is the reason Trogir is a UNESCO site — the Radovan portal is one of the great Romanesque sculptures of the Mediterranean, and the church is the artistic centre of the island. For a visitor it is the essential sight and the one thing not to miss.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Before you go

Access

On the main square of the old town; the portal is visible from the square, the interior and the bell tower have entry fees and opening hours.

Best Time

Year-round; check opening hours for the interior and the bell tower climb.

THROUGH THE LENS

From the road

MAP & LOCATION