Bell Tower Of Saint Domnius

The Bell Tower of Saint Domnius is the tall Romanesque tower that stands beside the cathedral in the middle of Diocletian’s Palace in Split, in Dalmatia, in Croatia, and it is the most recognisable symbol of Split’s skyline. Rising close to sixty metres above the palace and visible from far out on the Adriatic Sea, it is widely regarded as the finest and most original bell tower on the Dalmatian coast, and it dominates the skyline of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culturally, the tower belongs with the cathedral, which has an extraordinary history of its own. The building that is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius was originally the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built his palace here around the year 300 and was buried in an octagonal tomb in the middle of the complex. When the palace became a town in the early Middle Ages, the mausoleum was converted into a Christian church and dedicated to Saint Domnius, the bishop of Salona who was martyred under Diocletian’s persecution, so that, in one of the great ironies of history, the emperor’s tomb became the shrine of one of his victims. The bell tower was added next to it, as the church became the cathedral of the city.

Work on the tower began in the thirteenth century, in the Romanesque style, and it took several centuries to complete, as additional storeys were added in later periods. The lower parts are plain and solid, built from stone partly taken from the Roman palace, while the upper levels become lighter and more decorated, with arched windows, columns and carved details, and the top was crowned and restored in the early twentieth century. The result is a tower of mixed periods, whose gradual change from massive to elegant reflects centuries of architectural evolution and the changing taste of the city.

Climbing the tower is a highlight of a visit. A narrow staircase, in places steep and tight, leads to the upper levels, and the effort is rewarded by panoramic views over the red roofs of the palace, the Peristyle below, the harbour with its ferries and the islands beyond, and the Marjan hill to the west. From above, the layout of the Roman palace, a rectangle with streets crossing at the centre, can be seen clearly. Those with a fear of heights or limited mobility may prefer to enjoy the view from the Peristyle. The tower remains part of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska, and the cathedral beside it is a working church.

Visitors should note that opening hours and ticket prices vary through the season, so check locally, and arrive early to avoid queues and heat. The tower can be combined with the Temple of Jupiter, the cathedral treasury, the Riva and the other sights of the palace. It suits history lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to see Split from above.