Bell Tower of Vrsar

The bell tower of Vrsar rises above the old town on the hill, beside the parish church, and it is both a landmark seen from far out at sea and a viewpoint for anyone willing to climb its stone stairs. Vrsar is a small town on the western coast of Istria, just south of the Lim Fjord, and its old centre occupies the top of a rocky rise, with narrow lanes, stone houses with red-tiled roofs and a few small squares. The tower stands at the top of this ensemble, and it is the first thing that visitors see as they approach the town by road or by boat.

The tower belongs to the church of St. Martin, the parish church of Vrsar, a building with medieval origins that was rebuilt and altered in later centuries. The campanile, as the bell tower is called in Italian, follows the pattern of many Istrian towers, a slender, square shaft of local stone, topped by a belfry with arched openings and a pointed roof. Its construction reflects the Venetian influence on the region, and its prominent position made it useful as a lookout as well as a place to hang bells. The church beside it is plain from the outside, but its interior is decorated in soft pastel tones and is peaceful and cool.

The climb is the reason most people come. A staircase leads up inside the tower, with stone steps and in places a narrow wooden stair, and you pass small windows on the way. The ascent is manageable for most people with reasonable fitness, though it is steep and narrow, and not suitable for those who fear heights or confined spaces. At the top, the view opens in all directions: the red roofs of the old town below, the sea stretching to the horizon, and the scatter of small islands and islets known as the Vrsar archipelago, which lie just off the coast. In the other direction, you look over the green hills and fields of the Istrian interior. On a clear day, the light over the water is bright, and the view is wonderful for photographs.

A small entrance fee is normally charged for the climb, and the tower is open on certain days and hours that vary with the season, being open mostly in the tourist months, so check locally before you go. The staff are helpful and can tell you about the church and the town. Wear shoes with good grip, and bring a camera.

Other sights in Vrsar, which are listed in this guide, include the harbour, the main city gate and the sculpture park of Dušan Džamonja. A stroll through the old town takes about an hour. The tower suits photographers, families with older children and anyone who likes a good view.