The story of Trogir Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Lawrence is the most imposing monument in Trogir, and because it took centuries to build, it shows every style that followed one another in Dalmatia. It stands on the foundations of an early Christian cathedral destroyed when the Saracens sacked the town in 1123. Work began in 1213, and the church was largely finished by 1251, so it is mostly Romanesque. Locals often call it Saint John's, after Bishop John, who died in 1111 and was famous for his holy life.

Stop at the great west portal. The local master Radovan carved it and signed it in 1240, and the inscription calls him the best of all in this art. Above, the lunette shows the Nativity; on the doorposts are scenes of the work of the different seasons, saints and apostles, and exotic creatures such as centaurs and mermaids, all resting on bent figures who carry the whole portal on their backs.

The bell tower took two centuries to complete; its top floor is by Trifun Bokanić.