Original scientific paper
The West Gate of Diocletian's Palace and the Church of Our Lady of Belltower - Recent Finds
Vinka Marinković
Abstract
In the most recent decade, systematic conservation and restoration as well as building and artisanal works have been conducted in the architectural complex of the west gate of Diocletian’s Palace and the Church of Our Lady of the Belltower. Within the compact matrix of the old city centre of Split, this architectural complex occupies a large area and is in historical terms multilayered and very important. This paper briefly treats the following separate zones in catalogue style; the northern inside wall of the propugnaculum, the belfry of the Church of Our Lady of the Belltower, the frescos on the front of the church and the wooden choir of the church. During conservation-restoration works on these zones, some new details were recorded that tell of the spatial and historical development of the ensemble itself, and indeed of this part of town. These details, however, have to be looked at from a technical angle. They tell of the skills and resourcefulness of the local masons, tradesmen and artists who were able, in an existing and given space, to use, recut and recycle old elements and materials (stone, mortar and timber) for the new needs of life and liturgy.
Keywords
Church of Our Lady of the Belltower; West Gate of Diocletian’s Palace; Split; limestone; lime mortar; fresco; timber
Hrčak ID:
330859
URI
Publication date:
15.5.2025.
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