Original scientific paper

MONUMENTS FROM THE VENETIAN PERIOD AT GABELA

Anđelko Zelenika ; Mostar

Abstract

The Gabela settlement lies on the right bank of the Neretva River, in Hercegovina, four kilometres to the nort of Metković. Conveniently situated on the natural waterway leading from the Adriatic into the hinterland, Gabela grew into a known mediaeval trade centre for the sale of salt, slaves, and other merchandise.
The famous Dubrovnik traders early realized the importance of Gabela (once called Drijeva, meaning ferryboat). They were the busiest traders there during the Middle Ages and in the course of the longlasting Turkish rule over the region.
When the Turkish power in the Balkans began to diminish in the 17th century, Venice, aidVenetian rule until 1715, when it again was taken by the Turks.
A small number of cultural monuments from the Venetian period – unique ones of this character in Bosnia and Herzegovina – have been preserved at Gabela. Owing to this fact, their value is greater.
According to historical data and the remains of some architectural and other monuments (some of which have been destroyed), several structures were built at Gabela during the Venetian rule. Some of the existing buildings were renewed and former Turkish forts were adapted. Let us mention some of the executed works: the adaptation of fortifications of the old stronghold of Gabela and the Djerdjelez fort; the relief of the Venetian lion, the symbol of Venice, has been put in place; as also the tomb-stone of the first Venetian commander of the Gabela fortress; the Catholic church, dedicated to St. Stephen, has been renewed; the Thurkish mosque in the old town, converted into a Christian church (dedicated to St. Anthony), has been consequently adapted; two churches have been built – St. Mark’s and St. Anne’s.
The reserches at Gabela and its environs continue, and they will enrich our present knowledge of the monuments of the Venetian period in this region.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

159702

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/159702

Publication date:

23.12.1980.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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