Kamplin Square: Krk's Historical Heart

Kamplin Square, nestled in the heart of Krk Town, is a captivating historical landmark that serves as a focal point for locals and visitors alike. The square is steeped in history, showcasing a blend of architectural styles that reflect the island's rich past. Surrounded by the medieval Frankopan Castle, the imposing Krk Cathedral, and the Bishop's Palace, Kamplin Square offers a journey through time.In ancient times, the site served as a training ground linked to nearby thermal baths. During the Middle Ages, it transformed into an arena for knightly tournaments involving jousting. The square's name is believed to derive from the Latin word 'campulus,' meaning a flat area for exercise, or more likely from the Italian 'campanile,' referring to a bell tower. The tower of the castle on Kamplin can be identified as the original bell tower of the cathedral, built in the 12th century.Today, Kamplin Square hosts numerous cultural events. Preserved on its elevated platform are columns from the former Benedictine Abbey of St Lawrence. The Frankopan Castle, a historical centerpiece, stands as the fortified residence of the Dukes of Krk and the city's only surviving secular medieval monument, shaped architecturally between the 12th and 16th centuries. The oldest part of the castle is the square Frankopan tower, built as a courthouse next to the Bishop's Palace in 1191. A Latin inscription above the entrance records its construction by the municipality during the time of Bishop Ivan of Krk and Dukes Bartol and Vid.