Venetian Tower: A Remnant of Split's Fortified Past

The Venetian Tower, or Mletačka Kula in Croatian, is a captivating historical site located in Split's Braće Radić Square, also known as Fruit Square. This octagonal tower is the sole surviving remnant of a larger Venetian castle constructed in 1441, during the period when Venice controlled Split. The castle, built on the grounds of a demolished monastery, originally had a pentagonal shape with multiple towers, serving as a crucial defensive structure for the city.Over time, the castle's defensive significance diminished, and most of it was torn down in the early 19th century. The demolition occurred between 1806 and 1807, under the orders of Auguste de Marmont during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the central tower and a small connecting wall were spared, leaving behind the Venetian Tower that stands today.Braće Radić Square, where the tower is located, has a rich history of its own. Formerly known as Fruit Square, it was a bustling marketplace where local women sold fruit. Today, the square is adorned with historical landmarks, including the 17th-century Milesi Palace with its Baroque facade and a statue of Marko Marulić, a 15th-century Croatian poet and philosopher. Although the Venetian Tower is not accessible to the public for climbing, visitors can still admire its architecture and historical significance from the outside.