Look towards the elegant, open-sided structure supported by classical columns, right next to the towering Clock Tower. This is the City Loggia. Think of it as a combination of an outdoor courthouse, a public meeting place, and an official gallery. Such Loggias were common during the Venetian era. Under this roof, important public gatherings took place. Contracts were signed, official decrees were read aloud, and perhaps most importantly, justice was administered. The Duke, or his representative, would preside over trials here. Look closely at the structure of the Loggia. Its columns are actually hewn from ancient ruins and you can see the rough Corinthian capitals re-used from nearby Roman digs. There are also artworks if you step inside. The most prominent one, is a large relief by Nicholas of Florence, a famous sculptor who also worked on the Cathedral. It depicts Justice, holding scales, alongside the city's patron saints, Saint Lawrence and Saint John of Trogir. Yes, that is the same saint we saw atop the gate as we entered. Sadly, the central figure of the Venetian governor was removed after the fall of Venice. Now, step back outside and let your eyes travel upwards to the Clock Tower. This tall, slender tower with its distinctive clock face wasn't originally just a clock tower. It was built in the late fifteenth century as part of the Chapel of Saint Sebastian. Why Saint Sebastian? He was traditionally invoked as a protector against plagues, which ravaged European cities periodically. Records show Trogir suffered greatly from an outbreak around this time. This chapel, funded by the city council, was built as a votive offering, a plea for divine protection against future epidemics and a thanksgiving for deliverance from the one that did strike. You can see his statue embedded in the tower wall beneath the clock face. The large clock face itself is quite striking, isn't it? Before personal watches were common, a public clock like this was essential for regulating daily life, work schedules, and church services. I believe this is Croatia’s second-oldest public clock after Dubrovnik’s. Adjacent to the Loggia, you'll also find the small, ancient Church of Saint Barbara, which is considered the oldest surviving church in Trogir, dating back possibly to the ninth century. It’s a tiny pre-Romanesque gem often overlooked but worth peeking at if open. Now, let's turn our attention to the spiritual heart of Trogir and its most celebrated artistic achievement: the Cathedral.