Balbi Arch
Balbi Arch
4
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4.0
187 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
88
Average
43
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Graham S
Tewantin, Australia4,637 contributions
Aug 2019
The Venetian Gate that opens up to the cobbled Grisia street was built in 1679. It features a carved head of a Venetian on one side, & opposite that of a Turk.
The marble gate has most recently been cleaned & renovated - between May 2018 & 2019 - when it was shrouded in a canvas screen.
Balbi Gate is somewhat off to the side off Main Square & whilst not in a prominent position , it stands where the original town gates were located.
The marble gate has most recently been cleaned & renovated - between May 2018 & 2019 - when it was shrouded in a canvas screen.
Balbi Gate is somewhat off to the side off Main Square & whilst not in a prominent position , it stands where the original town gates were located.
Written 26 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r00m_with_a_view
United Kingdom1,215 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
In medieval times, Rovinj was surrounded by walls and gates, which were demolished under Venetian rule (1283-1797).The gateway to the old town is through the Balbi Arch, erected in 1680 on the site of the outer town gate.
The arch is decorated with the carved head of a Turk on the outer wall. The inner wall contains the carved head of a Venetian. Over the arch is the Balbi family coat of arms and the Lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice.
Certainly worth a photograph on your way up to St Euphemia's church
The arch is decorated with the carved head of a Turk on the outer wall. The inner wall contains the carved head of a Venetian. Over the arch is the Balbi family coat of arms and the Lion of St Mark, the symbol of Venice.
Certainly worth a photograph on your way up to St Euphemia's church
Written 14 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DorothySharp
Spalding, UK216 contributions
Sept 2019
The Balbi Arch leads to the old town and is the gateway through the narrow cobbled streets. Built in 1679 it is an excellent piece of architecture with beautiful carvings.
Written 2 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramona T
Szombathely, Hungary144 contributions
Aug 2019
It is a lovely small arch in the old town, hiding a bit from the main square but this is where you enter the peninsula area.
Written 26 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,351 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Rovinj is the most beautiful city in Croatia for me. Rich history, beautiful architecture and a good atmosphere are always a good magnet to visit. Beautiful narrow buildings, squares, churches, streets, restaurants, bars make this place unparalleled. So is the entrance to the old city from the city square through the beautiful baroque Balbi's arch unique. Balbi's arch, Venetian structure is covered with stone. At the top of the arch is a figure of the head, on the outside of the arch, in Turkish style and on the inside of the Venetian. Also on Balbi's arch there is a figure of Venetian lion. Anyway interesting and nice.
Written 25 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,573 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Playing a key defensive part in history, the Balbi Arch occupies the spot upon which an older town gate once stood.
This arch was built in 1679 under Venetian authority. Little wonder then, that the Venetian head (on top of the arch) faces the town while, on the outside, a Turkish Head faces away from town. The winged lion of St. Mark and Venice crowns the top of the arch.
The town's info plaque says it was the site of an old fish market.
This arch was built in 1679 under Venetian authority. Little wonder then, that the Venetian head (on top of the arch) faces the town while, on the outside, a Turkish Head faces away from town. The winged lion of St. Mark and Venice crowns the top of the arch.
The town's info plaque says it was the site of an old fish market.
Written 11 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris F
Newark-on-Trent, UK43 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Summary:
+ -central location
+ -grand structure
Obviously, as this is an arch, there is little to say about this, but what there is to say is only good. Balbi Arch sits nestled unassumingly between two buildings in the town's central square and only upon closer inspection does its true value come clear; a number of historical artifacts adorn the crown of this grand arch, which, as the other reviews suggest, is easy to miss unless you look up.
Historically, this arch was actually the main gate of the old town. A few hundred years ago, the old town sat on an island separate from the mainland; the area where the main square currently sits was a canal, while a bridge connected the high street to the arch. When the canal was filled in, the arch came under the ownership of Balbi house. It became merely a historical landmark and was freshly decorated with, but not limited to, the coat of arms of Balbi house, which is still visible today.
Nowadays, the arch marks the main entrance to the old town, and largely restricts vehicular access to the area.
+ -central location
+ -grand structure
Obviously, as this is an arch, there is little to say about this, but what there is to say is only good. Balbi Arch sits nestled unassumingly between two buildings in the town's central square and only upon closer inspection does its true value come clear; a number of historical artifacts adorn the crown of this grand arch, which, as the other reviews suggest, is easy to miss unless you look up.
Historically, this arch was actually the main gate of the old town. A few hundred years ago, the old town sat on an island separate from the mainland; the area where the main square currently sits was a canal, while a bridge connected the high street to the arch. When the canal was filled in, the arch came under the ownership of Balbi house. It became merely a historical landmark and was freshly decorated with, but not limited to, the coat of arms of Balbi house, which is still visible today.
Nowadays, the arch marks the main entrance to the old town, and largely restricts vehicular access to the area.
Written 4 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bstdflsh
dallas492 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This arch is unusual in the fact there is the bust of a Turk on one side and a Venetian on the other. There is a Venetian Lion and the coat of arms ot the Balbi from which it gets its name. From the inside the arch opens onto the square filled with restaurants and bars for your enjoyment and to people watch
Written 23 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian S
Seattle, WA13 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Walk through this easy to find ancient arch in Rovinj and you will be entering the old town. Follow any of the winding cobblestone streets up and you will find the old cathedral with an impressive view of the surronding area. Wander through these streets and you will also find some amazing art and clothing discoveries. Rovinj reminds me quite alot of Venice but without the insane tourist crowds of Italy.
Here's a hint, walk a block or two in from the main streets and promenades and you will find that the restaurant prices are much less and the food just as delicious.
There are also many sobe (apartments) for rent with signs clearly posted next to the front doors. Unless there is a major festival taking place, you don't even need to book a hotel room ahead of time, they are actually more expensive than the sobe. Upon arrival in the city, speak with the travel agency by the bus stop, they have a large listing of rooms. Or wander the city and call the numbers listed for the apartments.
if you are in Istria, Rovinj is well worth a visit.
Here's a hint, walk a block or two in from the main streets and promenades and you will find that the restaurant prices are much less and the food just as delicious.
There are also many sobe (apartments) for rent with signs clearly posted next to the front doors. Unless there is a major festival taking place, you don't even need to book a hotel room ahead of time, they are actually more expensive than the sobe. Upon arrival in the city, speak with the travel agency by the bus stop, they have a large listing of rooms. Or wander the city and call the numbers listed for the apartments.
if you are in Istria, Rovinj is well worth a visit.
Written 21 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zdaati
Vienna, Austria4,587 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Venetian arch with the winged lion, in the center of town, goong under it and up leads you to the church. Other then thst not much can be said, looks quite renovated.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When will the renovation of the Balbi arch be completed?
Written 20 May 2019
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