Gateway to the Past

Built in 1678, Balbi’s Arch once served as the main gate into Rovinj’s fortified town. It stands on the site of the original town gate from the Middle Ages and bears rich decorative elements that reveal Rovinj’s history as part of the Venetian Republic.

Look closely and you’ll see the carved heads of a Turk and a Venetian on either side of the arch — symbols of conflict and diplomacy in Rovinj’s strategic Adriatic position. Above the arch is the Balbi family coat of arms, representing the noble lineage who commissioned the gate.

Walking under Balbi’s Arch is like stepping back in time. It marks the entrance into Rovinj’s Old Town (Stari Grad) and leads directly to Grisia Street and other charming alleys filled with local character. It’s also a favorite Instagram spot, thanks to its ornate design and historical significance.