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Imago Dalmatiae. Itinerari di viaggio dal Medioevo al Novecento

Traù

"There is no more smiling scenery in all Dalmatia, than that along the shores of the Riviera dei Castelli, which lies between Salona and Trau (p. 107). The road between Salona and Trau is very lovely, sometimes passing through vineyards and olive groves, sometimes between hedges of giant aloes, which stretch their curious blossoms high overhead: but always disclosing new beauties at every turn. The approach to Trau from the sea is not less beautiful as the steamer passes through the narrow channel, spanned by a bridge between the Island of Bua and the mainland, and you come in sight of the old Venetian custom house on the water front, and a picturesque ruined tower ascribed to Sanmicheli (pp. 109-110). In Trau to-day you see a perfect example of a Dalmatian city of the Venetian period, and Venetian Gothic windows, carved stone balustrades and balconies meet your delightful gaze at every turn, and quiant courtyards tempt you to enter them and admire some lovely bit of architecture hidden from the street (p. 115). From the narrow streets of the medieval town you pass under the Porta Marina, where you must pause a moment to look up at the lion, because he is not as others - his book is closed. The legend says it once was open, but shut on the fall of Venice. Then, for a last look at old-world Trau, stand a while on the bridge which links it to the isle of Bua, and if the sun is setting in the west, behind the towers of the old Venetian castle by the sea, and the campanile is silhouetted, too, against the sunset glow, you will carry away one of  the fairest pictures in Dalmatia stored in your memory (p. 117)".