Buzet - Mala vrata (Small Gate)

Buzet is an Istrian town above the Mirna, away from the coast and embedded in the peninsula’s hilly interior. Its commanding position, defensive edge and densely built lanes explain Buzet’s centuries-long importance in northern Istria. Its special quality is the legible relationship between fortifications, public buildings and homes on a confined hilltop. The elongated core had controlled passages at both ends, linked by its principal streets.

The Small Gate is the northern passage through the walls of old Buzet. It was completed in 1592 and bears the coat of arms of Rašpor captain Carlo Salomon above the portal.

The vaulted passage is set between houses and opens towards the valley. Its outer and inner sides show how a secondary town entrance was adapted to the steep settlement edge.

The Small Gate complements the southern Vela Gate and shows that access and control were distributed between both ends of the elongated town. The arms above the arch identify the patron and period of construction.