LOTRŠČAK TOWER

The Lotrščak Tower is a fortified tower in Zagreb. Built in 1266, it was part of the southern gate and the city’s defenses against the Turks. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining fortifications and a notable Zagreb landmark. But there is more: every day at exactly noon, the Grič Cannon fires from within. It has been doing so for about a century to commemorate Zagreb’s victory over the Turks. It has become something of a tradition, as locals set their watches by the blast. Throughout history, the tower has kept watch over Zagreb’s defenses. In fact, it takes its name from a bell—the *campana latrunculorum* (Bell of Thieves)—which used to ring every evening before the city gates were closed.