The historic city occupies an island of about 1 km, a completely pedestrian area. It is connected by two bridges, to the north coming from the mainland, to the south coming from the sister island Čiovo-Okrug. Let's enter through the Gate of the Land-Farm. The decoration of the monumental opening dates from the 17th century, but it was pierced, in the round wall, in the 13th century. It is here that we can see a part of the remaining ramparts. Of classical construction, the door is surmounted by the statue of John of Trogir, bishop of the city, at the end of the 12th century. Within the city walls, in the maze of cobbled streets, the mixture of architectural styles is immediately appealing. This remarkable example of urban continuity, admirably restored, decided UNESCO, in 1997, to include it on the list of World Heritage Sites. The orthogonal plan of the city dates back to the Hellenistic period. It was embellished by the clergy and the successive sovereigns, who financed the great works of the public and religious buildings. Here, forts, fortifications, chapels, churches, administrative buildings, palaces, squares and plazas are elegantly intertwined, from the medieval, Renaissance to the Baroque period.
Ivana Pavla II (John Paul II) square centralizes all the eras and all the powers. The Romanesque-Gothic portal of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence of Trogir is richly decorated with multiple details carved under the direction of the Croatian master Radovan, from 1240. On the tympanum, the Nativity scene is a rather rare theme at the entrance of a church. At the time, it was more a question of stunning the believers with the representation of the Last Judgment. Two columns rest on the heads of two men, a Turk and a Jew, who themselves stand on lions. In the Middle Ages, they were considered by the Church as beings.
The later campanile is 47 m high. Reaching the top by very steep stairs, one is rewarded by the magnificent view of the city, the canal, the Riviera and the islands. The square is also home to two palaces in Venetian Gothic style. The most famous, the Cipiko Palace, now houses the tourist office. To the east of the square, the town hall, to the south, the Romanesque chapel of St. Barbara, the clock tower and, in front of the old court, the loggia of the public hearing room.
At the western end of the island, the fortress of Kamerlengo was built facing the sea by the Republic of Venice at the beginning of the 15th century. In case of an external attack, the population could take refuge here.
From the keep, there is another panoramic view of the city and the sea promenade, where people like to relax on the terraces of the cafés and restaurants.
In the extension of these quays, the Porte de la mer (16th century) faces the second vestige of the ramparts still standing. Another more modest loggia can be seen. In the past, travelers could spend the night there while waiting to enter the walled city, which closed its doors at midnight!
The architectural beauty of Trogir owes much to the work of local or foreign master sculptors, who left on the facades various carved motifs (notches, bumps, dashes, axes, crescents, plants). Apparently insignificant, these marks reveal themselves only to the good observer. They could indicate the end of the work or symbolize the signature of the craftsman. Some engraved stones also bear votive prayers or plans for strategy games (Merelle, chess), which occupied the workers during the break. In the history of European architecture, Trogir has the largest number of such stones.
A romantic destination
This harmony of the building could not but seduce photographers and art directors. Music videos, scenes from Anglo-Saxon series (Doctor Who: The Vampires of Venice, Game of Thrones) have been shot in the old town. Trogir has become a very popular wedding destination. For the charm of the big day, it is better to do as the Croatians themselves! Come out of the tourist season to avoid the crowds, and organize everything well in advance!
As for gifts, you will be able to treat yourself with quality products because the tradition of craftsmanship is still alive in Trogir, in the stores of painters, sculptors, jewelers, leatherworkers and other stonecutters.
As far as gastronomy is concerned, the town can be compared to the big cities of the Adriatic coast. Its traditional cuisine includes typical Dalmatian dishes (pašticada, brudet, buzzara), fine sausages (prosciutto), simmered white meats, fresh pasta, risottos, etc. In good restaurants - ask at the tourist office - you will be served the best regional wines and, for dessert, the master pastry chefs still make small rapioli, a kind of melting shortbread with olive oil, filled with crushed almonds. These half-moon shaped cookies used to accompany every important event in life, baptisms, communions, weddings and funerals. Today, they are declined, according to the family recipe, with chocolate cream, carob, flavored citrus, vanilla.
Communities of municipalities Trogir, Čiovo-Okrug
The active city is also a popular seaside resort, with an urban beach. It also enjoys its surrounding islands, Drvenik Mali and Veli, which belong administratively to Trogir. To reach them by boat, you go along a channel with many islets where you can enjoy unspoiled nature, beautiful pebble beaches and coves. Don't miss the Blue Lagoon in the bay of Krknjasi. On the Trogir waterfront, there is a daily ferry to these islands, while in the summer, excursionists offer daily sea trips. Trogir is also one of the stops for organized boat trips along the entire Adriatic coast.
For boaters, the municipality has built three marinas, where you can rest, prepare for your coastal sailing or better for a grand tour in search of the Dalmatian archipelagos.
The island Čiovo - Okrug communicates with Trogir by two bridges, one connecting it to the historical city (Čioviski Most), the other, to the mainland (Most hrvatskih branitelja). It is a large hilly island of 70 km (28.8 km²), with rich Mediterranean vegetation. Traditionally, the population lived from fishing and agriculture (vineyards, olive trees, fig trees). Nowadays, tourism, with seasonal rentals, is the main activity. On the northeast coast extends a pleasant seaside area, between Mastrinka, Arbanija and Slatina. Old coastal villages coexist with modern tourist infrastructure, vacation buildings, beaches, coves. You can follow this coastline on foot or by bike to the lighthouse of Slatina, where nature has reclaimed its rights. These walks are accompanied by beautiful panoramic views of the islands and, depending on where you are, you can see Šolta, Hvar, Brač and even Vis.
The southern coast is wilder until the beach Mavarštica. The island lands then narrow to the peninsula of Okrug-Gornji and Okrug-Donji, which is composed of several villages. Okrug-Gornji is the largest village. In this seaside environment, everything is organized for summer vacations. Families enjoy the beaches with facilities for children. For a relaxing atmosphere, choose the apartments in Mavarcica Bay, a quiet area of Okrug-Gornji, with a diving center. Next to the Copacabana beach, the apartments located between Milicevo, Žedno or Saldun will suit vacationers without a car. They will be near ACI Marina Trogir with boats to Seget-Donji marina. Sports facilities are concentrated on Pivetova Glavica, while water sports are practiced on the beaches of Copacabana or Milicevo. And, always, beach bars to relax, restaurants to learn about Dalmatian cuisine.
FUTURE INFO
When to go?
If you are primarily interested in the historical heritage, come all year round, knowing that in the summer, the city, victim of its success, is crowded. Outside the tourist season, you can take part in interesting festivals. For example, in May, the Trogir Outdoor Festival (triathlon and trail), in June, St. John's Day, in September the Bokun festival (street food, music, cinema), without forgetting the summer cultural festival in the fortress of Kamerlengo, the Advent celebrations.
Duration
2 days to visit the historical city. 1 week to discover Trogir, Čiovo - Okrug and most of Central Dalmatia (Split, Omiš, Primošten, Šibenik, Skradin, Krka National Park) with its archipelagos.
Budget
Everything depends on the type of stay, the choice of accommodation, from youth hostel to luxury hotel, car rental or public transport, restaurants, gastronomic or fast food, the number of paying activities, sports, cultural, leisure.
Public
Lovers of old stones, boaters, lovers of seaside vacations, couples.
The advantages
- 5 km from the international airport (Split Kaštela) with city bus line (37) about every 30 min.
- Masters Tours with a local guide, a thematic tour offered by the tourist office that focuses on local gastronomy, good restaurants, the work of artists and craftsmen.
- A median position that allows you to "do" the north and south of Central Dalmatia, discover the hinterland and the islands.
The minuses
- The crowd of tourists in summer who are in mass in the old town.
Getting there
At the bus station, many buses for several Croatian destinations. Possibility to go by car, bus or boat to Čiovo - Okrug-Gornji. Pier at Copacabana beach for regular round trips in summer between marinas every half hour. Daily rotations between Split and Čiovo - Okrug-Gornji (company Bura Line).
Useful
Car and bicycle rentals in every village in Čiovo - Okrug-Gornji. At the tourist office in Trogir, ask for the leaflet of the island's bike paths and hikes.
TROGIR TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the website
Trg Ivana Pavla II/1
Tel: +385 21 885 628
OKRUG-GORNJI TOUR IST OFFICE - More information on the website
Bana Jelačića 15
Tel: +385 21 88 73 11
Sleep
List of hotels on the website of the Tourist Office, info on private seasonal rental on this website.
