Even though Trogir was a short stop on a one-day boat cruise out of Split I had to write a separate post on it so you know it must be a very special place.
When we arrived we were told we only had a few hours here so we immediately set out through the elegant North Gate where we found ourselves immediately within the well-preserved walls of this amazing medieval city which is a UNESCO World Heritage and holds many iconic landmarks. I found it to be completely captivating. Many perfectly preserved buildings here date back to the Middle Ages and we found the same beautiful marble streets and old-fashioned street lights throughout which give Trogir a wonderful romantic ambiance. Oh, and all the differing ancient styles of doors, balconies and alleyways. Right up MY “alley.” HA!
In the John Paul II square lies Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral which was built in the 12th century and took almost 500 years to build. Beautiful views are to be had from the attached and famous Clock Tower at 47 meters high. And a lovely respite can be had at the attached Loggia. This exterior gallery made up of arches on columns was a perfect place to rest in the shade, drink in the beauty around us and do some people watching.
We then took a stroll to the outside of the walls to Kamerlengo Castle, a mid 15th-century Venetian fortress, where I took in breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. We then did the same back on the promenade along the water before heading out back to Split. Trogir’s coastline is beautiful with a view of deep blue water everywhere I looked. The atmosphere there is truly delightful and I was really sad to leave.
Check out the sites we were able to visit in our short time in Trogir ::
St. Lawrence Cathedral and Bell Tower (Trogir Cathedral)
St. Lawrence Cathedral is considered one of the finest architectural achievements in Croatia. Built on the site of a destroyed ancient church construction started in 1193 but wasn’t completed until 1500. Its amazing Romanesque door flanked by two stone lions is one of its notable features.
The climb up the 47-meter tall bell tower is open to the public for a nominal fee. Don’t miss the Renaissance Chapel of St. Ivan which features many fine paintings.
Cipiko Palace
Cipiko Palace is located in the Town Square across from the main entrance of the Trogir Cathedral. It was home to one of the region’s most prominent families of the same name during the 15th century and the product of two splendid palaces joined together featuring an amazing Venetian Gothic window and a carved wooden statue of a cockerel taken from a Turkish ship.
The City Gates: Land Gate
This was the main entrance to Trogir during the 15th century and a vital part of the defense walls, the doorway of which even housed a drawbridge. It was rebuilt in the 17th century in late-Renaissance style.
Note the Lion of St. Mark above the door’s arch (symbol of Venice) and the statue of St. John of Trogir (Sv Ivan Trogirski, the patron saint of Trogir).
The St. Sebastian Clock Tower and City Loggia
Standing on John Paul II Square and next to the Loggia is one of the city’s most famous landmarks with its large blue face and domed roof and once part of the church of St. Sebastian.
The Loggia can be reached by a few steps and was once linked with the Church of St. Mary.
St. Dominic Monastery
St. Dominic Monastery was founded in 1265 although much has been added over the years such as the church and nave. Inside the exquisite interior you will find a number of old tombs such as those of Ivan and Simun Sobota (well-known humanists). The triumphal arch and altar made of wood dates back to 1600 as well as a number of important works of art and religious relics.
The Church of St. Peter
Although the outside is rather plain looking the interior of St. Peter’s Church features a number of important paintings by Molinari and Lazzarini as well as 17th century sculptures by Jakov Jucen who designed the building’s paneled ceiling and wooden carved statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The Church of St. Peter is best known for the half-sculpture of St. Peter looking down with the Bible in his hand.
Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark’s Fortress
A fortress surrounded by a ditch filled with sand back in the day as part of the defense system, Kamerlengo Castle and St. Mark’s Tower (round shaped) withstood long sieges from Turk attacks, once with guns at the ready.
Today the interior courtyard is used for open-air concerts and theatre.
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Trogir is one of the finest surprise gifts in my travels. What a beautiful ancient town full of such well-preserved ancient ruins. The culture in Croatia is also really wonderful. The people are friendly and helpful and it is a pleasure to visit a place where the locals are truly grateful for you coming to see them.
Make your next travel destination Croatia and be sure to visit the islands and definitely don’t miss Trogir!
If you are interested in reading more about Trogir, check out this Wikipedia entry
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