Trogir Croatia is one of the Dalmatian coast's wonders, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, as many call it, the Little Venice of Dalmatia.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Trogir town is located on a small island in a narrow sea passage between the mainland and Ciovo island, separated by a small canal. The islet is just 500 meters long and 250 wide.
Trogir Dalmatia, as the capital of Trogir Riviera, together with Ciovo island and two other smaller islands (the Drvenik Mali And Veli), makes it one of the most requested and visited destinations.
Where is Trogir Croatia
If you look at the map above, it is evident that Trogir Croatia lies in the middle of the Adriatic coast. It's just 28 km west of the Split city and 6 km from Split airport.
Thanks to this airport's vicinity, you are just a few hours away from this beautiful town, taking one of many flights from major European destinations that fly to Split.
Getting to Trogir Croatia by car today is straightforward and comfortable. Croatia has a highly developed network of highways. From Zagreb to Trogir by car, taking the route, E71 will take you only 3 hours.
Trogir is also very close to some beautiful Croatia landscapes like Plitvice Lakes and Krka National parks. The distance from Trogir to Plitvice Lakes National Park is 214 km, while from Trogir to Krka National Park is only 58 km.
Trogir Croatia History
Trogir history started in the 3rd century BC when Greek colonists founded it from Vis under the Greek name ‘Tragos' (meaning ‘male goat'). During the Roman ruling, Trogir (Tragurium) was one of the Dalmatian city-states.
During the Roman period, Trogir's great rival was Salona (near Split, today Solin). During the Salona prosperity, Trogir had marginal significance for Romans. After Salona's fall (destroyed by Slavs and Avars in the 6th and 7th centuries), many of its inhabitants settled in Trogir, which managed to keep its independence.
Besides the street plan and the name, Greeks and Roman rulers left no visible remains in Trogir. You can read more about Trogir history here!
Venetian Rule
After Venice in 1409 bought Dalmatia, Trogir Dalmatia had rejected the new government. After the town's ten-year siege, finally in 1420 town was forced to recognize the new Venice government that ruled until 1797.
It's the relatively long Venice domination period, not always accepted with delight and full recognition, but many consider this period ‘a golden age', particularly between the 13th and 16th centuries.
The Venetian influence is visible everywhere in Trogir, with many Renaissance and Baroque palaces and buildings from the Venetian period. Many famous and wealthy families such as Cipiko, Peter Lucic, and Pavao Andreis built wonderful palaces in Venetian style.
Trogir Croatia Things To See
Since Trogir is considered a city-museum, the city sightseeing on foot is the best way to enjoy this old town and understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Similar to some of Italy's cities, Trogir is a virtual labyrinth of tight streets in the middle of tall buildings. Many of these buildings wear ornaments reminiscent of their Venetian origins. Just be careful when wandering through the city; you might not find your way out!
If you do Trogir town city sightseen on your own, start a city tour entering through one of two Renaissance city gates. The most convenient is Trogir North Gate (only a few steps from Trogir Croatia Bus Station). It's easy to find it as the entrance is guarded by the statue of the town's patron saint, St. John of Trogir ( the Blessed Ivan Orsini).
South Gate, the second one, is a massive wooden gate, reinforced with pins, preserved from 1593, located on a seaside promenade, Trogir Riva. Near this gate, you will see the Small Loggia, leaned to old town walls.
From my personal experience, I am convinced that Trogir Croatia sightseeing will be a great enjoyable event. In this small old town, all top sights lie in a relatively restricted space that looks like an outdoor museum.
Things you're going to see in Trogir will be convincing to understand why Trogir has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Croatia.
Leave a day to visit this stunning old town, filled with architectural treasures from 2000 ancient civilizations, palaces, churches, towers, open markets, and stone buildings lined inside the tight streets.
The Main Trogir Croatia Sightseeing Sights
Trogir cathedral of St.Lovro (St. Lawrence)
One of the highlights worth visiting is the Trogir cathedral of St.Lovro (St. Lawrence), situated in the very center of this Romanesque town.
This triple-aisles basilica, set on the foundations of an early Christian church destroyed during an Arab invasion, was primarily built in the 13th century, during the Romanesque period.
The most outstanding value of Trogir Cathedral lies in its renowned Romanesque portal (1240). It is the masterwork of one of Croatia's most significant sculptors, master Radovan, now known as ‘Radovan's Portal.'
Town Hall – Duke Palace
Duke's Palace sits proudly in the main square of the Old Town of Trogir. Town Hall was first mentioned in the 13th century. It got its Renaissance charm after reconstruction during the 19th century.
Fortress Kamerlengo
Fortress Kamerlengo stands at the west end of the Trogir islet, built by Venetians between 13 and 15 the century. It was a naval base for their navy forces in this part of the Adriatic. It bears the name of Town Magistrate Camerarius. Nowadays, the fortress is a multimedia center with open-air cinema and a stage for various cultural events.
St. Mark (Sv.Marko) tower
On the opposite side of Kamerlengo Fortress, there is another defensive tower called St. Mark. Built in the 15th century, lies right next to the seashore once the city walls.
Trogir Croatia Old town streets
Like Split old town streets, taking a stroll among Trogir Croatia streets is a unique experience. Trogir Croatia is a virtual maze of tight cobbled streets. Just be careful when wandering through the city. You might not find your way out! I'm just kidding!
Trogir Croatia Hotels
When you plan to stay in Trogir, keep in mind that most hotels, apartments, villas are outside the old town. Most of them are on the island of Ciovo, where you will find the most beautiful beaches.
For those looking for four stars hotels in Trogir Croatia, located in the real heart of Trogir, I suggest hotel Monika property with an excellent location score of 9.7. Some three-stars hotels are just inside the old town.
I've selected some of them like Hotel Tragos, Hotel Villa Fontana, Hotel Pasike, Villa Jadro, Villa Sv. Petar (great location) or if you like heritage hotels, Derossi Palace is for you.