Trogir, Croatia
Trogir is a stunning port town located in the heart of central Dalmatia, approximately 30 km from the vibrant city of Split and 60 km from Sibenik. Its old town is a truly unique and captivating sight, as it is situated on a small island nestled between the Croatian mainland and the island of Ćiovo. This remarkable "island solution" is reminiscent of other beautiful coastal towns in the region. The island is conveniently connected to the mainland by a short bridge, making it easily accessible for visitors. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir's old town is a living museum, and you can easily spend an entire day getting lost in its narrow, winding streets, admiring its rich history, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of its restaurants and cafes.
Parking in Trogir
The bridge "Trogirski most" leads to the old town. Very close to this bridge is the parking lot "Parkiralište Travarica (T1)" (1, GPS: 43.5182757, 16.2481947). The parking lot is spacious, and after leaving the car we are within 5 minutes in the old town. Payments are made in a machine - you can also pay by card. Off-season prices are much lower (in September it was about 13-15 kuna). However, Croatia adopted the euro at the beginning of 2023, so prices may change in the new season.
There is also another parking lot on the same street, simply named "Trogir parking," also located very close to the bridge (2, GPS: 43.5183083, 16.2528413). However, it is known to be quite expensive, with a rate of 2 euros per hour in 2023. Some visitors have also reported issues with the payment machines and find the staff less than helpful. For a more reliable and pleasant experience, we recommend sticking with the "Parkiralište Travarica (T1)" lot.
Sightseeing in the Old Town
We parked at the "Parkiralište Travarica (T1)" parking lot, and then through the Trogir Bridge we entered the island where the old town is located. Opposite us appeared the North Tower and the gate through which we passed (A, GPS: 43.5176122, 16.2505200). We turned into a narrow street to the left and then into another to the right, which brought us in a moment to the John Paul II Square (Trg Ivan Pavel II), where the beautiful, 13th century St. Lawrence Cathedral stands (B, GPS: 43.5169547, 16.2513033).
The North Gate, also known as the Land Gate, is a significant part of Trogir's historic fortifications and serves as the main entrance to the old town from the mainland. Stepping through this stone gate feels like traveling back in time, leading you directly into the bustling main square. The square itself is a beautiful open space surrounded by historic buildings and palaces, serving as the social and cultural hub of the town.
St. Lawrence Cathedral, with its impressive Romanesque-Gothic architecture, is the most important monument in Trogir and a masterpiece of Croatian art. Its bell tower dominates the skyline, offering breathtaking views of the town and surrounding islands for those willing to climb its many steps. The cathedral's main portal, created by Master Radovan in 1240, is a stunning work of sculpture that depicts scenes from the Bible and is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque art in Croatia.
We then proceeded to the southern shore of the island, from which you can see another island - Ćiovo, to which the "Čiovski most" (until recently called the "Bridge of the People's Army of Yugoslavia") leads. There were interesting boats and ships standing by the shore (C, GPS: 43.5157800, 16.2512550). We walked along the shoreline and then plunged into the maze of streets again. Eventually we found ourselves on the opposite side of the island. We walked past the soccer field (D, GPS: 43.5159472, 16.2461533) until we reached the beautiful Kamerlengo Fortress (E, GPS: 43.5151497, 16.2471350). There is a fee to enter it, but it may be worth paying 30 kuna because of the magnificent view from the tower. Unfortunately, the town doesn't care very much about cleanliness - inside the tower we noticed various trash, and you can also see the lack of investment in the restoration of this monument. Is it difficult to clean the place at least once a week? The old town is very beautiful, why spoil the eyes of tourists with such minor shortcomings.
The waterfront offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of restaurants and cafes. It is the perfect place for a relaxed stroll, where you can watch the boats come and go and enjoy the sea breeze. The promenade also provides beautiful photo opportunities of the fortified city from the water's edge.
There is a fee to enter Kamerlengo Fortress, but it may be worth it for the magnificent view from the tower. The fortress itself is a large structure with a rich history, and the climb to the top provides a superb panoramic view of the old town and the harbor. While some visitors have noted that the cleanliness and maintenance inside could be improved, the stunning views and historical significance of the fortress make it a worthwhile stop. Simple maintenance would significantly enhance the visitor experience.
The Kamerlengo Fortress was built in the 15th century by the Venetians to defend the city and its harbor. Its impressive walls and towers are a powerful symbol of Trogir’s past as a strategic naval port. Today, the fortress courtyard often hosts cultural events, concerts, and festivals, bringing this historic space to life for a modern audience.
Gastronomy in Trogir
Trogir's culinary scene is a delight for food lovers, offering a taste of authentic Dalmatian cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. The town is filled with charming restaurants and taverns, known as 'konobas,' where you can savor local flavors and traditions.
The menu is dominated by fresh fish and seafood caught daily in the Adriatic Sea. Be sure to try grilled fish drizzled with local olive oil, 'crni rižot' (black risotto made with squid ink), and 'pašticada' (a slow-cooked beef stew). These dishes are best enjoyed with a glass of local wine, such as a crisp white Pošip or a robust red Plavac Mali.
For a more casual experience, explore the local market for fresh produce, cheese, and cured meats. Dining in Trogir, especially in one of the restaurants tucked away in a narrow alley or on the waterfront, provides a wonderful sensory experience that perfectly complements the historical charm of the town. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making every meal a memorable part of your visit.
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