Trogir – the UNESCO old town

Trogir is the most rewarding excursion right on our doorstep – 10 minutes by car from Poljica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The historic center sits on a tiny island between the mainland and the offshore island of Čiovo, connected by two bridges. A few hectares (8 football pitches of town) packed with churches, palaces, and alleys from medieval, Venetian, and Renaissance eras – all in pale limestone, all still lived in, none of it museum-preserved.

What makes Trogir special

The town was founded in the 3rd century BCE by Greek colonists as Tragurion, developed by the Romans, taken over by the Byzantines, and spent the Middle Ages under Croatian-Hungarian and then Venetian rule. You can read these layers in the streets: Roman street grid, Romanesque-Gothic architecture in the cathedral, Venetian palaces along the waterfront.

The historic core is compact – roughly 400 by 200 meters (1,300 × 650 ft) – and comfortable to explore in two to three hours.

The highlights

• Cathedral of St. Lawrence (Sv. Lovre) – the heart of Trogir. The Portal of Master Radovan, carved in 1240, is considered one of the most significant works of Romanesque-Gothic sculpture on the eastern Adriatic. A few Euros buys entry, and you can climb the bell tower for a panoramic view across the rooftops out to the bay.
• Kamerlengo Fortress at the western tip of the island, Venetian, 15th century. Small entrance fee, another fine view from the top.
• Cipiko Palace on the main square – a Venetian-Gothic noble residence.
• Waterfront promenade (Riva) – yachts, ferries, the bridge to Čiovo. Nice evening walk.
• Market just outside the old town walls – fruit, vegetables, oil, dried figs, lavender; liveliest in the morning.

Practical notes

Trogir is very busy in high season (July/August) – visit in the morning or late afternoon for more breathing room. Outside of peak summer, the old town is quiet and enjoyable.

Dining: every price range. The konobas in the side streets just off the Riva are usually better than the places with a harbor view.

Parking: paid lots at the edge of the old town, or further out if they’re full.

Fun fact for film-loving guests

Trogir appears in HBO’s Game of Thrones as parts of Meereen and Qarth. Fans of the show will recognize several locations.

Getting there

• By car: 10 minutes from Poljica on coastal road D8
• By bus: Split-area regional lines stop in Poljica and run direct to Trogir (schedule at ak-split.hr)
• By boat: water taxis and coastal day-trip boats run in season
• Split Airport (SPU) sits between Trogir and Kaštela – Trogir is effectively the airport town

Trogir Tourist Board Trg Pape Ivana Pavla II. 1, 21220 Trogir Tel: +385 (0)21 885 628 · tztrogir.hr