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Trundling Through Timeless Trogir, Croatia

Overlooked by so many guidebooks, Trogir is a UNESCO Heritage Listed jewel that should be on everyones Croatia itinerary. Stay for a night or two or day trip from Split. You won’t be sorry.


 Driving down the Dalmatian coast we had to decide on where to stay in the Split area. We only had two guide books among us, Lonely Planet for the Balkans and a Rick Steve’s; but both of the books made Split out to be too big and overrun with cruisers for our taste. When we got to Trogir, we decided to drive through the town even though Rick suggested to give it a pass. We were enthralled with this beautiful medieval town as soon as we crossed over the first bridge leading to the island and our decision was easily made.

Three scenes from Trogir, Croatia.

We found a comfortable and affordable guest house directly across from the harbor with amazing views of the town. The Villa Tudor is small, only five rooms, but they all look out onto the old town. It is a short walk across the bridge and with street parking, it just couldn’t be beat. Breakfast in the morning was one of the best we had in Croatia.

Trogir waterfront.

With the rooms found and checked-in and the car parked, we set off on foot to explore Trogir.  It is a UNESCO Heritage Listed jewel. The town was originally founded on the island by the Greeks and laid out in a traditional orthogonal grid pattern with the basic city layout being continued under Roman rule and then embellished by the Venetians. Most of what remains today is Venetian construction from the 15th century onwards.

Fishing boats tied to the quay in Trogir, Croatia.

The main sites here are found around the central square and are easy to find. The highlight for me was the Loggia and clock tower with its medieval murals and wooden ceiling. Also on the square, you’ll find the Cathedral of Saint Lovre (Lawerence). Take some time to checkout the so-called Radovan’s Portal.

The stone carvings around the entryway here are incredible. After the the main square just spend some time wandering the cobbled streets within the city walls. Outside the main city gate and just over the bridge you’ll find the market. Of course you’ll find all of the usual touristy stuff for sale here, but it is still a working market for the town citizens so it has much more of an authentic feel then you’d expect.

Palm tree in front of Bell tower in Trogir, Croatia.

The Kamarlengo Fortress gaurds the harbor entrance from the west side of the island and probably offers some good views from the tower, but it was closed the day we were there and looking at reviews on Trip Advisor doesn’t seem to warrant the cost of entry. It is impressive on the outside, though, and definitely worth a walk around the walls and towers.

Trogir city wall and gate.

Accommodation:  We stayed at the Hotel Villa Tudor, and really cannot recommend it enough. Address: Obala kralja Zvonimira 12, 21220, Trogira, +385 21 885 071.

Have you almost passed something up because of a guide book or something someone said, and then were happy you didn’t?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

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Trogir, Croatia, castle tower with flag.

Ahila

Tuesday 7th of June 2016

I recently read Rachel's post on Trogir and was intrigued by it. Seeing your photos, as well, of the place has made me put Croatia (and Trogir) on my travel wishlist. Very picturesque! #TheWeeklyPostcard

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 7th of June 2016

Ahila, I think you will really like it. We did!

Anda

Monday 6th of June 2016

Visiting Croatia is an old dream of mine, Corinne, but somehow I didn't make it there yet. Driving down the Dalmatian coast seems like the best way to experience all the sights. Rather than following the recommendations of the guide books, I'll listen to your advice and make sure to visit Trogir as well. Your pictures are so appealing!

Corinne Vail

Monday 6th of June 2016

Anda, Yes, do. Croatia road tripping is the way to go. Will you be going soon?

Lolo

Sunday 5th of June 2016

Looks like a real hidden gem! I have found so many amazing things that many of my guidebooks don't mention or only write a small blurp about, for example Cesky Krumlov was just a small blurp in my book and it turned out to be one of the most amazing little medieval towns ever in the Czech Republic! #TheWeeklyPostcard

Corinne Vail

Sunday 5th of June 2016

Lolo, Yes! I know what you mean. The same thing happened to me with Cesky Krumlov....I guess the lesson is to look at these smaller places, too.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 6th of August 2014

Eimear, So, you'll be going to Trogir sometime soon, right?

frankaboutcroatia

Wednesday 6th of August 2014

I cannot believe that Rick Steve suggests passing on a visit to Trogir?! It's a real gem and an excellent alternative to staying in Split. The bridge across to Ciovo can get really busy during the summer. And if your car is on the island, you can lose couple of hours in a traffic. Did you explore the other side of Ciovo?

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 6th of August 2014

Frank, We stayed across from the old city, where did most of our sight-seeing. I think the food would be better on that side!