Trotting around in Trogir

Kamerlingo Castle

Attraction | "A Monumental Fortification in Trogir"

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Kamerlingo Castle is a hum dinger of a Romanesque fortress mainly because it is so well preserved and gives the whole town a medieval look. It is very similar to the one in Paphos in Cyprus. The walls of the castle are solidly built in stone - I can't imagine any intruders ever being able to break into this monumental structue.The battlements and fortifications are safe to walk on and it is very pleasant to walk on the high walls to take in the magnificent views of the medieval town.This fortification has guarded the western approaches to Trogir since the 15th century and was built by the Venetians and at one time did house the Venetian Governor. In summer classical concerts and films are ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 17, 2009

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Restaurante Fontana

Restaurant | "Dining in Style on the Waterfront of Trogir"

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This very popular restauarant is part of the Hotel Fontana and is situated in the old historic quarter of Trogir on the Dalmatian Coast. It is a little different than other restaurants in Trogir because it stays open throughout the year. In winter it retreats to a cosy interior and in the warmer months it spreads out on to the waterfront.Inside the restaurant there are spaces for approximately fifty people and the terraces along the waterfront can seat up to 200 people so overall it is quite a large restaurant. So what is the best restaurant in Trogir like? Well, it is in a wonderful situation especially if you sit outside as you really do take in a fantastic view of the port a...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 15, 2009

Restaurante Fontana
Obala Bana Berislavica 11
Trogir, Croatia
(21) 884-811

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Trogir's Riva

Attraction | "Great Place to Sit with a Beer and Chill Out"

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The Riva or waterfront is my favourite place in Trogir to visit.Although I love history and I am always interested in knowing as much information as possible about the town I am visiting and will walk around, going in and out of museums, churches etc, I am also lazy and there is nothing more I like to do than sit on a palm fringed waterfront sipping a beer or drinking coffee. The waterfront is where tourists come to wander or enjoy a meal or drink on a barmy summer evening. Here is where Trogir's citizens come also, to meet up and be seen. The many bars and cafes make this a perfect spot to relax and gaze seaward at the ferries, as they slip off to the nearby islands. Early morning all the boats...Read More

The Riva or waterfront is my favourite place in Trogir to visit.
Although I love history and I am always interested in knowing as much information as possible about the town I am visiting and will walk around, going in and out of museums, churches etc, I am also lazy and there is nothing more I like to do than sit on a palm fringed waterfront sipping a beer or drinking coffee. The waterfront is where tourists come to wander or enjoy a meal or drink on a barmy summer evening. Here is where Trogir's citizens come also, to meet up and be seen. The many bars and cafes make this a perfect spot to relax and gaze seaward at the ferries, as they slip off to the nearby islands. Early morning all the boats will be lined up on the waterfront so that visitors can book trips for the following day.

The cafes and bars are very low-key on the Riva and it seems to be a place for peaceful socialising rather than hectic party life. In the busy months there are one or two discos for the younger generation but nothing to loud or explosive.

Restaurants alongside the waterfront offer a varied selection of dishes including local cuisine and dishes with an Italian influence. This is a very casual and laid back area which has the sort of ambience I really love.

The Riva as well as some of the churches and squares hosts the summer music festival in July and August which is in the open air and the main theme is music rather than theatre or dance. A cacophany of sounds permeating from folk, classical, rock and jazz instruments can be heard all over the waterfornt and is quite a stunning spectacle if a little noisy at times. Street performers, dancers, flame throwers all take part in the activities along the wide pedestrianed riva. A fascinating, experience for all members of the family and one not to be missed.

Information regarding the music festival and the performing acts taking place can be obtained from Trogir's tourist office. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 15, 2009

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The Cathedral of St Lawrence

Attraction | "A Monumental Building that Shouldn't be Missed"

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The Cathedral of St Lawrence which is known to the locals as the church of St John, is a monumental building and one that shouldn't be missed. The Cathedral's bell tower totally dominates the town because of its extreme height which seems to touch the clouds in the azure blue Croatian sky. The building was built on the old foundations of a basillica that was destroyed in the mid 12th century and is quite ancient and very beautiful.What I found really interesting was the 13th century west door, lavishly adorned with biblical scenes carved by Trogir-born sculptor Radovan. The portal is unusual because this artist didn't follow the patterns of the time by usiing iconography but used different...Read More

The Cathedral of St Lawrence which is known to the locals as the church of St John, is a monumental building and one that shouldn't be missed. The Cathedral's bell tower totally dominates the town because of its extreme height which seems to touch the clouds in the azure blue Croatian sky. The building was built on the old foundations of a basillica that was destroyed in the mid 12th century and is quite ancient and very beautiful.

What I found really interesting was the 13th century west door, lavishly adorned with biblical scenes carved by Trogir-born sculptor Radovan. The portal is unusual because this artist didn't follow the patterns of the time by usiing iconography but used different elements. The biblical scenes represent real life in the form of hunting, fishing and games rather than a mystical theme. The scenes represent an earthiness by being interwoven and mingled with leaves and branches. On either side of the door you will notice Adam and Eve standing proudly over a pair of Venetian lions. This is obviously indicating the influence that the Venetians once had over Trogir.

The baptistry was finished in 1497 and it is a mixtue of Gothic and Renaissance style which is absolutely sumptious.The portal is decorated with mouth watering fruits, intricate flowers and gothic shells. In the interior, there is an interesting mixture of styles, leaves that sway in the wind but are moving in opposite directions and a rather jolly frieze depicting happy children wearing garlands.

St. John's Chapel is a marvellous piece of work that was carried out from 1461 until 1497. The chapel is Renaissance in style and in the form of a mausoleum with a sarcophagus made entirley from marble. The architect responsible for this creative piece was no other than Nikola Firentinac who was a pupil of Italy's famous Donatello. Look out for the cherubs holding torches.

The cathedral is open from June until September from 9am until 12 and then later in the day it opens its doors from 4pm until 7pm daily.

Entrance Fee is 10 kuna - just over £1

I think a visit to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the whole of the Balkans is worth a pound of anyones hard earned money. The stone coloured cathedral with its red roof dominates this ancient town but is in total harmony with its surroundings. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 3, 2009

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A Town I Stumbled Across on the Way to Split

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Trogir - where is it, you may well ask? This small port and town is situated in Central Dalmatia which is in Croatia and about 30 kilometres from Split where there is an International airport. The town is well located as it is on the famous Adriatic Highway which links this part of Croatia to the rest of Europe. The reason I came across this beautiful spot is because we were driving from Zagreb to Split and thought I would stop overnight and see what the town had to offer. I knew the town existed but originally wasn't going to visit because I thought it would be overcrowded with visitors as I had heard it was a very popular resort. But seeing that we were doing a grand tour of Croatia and the other Ba...Read More

Trogir - where is it, you may well ask? This small port and town is situated in Central Dalmatia which is in Croatia and about 30 kilometres from Split where there is an International airport. The town is well located as it is on the famous Adriatic Highway which links this part of Croatia to the rest of Europe. The reason I came across this beautiful spot is because we were driving from Zagreb to Split and thought I would stop overnight and see what the town had to offer. I knew the town existed but originally wasn't going to visit because I thought it would be overcrowded with visitors as I had heard it was a very popular resort. But seeing that we were doing a grand tour of Croatia and the other Balkan countries in our very old and frail camper van I thought why not, its only another night, another place. I am so glad I did stop because Trogir is actually a mighty fine place.

In fact, I would go as far to say that it is one of the most stunning places in this area. The town sits on its own island with bridges linking it to the mainland on one side and to the island of Ciovo on the other. As you walk around Trogir you immediately feel that you are in the Mediterranean with its shimmering knot of orange roofs and traditional stone buildings, amongst which lies one of Croatia's most remarkable cathedrals. The well preserved old town is perhaps the most unified in the whole country, a pedestrianised oasis where pages of history are peeled back with every step. Even the many tourists fail to diminish the appeal of this beautiful town.

A visit to the surrounding area of Trogir is worthwhile just to see the lush verdant vegetation which consists of heavy laden fig trees, silvery grey-green olive trees and black carob trees. Lots of aromatic herbs grow wild and when the wind is blowing you are able to breathe in the wonderful scented aromas as they waft through the blue dappled skies. Not forgetting the small islets and coves, pebble beaches and rocky promintories. But the real beauty of the town is in its historic core which is perfectly preserved and shines with churches, palaces, monuments and art. In 1997 the town was included in the Unesco World Heritage list. The fortified town with its streets, squares and a myriad of fascinating buildings has kept its medieval structure and is an important asset to Croatia.

There are hotels in Trogir but I didn't stay in any because we parked the camper in the car park and slept overnight there. However, we did eat in the Restoran Fontana which is part of a hotel situated in the old town. I was told by the locals that this is the best hotel and restaurant in the old town. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can sit outside on the terrace where you can absorb the buzzing atmosphere of the busy riva or watch the amazing sunsets casting amber shadows on luxurious yachts moored on the waterfront. The hotel and restaurant are open all year and the restaurant specialises in seafood. My favourite - prawns cooked in garlic butter, white wine and chillies.

There are many beauty spots in Croatia and I very nearly dismissed Trogir because of the tourists. The town does get exceedingly busy with visitors and there is always a vibrant atmosphere. I suppose if you visited in September or October the town and area would be very calm and really stunning but then sometimes it is nice to have some atmosphere and Trogir certainly has that.

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Trogir Journals

Trotting around in Trogir

Kamerlingo Castle

Restaurante Fontana

Trogir's Riva

The Cathedral of St Lawrence

A Town I Stumbled Across on the Way to Split

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