February 13, 2025, 4:32 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia and can hardly save itself from tourists. In addition to holidaymakers arriving by plane, there are thousands of cruise ship passengers who disembark in Dubrovnik almost every day. And yet – also located in Dalmatia – there is a city that is hardly known in this country, which can certainly compete with Dubrovnik in terms of beauty and sights.
The city of Trogir is one of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia, and together with Dubrovnik, it is the city in Dalmatia with the most sights. The old town, which is located on an offshore island in the Adriatic Sea, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Overview
Trogir is located just a few kilometers from the much larger Split, on the western side of a bay and originally opposite the island of Ciovo. Today, part of the town, with its modern harbor, is located on the island, which is connected to the old town by a bridge. The mainland can also be reached from the old town via a bridge.
UNESCO declared the town of Trogir a World Heritage Site because the old town has preserved an almost unbroken urban tradition. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence from the 13th century and the Kamerlengo Fortress from the 15th century immediately catch the eye.
Sights in Trogir
The Prince’s Palace also dates back to the 13th century, and many other buildings are 200 years younger, including the city gate and the remains of the city wall. However, one should not expect the entire old town to be historic. In fact, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is still inhabited today. There are new buildings and renovations – but everything has remained within reasonable limits. The style of the houses is almost entirely historic.
On the one hand, it is worth strolling through the narrow streets of the almost car-free old town, where small, ancient chapels and small exhibitions can be discovered. On the other hand, the wide waterfront promenade with a view of the marina is very attractive. There are also many restaurants there.
The historic market square on the eastern edge of the old town, where the Cathedral of St. Lawrence is located, is a must-see. The square is named after the Polish Pope John Paul II.
Scenes from Game of Thrones Were Also filmed in Trogir
Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones, which has significantly boosted tourism in Dubrovnik, will find Trogir equally enchanting. Some scenes were filmed here in the Dominican monastery in the heart of the old town. The associated monastery garden with the portico served as the garden of the town of Qarth in the series.
Tips for Traveling by Car
If you’re driving to Trogir, it’s best to avoid trying to park in the old town. Visitors can reach the district on the island of Ciovo, now merged with the town of Okrug Gornji, by passing through the old town island in ‘transit’ mode. The marina is also located in this part of town.
When approaching from Split, you’ll find parking available directly before the island on the left side. While Ciovo does offer parking spaces, they tend to fill up quickly, so you might find yourself searching for a spot for a while and potentially facing a lengthy walk.
For those considering a car-free visit, a taxi from the nearby Split airport will whisk you to Trogir in just 10 minutes, and a bus ride takes slightly less than 20 minutes.
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Contributing writer: Ulrich Lenhard