Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide explores the city’s iconic landmarks, culinary delights, and hidden gems.
From the architectural splendor of St. Lawrence’s Cathedral to the immersive Dalmatian Cuisine One-day Cooking Class, Trogir offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all types of travelers.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a nature admirer, Trogir promises an unforgettable journey through its past and present.
St. Lawrence’s Cathedral
- Working Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM daily
- Ticket Prices: Adults – around 3 €, Students and Children – around 2 €
- Exploration Time: 1 to 2 hours
Set in the heart of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the captivating St. Lawrence’s Cathedral, an architectural marvel crafted in Romanesque-Gothic style.
Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, this triple-naved basilica impresses with its Radovan’s Portal, a masterstroke of Romanesque sculpture, and an array of treasures including the golden and silver objects housed in the treasury.
Don’t miss the ascent to the bell tower. Though it involves a climb up a narrow spiral staircase, the panoramic views of Trogir that await you at the top make it truly worthwhile. Remember to follow the Cathedral’s dress code—cover your shoulders and knees in respect for this tranquil sanctuary.
St. Lawrence’s Cathedral is a proud symbol of Croatian heritage and a must-visit spot for any tourist exploring Trogir. Its history, architecture, and serene atmosphere make it an unmissable part of your Croatian journey.
Kamerlengo Castle
- Working Hours:
- April – May: 10 am – 6 pm,
- June – September: 9 am – 10 pm,
- October: 10 am – 6 pm.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults – around 4 €,
- Students and children aged 7 – 18 years old around 2 €,
- Children under 7, disabled persons, and tourist guides – Free.
- Exploration Time: 1 hour.
Take a step back in time with a visit to Kamerlengo Castle, a 15th-century fortress built to stand against Ottoman attacks. Perched at the end of Trogir Riva, this formidable structure is a symbol of the city’s resilient past, accessible by a leisurely bike ride or walk.
Once inside, climb to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of Trogir and Ciovo. The vistas are stunning from all directions, and the sight of the sun setting over the city is particularly breathtaking. Walk around the castle walls to fully appreciate these scenic outlooks.
The castle is also home to an educational room where visitors can watch a video detailing the castle’s history. The modest entrance fee is regarded as reasonable by many, given the rich history and incredible views the fortress offers.
Ćipiko Palace
- Working Hours: Open 24/7
- Ticket Prices: Free
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes to an hour
In the historic heart of Trogir, Croatia, stands the Ćipiko Palace, a notable emblem of the city’s rich past. This architectural gem was the residence of the influential Ćipiko family and was first established in the 13th century.
The palace consists of two structures – the Large and Small Ćipiko Palaces. Its architecture is a captivating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, featuring noteworthy elements like the Gothic triforium and inscriptions such as “Nosce te ipsum” or “Know yourself”.
While the palace is not generally open to the public, you can appreciate its impressive exterior and courtyard. Pay particular attention to the intricate balconies and arches that add charm to its façade.
Perfectly located opposite the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and in the main square of Trogir, the palace’s locale adds to its appeal. Although you may not explore its interior, the palace’s majestic exterior offers a splendid photo opportunity and is a key part of Trogir’s UNESCO World Heritage site status.
St. Dominic Monastery
- Working Hours: Irregular, check before visiting
- Ticket Prices: Small entrance fee
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes to an hour
Steeped in centuries of history, the Church and Monastery of St. Dominic stand as an impressive testament to Trogir’s sacral architecture. Founded by Dominican monks in 1265 and expanded in the 14th century, the complex features a tall, slender bell tower and an austere monastery, marking the skyline of this historic city.
High narrow windows with blue-green stained glass cast a calming light on the interior, where a huge rosette and ceiling decorated with wooden beams shaped like an ancient sea boat demand your attention.
In the cloister, designed in the same Gothic style and created in the 15th century, you’ll find an oasis of serenity. Admire the intricate stucco stone statues, bas-reliefs, and semi-columns that adorn the space, and enjoy the peaceful garden with various reliefs, sculptures, and fruit trees.
The church is a treasure trove of sacred art, including an impressive hexaptych by the renowned 15th-century Dalmatian artist Blaz Jurjev. Don’t miss the nave and its open space with chapels, especially the outstanding Baroque chapel dedicated to Mary.
Situated on Obala bana Berislavića 17, and right in the middle of the waterfront promenade, the church is easily accessible. Despite some ongoing restoration work, the church remains open to visitors.
Offering cool respite during a hot day, this church is a must-visit historical gem in Trogir. Do note that opening hours can be irregular, so it’s advisable to check beforehand.
Delicium Nostrum
Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
What to Buy: Wines, traditional alcoholic drinks, dry fig spreads, chocolates, olive oils, organic cosmetics, and other unique Croatian souvenirs.
Special Services: Wine tastings and personalized delivery service.
Delicium Nostrum, tucked away at Obrov 2, Trogir, is a charming souvenir shop brimming with the flavors and crafts of Croatia. From wines and traditional alcoholic drinks to dry fig spreads and chocolates, olive oils, and organic cosmetics, this shop offers an impressive range of high-quality souvenirs and products at reasonable prices.
The shop’s layout is inviting, featuring a spacious ground floor for browsing and a more exclusive second floor dedicated to wine lovers. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of Croatian wines, many of which are hard to come by elsewhere.
In addition to its top-notch wine selection, Delicium Nostrum provides wine tasting experiences, offering visitors the chance to sample and appreciate local Dalmatian wines.
Not only does the shop offer an extensive variety of products, including cheese, brandy, truffles, and natural cosmetics, it also excels in providing personalized customer service.
The staff, including the owner, go the extra mile to deliver purchases to customers’ locations and help choose the perfect wine or souvenir. For unique, high-quality mementos of your Croatian adventure, Delicium Nostrum is your go-to spot.
Dalmatian Cuisine One-day Cooking Class
- Price: €120 per person
- Duration: 5 hours
- Start Time: 9:30 AM
- Includes: Visit to the market, coffee, cooking class, lunch, drinks
- Note: No children under 12, limited to 6 participants per class, private classes available, dietary preferences accommodated where possible.
Unleash your inner chef with an unforgettable Dalmatian Cuisine One-day Cooking Class in Trogir. Offering a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and hands-on experience, this 5-hour gastronomic adventure commences at 9:30 AM and includes not just a cooking class but also a visit to the vibrant green and fish market.
With a maximum of 6 people per class, every participant is assured personalized attention. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or are following a gluten-free diet, rest assured, your culinary preferences will be catered for. Please note, children under 12 are not allowed.
For those desiring a truly intimate experience, private cooking classes with Chef Tatjana are available. These unique sessions take place in Tatjana’s home, a historic 13th-century palace. Here, you’ll accompany Tatjana to the local market to hand-pick fresh, organically grown ingredients. The day’s menu? That’s dictated by the market’s catch-of-the-day and your personal preferences.
Previous attendees heap praise on their hosts. Ivana, known for her professionalism and warm welcome, is lauded for her extensive knowledge of the country, food, history, and preparations. The simplicity yet deliciousness of the food, the vibrant ambiance of Ivana’s home, and the understanding of dietary restrictions all contribute to a highly recommended culinary journey.
Drvenik Veli
- Getting There: Ferry from Trogir and Seget Donji (about 1 hour)
- Key Attractions: Blue Lagoon, local beaches and coves, walking/biking trails, local shop
- Note: Bring bottled water, prepare for potential power outages, and avoid sea urchins while swimming.
Tucked away in the Split archipelago, between Šolta and Drvenik Mali, lies Drvenik Veli, a small island renowned for its pristine nature. An ideal destination for those craving a quiet, peaceful retreat, the island’s main allure is the Blue Lagoon or Krknjaši Bay. Here, the turquoise sea and clean environment offer a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Drvenik Veli is a paradise of Mediterranean vegetation, boasting pine trees, cypress, oak, olive groves, vineyards, and more. Besides its tranquil beaches and coves like Solinska, Grabule, Pernatica, and Mala Luka, the island features walking, trekking, and bike trails, offering sports enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in its beauty.
Reachable by a one-hour ferry ride from Trogir and Seget Donji, Drvenik Veli provides accommodation in private apartments, holiday homes, and rooms. Its clear, clean waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling but beware of sea urchins. The island’s shop offers basic goods, with locally produced wine and olive oil making ideal souvenirs.
Be mindful, though, that Drvenik Veli lacks drinking water and is prone to power outages, sometimes lasting up to 12 hours. And, due to its location in the landing/departure zone of Split (Trogir) airport, there can be some noise from passing airplanes. As the island can only be reached by boat and has limited roadways, it is recommended to leave cars on the mainland.
Trogir Riva Promenade
- Working Hours: Open 24/7
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Exploration Time: At your leisure, it’s a great place to relax and take in the view.
- Parking: Available for visitors.
For an authentic taste of Croatia’s seaside charm, look no further than the Trogir Riva Promenade. This beautiful waterfront area is an inviting tapestry of local culture and stunning views. Lined with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, and boasting panoramic vistas of the marina, the Kamalengo castle, and the old town, it’s a fantastic spot for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Indulge in a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soaking up the maritime atmosphere and people-watching. The medieval buildings add an enchanting backdrop to your walk, and the view across to the neighboring island filled with beautiful houses lends a unique charm.
A highlight of the promenade is the street market, where you can peruse everything from local produce to second-hand vinyl LPs. Despite the bustle, the promenade never feels overcrowded, thanks to its spaciousness.
Cross the bridge from the promenade to the marina for a different perspective of the old town churches and castle. As evening falls, the promenade’s atmosphere mellows, making it the perfect place for an evening stroll or to simply relax and watch the yachts and tour boats.
Trogir Market
- Working Hours: Open throughout the day
- Product Prices: Vary, some visitors find slightly high
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes
Just across the bridge from Trogir’s medieval center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the vibrant Trogir Market. This green market serves as a delightful blend of a traditional and touristy marketplace, boasting a wide array of local products. Its long hours are a convenience, remaining open throughout the day when most markets close around 2 PM.
Here, you’ll find a tempting selection of fresh, inexpensive fruits and vegetables, alongside local delicacies like bureks (pastries with cheese and spinach), whole dried sausages, cheeses, olive oil, and braided garlic. It’s also a fantastic place to source local souvenirs or browse clothing stalls for a unique find.
For an authentic experience, I recommend a morning visit when the market buzzes with locals. Explore stalls brimming with fragrant lavender, flavored honey, local liqueurs, and olive oils. While some visitors found prices slightly high, the market remains a great place to experience local culture, find a bargain, and procure picnic essentials such as fresh fruits, bread, and cheese.
Trogir City Museum
- Working Hours: Opens at 10 AM (Check locally or contact the museum for closing time)
- Ticket Prices: Approximately 3 €
- Exploration Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Trogir’s history at the Trogir City Museum. Housed in the former Garagnin-Fanfogna palace, a fascinating fusion of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, this museum presents a detailed journey through the centuries, from Trogir’s founding to the 20th century.
Take a leisurely stroll through its well-curated collection. Among the highlights are an array of intricate stone carvings, works by modern Croatian painters, including the local artist Cata Duišin Ribar, and a main museum housing furnished rooms filled with books, documents, paintings, and period costumes.
The museum also features architectural artifacts in the outbuildings and even Roman ruins in the courtyard, adding an authentic touch of antiquity to your visit. Despite being a tad unorganized, it’s a charming retreat from Trogir’s bustling streets and an ideal option for a rainy day exploration or a quiet afternoon.
While the museum may be a bit under the radar, its valuable insights into Trogir’s past make it a hidden gem worth exploring. While it may not be as grand as other museums, it offers a charming and engaging experience.
Trogir Clock Tower & Loggia
- Working Hours: Open 24 hours, freely accessible
- Ticket Prices: Free
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes
The Trogir Clock Tower and Loggia, nestled on John Paul II Square in Trogir’s historic center, are fascinating landmarks of cultural significance included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Loggia, built in the 14th century, and the Clock Tower, once part of St. Sebastian’s Church, bring the captivating history of Trogir to life.
Reliefs by renowned artists like Ivan Meštrović and Nikola Firentinak are preserved in the Loggia, adding an artistic allure to this historic spot. The clock tower is crowned with a dome, an original element from the 15th-century church.
A walk inside the Loggia will reveal antique columns, while the east wall showcases a brilliant relief by a Florentine master, displaying figures, coats-of-arms, inscriptions, and ornaments.
The area is not just for history buffs—it’s also a hub for social and cultural activities, frequented by locals for meetings and events, including weddings.
After exploring the Loggia, you can saunter around the vibrant square, filled with boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream stores. Don’t forget to take a tranquil walk around the seafront and capture some memorable photographs.
Church of St. Peter
- Working Hours: Irregular, check with local tourist office
- Ticket Prices: Free entry
- Exploration Time: 20 – 30 minutes
Situated amidst the charming narrow streets of Trogir is the historic Church of St. Peter. This modest building thought to have been built in the 13th century as part of a women’s Benedictine monastery, has seen extensions and modifications through various phases, the latest dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The church is a harmonious blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture, evident in the sophisticated adornment of its entrance. Inside, the main altar draws attention with its Baroque wooden sculptures of Sts. Peter and Paul, acclaimed as among the most exquisite in Dalmatia. Adding to its rich heritage is the treasury, a proud keeper of silver church robes.
While not a prime highlight of Trogir, the Church of St. Peter still makes for a serene visit, especially after a coffee break on the main square. The harmonious sounds of a school choir often echo within its walls, lending an enchanting atmosphere.
Please note that the church has irregular opening hours. It is advisable to check with the local tourist office or the info point before planning your visit.
St Mark’s Tower
- Working Hours: Varied, check in advance.
- Ticket Prices: Not specified, verify prior to visit.
- Exploration Time: Quick stop, around 15-30 minutes.
Situated near the canal, with a picturesque backdrop, stands St. Mark’s Tower, known locally as Kula Sv. Marka. This 15th-century defensive structure, built in the Renaissance style, harks back to classical Roman architecture, representing a bygone era of fortitude and bravery.
The Tower’s massive 3-meter thick walls and strategic location on the edge of the river testify to its original purpose – to provide effective protection against sea fire and Turkish attacks. It was an integral part of the city’s defense, once connected to the Kamerlengo fortress by a wall, a robust fortification system put in place by the Venetians.
Today, St. Mark’s Tower is home to the House of Dalmatian Music, lending a delightful cultural aspect to this historic structure. Despite its intermittent opening to the public, the Tower is still an impressive sight to behold from the outside and is worth a quick stop on your journey through Trogir.
If you’re an architecture enthusiast or history lover, St. Mark’s Tower, with its intriguing stone construction and former defensive role, is sure to captivate your interest. Located just around the corner from the Kamerlengo Tower, this 15th-century gem adds significantly to the rich historic tapestry of Trogir.
City Hall
- Working Hours: Not specified
- Ticket Prices: Not specified
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes
Situated in Trogir, Croatia, the City Hall, also known as the Rector’s Palace, stands as a symbol of the city’s political and economic strength in the 15th century. This historic building showcases a large courtyard adorned with coats of arms and a decorated well-head, topped with the winged lion of St Mark, a symbol of the Venetian Republic.
The City Hall’s facade is a testament to Trogir’s evolving architectural landscape over centuries, featuring stone motifs that reflect prominent families or personalities of the city. The building’s imposing presence on the historic Central Square, right beside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, echoes its significance in the city’s past.
A visit to the City Hall allows you to immerse in Trogir’s rich history and marvel at the beautiful Renaissance architecture that adorns the main square. Despite the lack of specific information on working hours or entrance fees from visited websites, the City Hall’s historical importance and architectural grandeur make it a worthy stop on your Trogir exploration.
Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas
- Working Hours: Courtyard is open throughout the day. Holy Mass is celebrated every day at 6 PM.
- Ticket Prices: Entrance to the courtyard is free. Charges applicable for museum exhibition.
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes to an hour.
Hidden in the southeastern part of Trogir, along the city walls, is the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas, a serene sanctuary that has been continuously inhabited since its establishment in 1064. A small community of Benedictine nuns calls this peaceful monastery home.
The Monastery is renowned for its collection of historical and artistic items. The highlight of these is the relief of the Greek God of Opportunity, Kairos, an extraordinary piece of ancient art. Make sure to notice the monastery’s bell tower, characterized by its intricate “lace” screens, a unique display of craftsmanship.
Feel free to explore the Monastery’s courtyard, open to the public without any charges. The tranquility it provides is a welcome respite from the bustling city. For a deeper dive into history, visit the Monastery’s museum which houses a variety of historical artifacts. Remember, though, photography inside the museum isn’t permitted.
The friendly and welcoming staff, including the nuns, add to the warm and peaceful atmosphere of the monastery. Whether you’re attending the daily Holy Mass at 6 p.m., exploring the beautiful courtyard, or immersing yourself in the “Kairos” art collection, the Monastery is sure to leave you with a feeling of serenity.
Broaden Your Horizons
If you’re looking to add more variety to your stay in Trogir, consider embarking on a few day trips. From the stunning Krka National Park to the charming city of Split, there’s so much to explore in the surrounding areas. Check out my recommendations for the best day trips from Trogir.
Discover the Best Beaches in Trogir
Trogir is home to some truly beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation and sunbathing. Whether you prefer secluded coves or lively beach bars, Trogir has something for everyone. Dive into my guide to the best beaches in Trogir.
Follow a Guided Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Trogir
If you’re looking for a more structured approach to exploring Trogir, why not follow my itinerary for a perfect day in Trogir? It’s packed with must-see sights and hidden gems, ensuring you make the most of your time in this beautiful town.
Choose from the Best Hotels in Trogir for a Comfortable Stay
Choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference to your stay in Trogir. From luxury hotels to charming guesthouses, Trogir offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. Take a look at my picks for the best hotels in Trogir.
