TROGIR
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Trogir is situated in the center of Dalmatia, on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea. The heart of Trogir is small islet laying between the gentle hills on the mainland and the coast of the Island of Ciovo. Small town of 12000 citizens is the center of Trogir micro – region which covers about 250km2.
Trogir Riviera is assemble of 20 islands, islets, small counties and villages. Find out more about the locations in Trogir area: Arbanija, Drvenik, Marina, Okrug Gornji and Donji, Seget, Sevid, Slatine, Trogir Center, Vinisce, Vranjica.
Climate, industry, people, money
Placed in the area of mild Mediterranean climate, Trogir with its 2700 sunny hours per year is a real treasure among other tourist destinations in Croatia. Average air temperature throughout the year is above 15°C, reaching more than 30°C in summer. Sea temperature is well above 25°C during summer period.
Tourism is the largest industry in Trogir region covering 50% of Trogir’s budget with more than 20.000 beds in hotels and private apartments. Still, there is very b fishing and agriculture tradition among population in surrounding areas.
Everywhere you go in Trogir area, you will meet very friendly and charming people, smooth combination of Southern temperament and warm hospitality, thanks to our long tourist tradition.
Trogir is connected with major Europe cities through very well organized airline network. Airport Split is only 3km from Trogir; so literally, you are just few hours away of our beautiful town. Routes shown on the map are some of direct flights for Split, although, if you fly via Zagreb, you will find many other options to reach Split. Ask your Airline Company about details (most of the European airlines companies have daily connections with Split throughout summer period). If you are coming overseas, fly through Frankfurt or London Heathrow (frequent daily flights to Split from these airports!).
All payments and prices are in Croatian Kuna (Kn), although you may ask to pay in EUR in almost every shop and restaurant, except food-markets. Approximate exchange rate is: 1 EUR = 7,5 Kn. There are four bank offices and several ATM (cash machines) located in Town center, accepting all major credit cards.
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was settled by the Greeks in IV-III century BC during theirs hunts across Mediterranean.
In the First century AC, Trogir became Roman municipality “TRAGURIUM CIVIUM ROMANORUM” joined to Salona, center of Roman province of Dalmatia. Upon the fall of the Roman Empire in Fifth century, Trogir has been developed as a independent town.
In the Sixth century, the Croats settled in Trogir area and began creating works of art. Right from the beginning of the Middle Ages the old Greek town of Tragurion felt the fire of the new medieval culture. Builders and masons built churches and decorated it with interlaced ornamentation.
During the Tenth century citizens of Trogir renewed they old municipal life of the formal Roman “oppidum”. In their struggle against the Venetians, the kings of Hungary got Trogir to their side in return for a guarantee of Independence. Its citizens could freely elect their city leaders and, already in the Eleventh century, the small community crowded on the fortified islet, had its own Bishop who was suffrage of the Bishop of Split.
At the beginning of the 13th century, while they were still recovering from the raids of the Venetians, who had attacked them in 12th century during their war with Hungary for the attractive Dalmatian coast, Trogir citizens under Rector Ilija from the Kacic family built their new cathedral. Forty years later, RADOVAN carved its main portal in Seget stone.
Prospect of Trogir was brutally interrupted 1420. when town was occupied by Venetians after long struggle, and it was badly devastated. Occupation lasted for almost four centuries, until 1797. During that time, Trogir was rebuild again and many new palaces, houses, towers and fortresses were erected. After short period of independence, Trogir had fallen under Napoleon’s domination which was remembered by significant communal and health – care reforms, and modernization of economy.
Trogir
History & Culture
Meet the city with 2300 years of tradition. It’s rich culture is created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, Venetians. Trogir with concentration of palaces, churches, towers, fortress on a small island in aevery way deserves it’s nickname “THE STONE BEAUTY”
Austrians conquered town one more time (1814 – 1914) when citizens suffered illness, epidemics and hunger. After 1848, process of democratization started, and very shortly, 1877, Croats were rulers in their town. After First World War, Trogir, together with Croatia, became a part of State of South Slovenes, but agony of hunger and indigence wasn’t finished.
Real improvement of standard and the way of life started in 1970-ies when Ship industry and tourism were employing more then 50% of Trogir citizens. Further development was interrupted by aggression on Croatia 1991, when people of Trogir and its economy suffered serious consequences. Ongoing integration processes in European Community started with UNESCO’s acknowledgement of Trogir as a World cultural Heritage in 1997. Now, on the beginning of the new Millennia, Trogir becomes popular tourist destination as it was in ’80-ies. -
Trogir is connected with major Europe cities through very well organized airline network. Airport Split is only 3km from Trogir; so literally, you are just few hours away of our beautiful town. Routes shown on the map are some of direct flights for Split, although, if you fly via Zagreb, you will find many other options to reach Split. Ask your Airline Company about details (most of the European airlines companies have daily connections with Split throughout summer period). If you are coming overseas, fly through Frankfurt or London Heathrow (frequent daily flights to Split from these airports!).
Trogir in Croatia If you are coming by the road, you have three choices:
1. Highway Dalmatina A1 – Croatian Highway Dalmatina A1 (the ex-Prgomet Highway)
2. Coastal road – Jadranska Magistrala. Beginning at Croatia’s north-western border follow Jadranska Magistrala Road through the following towns before reaching Trogir:
Rijeka – Senj – Karlobag – Zadar – Sibenik – Primosten – Trogir.
3. Middle Croatian Highway D1 – Beginning at Croatia’s northern border follow the D1 Highway through to the capital city Zagreb and then through to the following towns before reaching Trogir:
Karlovac – Plitvice (National Park) – Korenica – Gracac – Knin – Drnis – Trogir.You may want to visit us by boat, either in private arrangement or by organized connections with Italian coastal cities of Ancona, Pescara, Bari or Venetia. If you are with your own boat, check our Nautical Guide for complete and up-to-date information about marinas, ports and berths in Trogir area. For ferry transfers, contact your Maritime agency for timetables or visit official web site of Croatian ferry company “Jadrolinija“.
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SPLIT
Split is a Mediterranean city, situated on the Marjan peninsula at the centre of the eastern Adriatic coast. Because of its favourable geographical position, Split has a typical Mediterranean climate, with long, dry, warm summers and short, mild, rainy winters (yearly average of 900 mm of rain). The average summer air temperature in Split is 26°C (79°F), with 12 hours of direct sunlight (year-round average of 7 hours).
- Split is a Mediterranean city, situated on the Marjan peninsula at the centre of the eastern Adriatic coast. Because of its favourable geographical position, Split has a typical Mediterranean climate, with long, dry, warm summers and short, mild, rainy winters (yearly average of 900 mm of rain). The average summer air temperature in Split is 26°C (79°F), with 12 hours of direct sunlight (year-round average of 7 hours).
Split is the cultural and political centre of Dalmatia (a historical region, once much larger, now stretching from the city of Karlobag further north along the coast to the Cape Prevlaka near Dubrovnik), and is the official seat of the Split–Dalmatia County. Approximately 180 000 people live in Split, making it the second-largest city in Croatia.
The official history of Split stretches back for 1700 years, when the Roman emperor Diocletian built his palace (emulating the form of the Roman military camp) as a place to which he would retire after stepping down from the imperial throne. However, preceding Diocletian’s palace, the site held the Greek colony Aspalathos, meaning the plant called Spanish or weaver’s broom (Spartia juncea). The plant is still numerous, especially on the southern slopes of the park-forest Marjan.
- Geographical position
Split lies on the Adriatic coast, central Dalmatia, on the Split (Marjan) peninsula. Although surrounded by sea as a peninsula, Split also borders with surrounding mountains, Mosor on the northeast, Kozjak on the northwest, and Marjan hill as one of the most important symbols of the city, rising on the west side of the peninsula, in the immediate vicinity of the old city centre. Split is also surrounded by the islands Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Čiovo. Split is the largest city in Dalmatia, second largest city in Croatia and according to the latest census conducted in 2011 Split has almost 180 thousand inhabitants. Second largest Croatian cargo harbour, but also one of the largest passenger harbours on the Mediterranean. It is the administrative centre of the Split & Dalmatia County.
ClimateSplit has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry and very hot summers and cool, but moderate and humid winters. Average temperature of the warmest month of the year is 22°C, and the coldest 4°C.
Split through the seasonsThanks to the Mediterranean climate, winters are mild in Split, lasting from December to March, although the actual experience of winter can really be felt only in February. For this reason all the comforts of Split can be savoured for most of the winter, from sightseeing the Diocletian Palace to the tastings of all the delicacies in numerous restaurants, and at the Christmas fair on the Riva during the entire December Christmas holidays. It is not even so unusual to spend sunny winter mornings sitting on the café terraces. Spring in Split lasts from March to June, and it is one of the best seasons to visit Split. The average temperature is the ideal 20°C, abundant in sunny periods ideal for walking on Marjan, excursions, and even swimming in the late spring. During this season Split begins its life in the open, it is the waking moment of its streets and city squares. Although high temperatures characterize the summer in Split, sometimes even over 35°C, spreading from June to the end of September, you can find refreshment in the beautiful Adriatic sea on many of Split’s beaches or on the nearby islands, while during the summer nights you can unwind through different events, such as the Days of Diocletian, Split summer festival and many others, where everyone can find something for themselves, and where you will experience a true Mediterranean hustle and bustle. Autumn in Split lasts from September to December, although not a favourite part of the year to some, in many ways it is the most beautiful time of the year to visit Split, especially at the end of September and in October. It is the time when the temperature of the sea is ideal, the summer heat is at its low, and the main season is still on.
- The history of Split is over-flowingly rich and turbulent to fit in just a couple of sentences. Although the Split area was earlier inhabited by the Greek colonies, Emperor Diocletian should be considered its first citizen and founder, starting his lavish villa of around 300 square meters near the great city of Salona in 293 AD, only to retire from the Roman throne within its walls after building it for ten years. Turbulent centuries that followed turned the villa into a city, conceived by the fugitive inhabitants of Salona who fled from the Avars and Slavs. Many authorities changed hands in the city which, in the years to come, grew beyond the Palace walls, from the Croatian Kings in the 10th century, through the Hungarian and Venetian administration, to the French rulers and the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Modern age and the 20th century “moved” Split from the kingdom of Yugoslavia, through tragic, yet heroic times of the Italian and German occupation during the Second World War when Split was one of the centres of anti-fascist resistance, to the Socialist Yugoslavia and the present period of the free and independent Croatia, member of the European Union. Tumultuous history leaves its trace in the everyday life of the city that always moved steadily forward, remaining the centre of this part of the coast to this day. In those mixtures of history layers, clumsiness was inevitable, sometimes even rashness in development, but today it is all a part of its originality. Great city beats today with the silent whisper of history, the lively spirit of youth and charm of the Mediterranean yet in every way also Croatian warmth…
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KAŠTELA
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Kaštela
Kaštela
The town of Kaštela is located on the coast of the Bay of Kaštela. It has over 40 000 inhabitants, and it is the second largest town in the Split and Dalmatia County. It stretches over the length of 17 kilometers.
Our town is specific because of the fact that it developed around 7 settlements (Kaštel Štafilić, Kaštel Novi, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Gomilica and Kaštel Sućurac) or around castles. Each village has its own particularity merged into character of this part of Mediterranean. Radun and Rudine emerge in recent years as the two new smaller centers.
The eastern part of the city is a little industrial center. Cement factories, a steel mill and many shopping malls are situated there. Agriculture based on crops traditional for this region is developed in the Field of Kaštela an on the slopes of Kozjak. Growing of olives, grapes and cherries flourish in the recent times.
The western part of the town is more tourism- oriented. This is the area with most accommodation capacities: tourist apartments, rooms, camps and hotels.
There is a newly built Marina Kaštela in Kaštel Gomilica capable to accommodate large number of private and charter boats.
Kaštela is of the places with the best traffic infrastructure. We have an international airport Split – Kaštela, a railway station at Kaštel Stari, and access to Split – Zagreb highway at Prgomet and Vučevica.
There are many organizations and institutions which enrich cultural life of the town throughout the year.
The Museum of the town of Kaštela found its place in the Vitturi castle, and an exhibition room in onetime bishop’s summer residence in Kaštel Sućurac .In February, traditional carnival festivities are held in Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Kambelovac and especially in Lower Kaštela (Štafilić, Novi, Stari) with tradition over 150 years long.
Every year from July 1 – August 31 the”Kaštela Cultural Summer” takes place. There are over 60 exhibitions, theatre shows, pop and classical music concerts, folklore, sport events and festivities (fishermen’s, hunters’, mountaineers’). Events are held at the most attractive places at the historic centers, castles and by the sea.
Destination
We especially highlight the “Evenings of Dalmatian Songs” held every July in Kaštel Kambelovac. Traditional a cappella singing arranged in modern or traditional manner is cherished there.Welcome!
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History and cultural heritage
Traces of all historic periods could be found in the area of the town of Kaštela; cavemen have hunted here (Mujina Cave on the western slopes with artifacts dating 45 000 years BC).
There are many Illyrian stone heaps scattered over the Kozjak Mountain.
During the Greek and Roman rule these parts experienced their economic and cultural prosperity. Remains of many antic villas and the Siculi settlement at Resnik are the proofs of that.
Croatians migrated to the gentle slopes of Kozjak in the 7th century and formed their first settlements. Old Croatian churches are the silent witnesses of that time.
Aristocrats and clergymen from Trogir and Split built their castles on these rocky shores. The Venetian authorities approved of that to protect crops and peasants. These fortified mansions– castles appeared as fortresses on their land sides with keeps, moats, loopholes and drawbridges. Their sides facing the sea were built as Renaissance villas with wide windows and balconies. Inhabitants of the old settlements on the slopes of Kozjak sought refuge and security by building new fortified settlements around them.
Agriculture and growing of olives and grapes were the basis of economy and the foundation of economic might of these parts. Big churches with bell towers (decorated by most famous artists of that time), golden and silver gifts in church treasuries and folk costumes noted for their golden decorations and golden embroidery witness about that might.
Around 16 castles seven villages were formed: Kaštel Štafilić, Kaštel Novi, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Gomilica and Kaštel Sućurac. These villages grew, developed and finally merged to the town of Kaštela. The villages preserved authentic Dalmatian architecture: houses with open front stairs, balconies, wine cellars, narrow streets and squares at their centers.
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The beauty of Kaštela and the Field of Kaštela inspired many poets who described their beauty in many poems.
“Seven villages like seven swans” became a motto of the town of Kaštela. In the most parts of the Field of Kaštela vineyards, olive groves, cherries, figs and autochthonous Mediterranean vegetation trade places with monuments of natural heritage and park architecture.
An olive (Olea Europea), more than 1500 years old grows in Kaštel Štafilić, which people of Kaštela call Mastrinka. It is considered that it was brought from Southern Italy or Greece. Due to the fact that estates of the Roman were in this area, it was presumed to be a remnant of an agricultural estate from those times. The olive is of an oil-producing species with small leaves and fruits. The system of roots occupies space of more than 100 meters. The span of the tree is 6 meters, the span of the tree top is 22 meters and the height is 10 meters. Annual crop of olives is processed into oil and packed into replicas of glass lacrimatoriums as an autochthonous souvenir of Kaštela.
An oak (Quercus Pubescens Willd) by the Romanic church of St. Kuzma and Damjan in Kaštel Gomilica capture interest by its beauty and size in this old Kaštela surrounding.
Park around the Palace Hotel in Kaštel Stari is also a monument of park architecture. It was founded in 1910 by Dr. Petar Kamber, former owner of the hotel and a man fond of Kaštela. The park stretches on 35 000 square meters.
Kaočina gaj, a forest on eastern slopes of Kozjak in Kaštel Sućurac is an example of preserved high maquis and other autochthonous species in vegetative and floristic sense. The forest is protected by the law.
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Kaštela are known as a place of rich culinary traditions with an emphasis on Mediterranean diet: lots of fish in all ways (boiled, baked and grilled), vegetables (beans and Days of beans !!), fruit and cakes, and meat dishes are kaštelanska tradition (beef stew or baking).
Of course, with good food and good wine goes, a wine from the Kaštela, especially Crljenak kaštelanski (ancestor of the famous American Zinfandel) is our pride. Visit us you will certainly enjoy every moment spent in our famous restaurants, taverns and tasting rooms…
See under Eat and drink.
OTHER TOWNS
Other towns in Dalmatia
Seget Vranjica
Seget Vranjica is a small tourist resort located 5 km north of Trogir, in the direction of Šibenik and 8 km from the international airport of Split. Seget Vranjica has everything which is necessary for a pleasant and peaceful stay in a beautiful Mediterranean environment.
Because of the vicinity of several ACI marines and the ferry port Split which connects you to numerous Dalmatian destinations, it is the ideal starting point for seeing the Adriatic.
The Trogir Riviera and the surroundings of Seget Vranjica are marked with bays with stone and pebble beaches, lush Mediterranean vegetation, centuries old vineyards and olive groves, and islands and islets ideal for one-day excursions with barges or sailboats. The kind hosts, quality accommodation and restaurants with a wide variety of Dalmatian food guarantee a pleasant stay in this attractive Dalmatian town.
Seget VranjicaAlong with wine cellars and restaurants in the town itself, we also recommend visiting restaurants in city Trogir, Donji and Gornji Seget, while entertainment and night life can be found in numerous nearby tourist centers of entertainment such as Trogir, Split, Primošten, Rogoznica.
For those who love cultural manifestations, we can recommend events within the Trogir Cultural Summer and the Split Summer Games.
Novalja
Novalja is a tourist center of the island, a famous resort and a destination of many tourist, and as such it offers possibilities of an active and interesting vacation.
The geographic location of Novalja – Northern Adriatic, enables a great offer of excursion packages.
Day trips by boat to the islands of Rab, Silba and Olib, visits to the city of Zadar and to national parks of Kornati, Krka, Plitvice Lakes and North Velebit.
The specific Mediterranean atmosphere of Novalja and of the whole island, especially in the pre-season offers the visitors more comfort than mere physical relaxation and as such it has a pure calming effect to all the senses irritated by the modern fast-paced life, this is a place where only the important really matters – the nature.
Šibenik
Šibenik is the main town of the Šibenik – Knin County, about 85km from Split, located in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic shore, in a picturesque, indented bay, at the place where the River Krka flows into the Adriatic Sea.
It is also the oldest town founded by Croatians on the Adriatic. The most famous sight in the town is the Cathedral of St. James, as the most important architectural accomplishment of the 15th and 16th century in Croatia.
Due to its extraordinary value the Cathedral has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Salona
Solin, the cradle of ancient and early Croatian history is located on the Jadro River, also known as the Croatian Jordan. It is the town with the youngest population in Croatia and rich cultural and natural heritage. All of this makes it an attractive tourist destination.
The oldest Marian shrine in Croatia, established by the Queen Jelena more than a thousand years ago, is located in Solin. Its church holds her tombstone and was visited by the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in 1998. The ancient Salona lies in the heart of Solin and was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
It is the largest archaeological park in Croatia, whose size is attested by the monumental ramparts with towers and gates, a forum with temples, an amphitheater and cemeteries with Salonian martyrs (Manastirine, Kapljuč, Marusinac). Salona was a town with over 60 000 inhabitants and, according to the legend, the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian.
Apart from Salona, your hosts will be happy to show you the remnants of ruins from the era of the Turks, as well as the Gašpine mill from the 18th century where visitors can enjoy a tour of the mill, see old tools and the so-called Hollow Church. It is the coronation basilica of King Zvonimir, where he was crowned in 1076 as the King of Croatia and Dalmatia. Furthermore, Solin has the largest marine aquarium in Croatia situated on the Vranjic peninsula.
Solin is situated along the Jadro River, which rises at the foot of the Mosor mountain at 35 meters above sea level, and flows to the Bay of Solin after 4.5 km. An endemic subspecies of the Adriatic trout has also developed in the Bay of Solin. In addition, the town has a rich natural heritage and numerous celebrations aimed at interpreting its cultural heritage. If you decide to visit Solin, you can stay in a hotel, a hostel or in a private apartment. In our restaurants, which offer peaceful ambience along the Jadro River, you can also try our rich culinary offer, particularly the trout.
Makarska
The city of Makarska grew around a natural harbor protected by a picturesque peninsula of Sveti Petar (St. Peter) and the cape Osejava. It is the only harbor of this kind between the mouth of the Cetina and Neretva rivers. In the past it provided protection and safe harbor during stormy weather to sailors, pirates and merchants, and nowadays it does the same for yachts, sailing boats and tourist ships. This contributed to its development into a trading port, especially during the Ottoman and Venetian occupation. Today, there is a ferry line which runs a few times a day from Makarska to Sumartin on the island Brač.
Klis
The hill of Klis is a connection between the Mount Mosor to the east and Kozjak to the west. Over history it has been a target for many nations, from the Illyrians and the Venetians to the Ottomans who considered it the port of Dalmatia, an open path towards old Salona and Split.
At the peak of this hill a village was built which the Ottomans later fortified. The well known Klis fortress is not only a symbol of the village but also of the resistance of united Dalmatians in their fight against the Ottomans. Today too Klis represents a link between the sea and Zagora as both the old and the new roads leading towards the Croatian hinterland pass through here.
The Fortress of Klis is situated some 15 km away form Split.
Dubrovnik
A town of monuments or museums under UNESCO patronage. Starting from the 1940 m long walls with bulwarks, the Stradun, Orlando’s pillar, the gothic renaissance palace of Sponza and the celebrated Rector’s Palace as well as the famous church and monastery, Dubrovnik has, without a doubt, a special place in Croatia’s cultural heritage. Once a part of the Republic of Dubrovnik, there is also the nearby Pelješac peninsula with the 5.5 km long walls of the stone town of Ston. Growing up on the remains of a Greek colony, the island of Korčula with streets that have a fish bone pattern is a true urban gem and asides from the traditional knight’s game called “Moreška”, is most famous today for being the birth place of Marko Polo. In the furthest south, there is the island of Mljet with a Benedictine monastery built in the 12th century that was constructed on an island in the middle of the great lake.
Zadar
City of Zadar is about 168 km from Split, the centre of the Zadar County and the wider area of the northern Dalmatia.
It is an ancient city, 3000 years old, first mentioned in the 4th century BC as a settlement of an Ilyrian tribe Liburnians – form of the name Jader is mentioned.
The city is full of historical and cultural sites, such as the famous Roman Forum, St. Donatus, and of the more contemporary sites there is the Sun Salutation and the Sea Organ.
Omiš
Omiš is a picturesque town with real Mediterranean atmosphere on the estuary of the river Cetina. It is town of Dalmatian Music Bands Festival (klapa) , a town governed by the Omiš Pirates for more than two centuries (from 1221-1444) and a town in the vicinity of which the ancient Republic of Poljica was developed – first of the kind in Europe.
Omiš is situated in the heart of Dalmatia, between the tourist centres Split and Makarska. Upon its wild and interasting history since Roman times and medieval unassailable fortress of the Omiš Pirats, it has become a tourist centre of the extremely beautiful Riviera.