Walking Tour of Trogir, Croatia
Trogir, only about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Split, is another interesting medieval town, seemingly made for walking. This small, walled village is located on an island, just off the mainland of the Dalmatian Coast. Although it has much older roots, what you see today is mostly the Venetian town, which emerged from rubble beginning in the 13th century.
My walk begins at the Land Gate, a Venetian portal on the northern side of the island. Soon after passing through the gate, turn left and then right, onto Gradska. The Cipiko Palace is on your right, just before you reach the Main Square. It was the residence of Trogir’s most prominent family. Continue south into the square (Trg Ivana Pavla II). Several notable buildings can be found here, on this popular gathering place.
The Venetian Loggia and Clock Tower are particularly noticeable, straight ahead. Both date to the 15th century. Also on the square is the Town Hall. The exterior is striking, but the interior is not worth your time.
Two churches also occupy this busy square. On the north is the beautiful Cathedral of St Lovro (Lawrence), with its Romanesque portal depicting Adam and Eve (1240 AD) and its Chapel of St Ivan. Note, as well, the Venetian-Gothic Bell Tower.
Opposite the Cathedral is the Church of St John the Baptist, a small Romanesque church which houses an art gallery.
Now leave the square, exiting next to the Loggia, onto Gradska, heading south, past the Church of St Nicholas and through the walls to The Riva, the waterfront walkway which can be found in most Dalmatian villages.
Turn right on The Riva. On your left, just ahead, is the Sea Gate and, nearby, the Fish Market. Check them out before proceeding.
Next, walk back to The Riva and turn right (west) again, past the Church of St Dominic and, onward, to Kamerlenga Castle, once the home of the Venetian governor. After your visit to the fortress, continue around the perimeter of the island, past Marmot’s Gloriette, on the western edge of the city, and finally to St Mark’s Tower, erected by the Venetians as an imposing part of the island’s fortifications. You can climb the Tower for great views of the city.
From here, you may either continue to the east, along Hrvatskih Mucenika, or, as an option, work your way eastward through the narrow streets of the village. Either way, emerge at the Land Gate, where the walking tour began.