When visiting Split in Croatia, don’t skip a trip to Trogir. Croatia has 10 UNESCO heritage sites and Trogir is one of them. This more than the 2300 year old town was developed under the influence of the ancient Greeks, then Romans, and Venetians. Trogir is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic architecture complex in all Central Europe. The 500 metres long and 250m wide islet where Trogir is located lies in a narrow sea passage between the mainland and Čiovo Island. Trogir is sometimes called a city-museum because of its rich cultural heritage and authentic architecture.
Of course, lovers of the Game of Thrones will be impressed to learn that Trogir served as a filming location of this popular series. So here is the list of things not to be missed when visiting Trogir as a day trip from Split, or just visiting.
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence takes an outstanding place among the Trogir churches. The construction of the Cathedral started in the early 13th century and was completed at the beginning of the 17th century. The example of the bell tower shows the length of the construction. The first floor was made in the Gothic style; the second floor has the features of Venetian floral Gothic of the 15th century; the third Renaissance floor of the bell tower was completed at the end of the 16th century. 
For sure, you have to climb the tower for the best views of Trogir. 
The Portal of Radovan of the Cathedral is the most valuable monument in Trogir from the 13th century. Two lions, the guardians on each side of the portal, represent power and strength. Each side of the portal has different Bible motifs and events of that time.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Cathedral is the Blessed John’s Chapel, built in the 15th century according to the draft of Niccolò Fiorentino. The Blessed John’s Chapel has marble angels around the altar, where the sarcophagus with the remains of the Blessed John, the bishop of Trogir in the 11th century is placed. According to the legend, after the shipwreck near Trogir Blessed John walked on the waves and saved the lives of King Coleman of Hungary and all the sailors of the ship.
Clock tower and City loggia
The porch, or loggia, in the main square of Trogir, comes to us from Renaissance times. Loggia was used as public property and was the place where the duke spoke to the people. 
The southern part of the loggia has a relief of the duke Peter Berislavic. Visitors can also see there numerous emblems of the noble families of Trogir.
The City Hall - the Duke's Palace
City Hall, or the Duke's Court, was first mentioned in the thirteenth century and was the centre of political power in Trogir and a place for different public discussions. Mostly built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it has kept the same purpose until today as an administrative centre. 
Check also the beautiful courtyard of the town hall.
Trogir had numerous noble families who built their palaces in the town. In my opinion, the most outstanding example of this is the Cipiko palace.
Ćipiko palace
Located opposite the Cathedral, Palace Ćipiko presents a range of several buildings merged in one. The oldest parts date to the early medieval age with some parts from ancient times. 
The palace has gothic ornaments and a monumental courtyard.
Kamerlengo fortress
Kamerlengo fortress got its name from the city treasurer Camerlengo and was built after Venetians took over Trogir in the early 15th century. Its main purpose was to accommodate the Venetian army fleet. 
Nowadays, the fortress serves as a multimedia center with open air cinema and stage for various cultural events.
St Marko fort
The St. Marko fort in the form of a round Tower was built in the 15th century and is situated in the northeastern part of the islet. St. Marko fort was important for the defence of Trogir in Venetian times.
The primary school of Petar Berislavic
The building is a beautiful example of late historicism and neo-gothic architecture. The school was built in the early 20th century. 
Because of the stone, it was built with, the school got a nickname, the Stone Beauty.
Monastery of St. Dominic and its Church
Among important monuments in Trogir is the monastery of St. Dominic and its Church. It was built in the second part of the 13th century when the Dominican order promoting the ideas of equality, justice, piety and voluntary renunciation of ties to property came to Trogir. 
The monastery suffered badly in 1944 during a bombardment but was later renovated in its previous form. The monastery served as a Game of Thrones filming location.
Trogir is Game of Thrones filming location
Trogir’s Old Town was a perfect filming location for the Game of Thrones. In the series, Trogir was the trading harbour of Qarth where the warlocks of Qarth had imprisoned Khaleesi’s dragons in Season 2. St. Dominic’s monastery also served as a filming location for some of the scenes.
How to get to Trogir
It’s close to the Split airport; if you arrive there, you have an option to go to Trogir directly from Split airport. If you, like me, are visiting Trogir from Split, then I recommend doing one way by bus and the other by boat. As boats to and from and to Split are not so frequent, check the boat schedule on the Bura Line first and then make your itinerary decision. 
Buses from Split bus terminal go quite often and take you to Trogir in just 30 minutes.
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What did you think? Have you been to Trogir? Or perhaps you’re thinking of visiting in the near future? Either way, I’d love to hear from you so please add your comments below.
Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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