Trogir was founded in the 3rd century B.C. by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans, and escaped destruction by invading Slavs in the 7th century. Trogir prospered and eventually became part of the Republic of Venice, Italy, where it remained until Austria took over in 1797. Trogir’s Old Town unique architecture, decorative stonework, and the medieval character prompted UNESCO to add the entire town to its World Heritage List in 1997. Almost all of the houses and other structures in the Old Town are emblazoned with stonework depicting a coat of arms or some other family symbol over doorways or windows, some of which are more than 700 years old.
We took a small walking tour in Old Town and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the cathedral, the Kamerlengo Fortress, and the narrow streets that did remind us of Venice! We spent some time shopping in the open-air market and enjoyed testing samples of the locally grown and processed olive oil.
We shared a wonderful “last supper” with our group which included a seafood platter appetizer, calamari, and whitefish. Yummy!
There was also a buzz in the air that night (June 18) as Croatia’s soccer team faced Spain in hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Euro-Cup. Televisions were set up for public viewing all around the city. Unfortunately, Spain scored in the last two minutes of the game, ending Croatia’s run.
The next morning we headed into Split, about a 45 minute drive from Trogir. It was in 295AD that the Roman emperor Diocletianus (Diocletian) started to build his palace on the coast in the land of his birth. He abdicated his power in 305AD and retired to the palace intending to spend the rest of his life there.
The palace was built as a massive structure, much like a Roman military fortress. Built of limestone and marble, it faces the sea on its south side, with its walls 570 to 700 feet long, and 50 to 70 feet high, enclosing an area of approximately 9½ acres. The palace and its surroundings were at times inhabited by a population as large as 8,000 to 10,000 people.We enjoyed touring the “palace” which is now home to many shops and private residences.
We went to the Cathedral, the Crypt, and Jupiter’s Temple.
The next morning we headed into Split, about a 45 minute drive from Trogir. It was in 295AD that the Roman emperor Diocletianus (Diocletian) started to build his palace on the coast in the land of his birth. He abdicated his power in 305AD and retired to the palace intending to spend the rest of his life there.
The palace was built as a massive structure, much like a Roman military fortress. Built of limestone and marble, it faces the sea on its south side, with its walls 570 to 700 feet long, and 50 to 70 feet high, enclosing an area of approximately 9½ acres. The palace and its surroundings were at times inhabited by a population as large as 8,000 to 10,000 people.We enjoyed touring the “palace” which is now home to many shops and private residences.
We went to the Cathedral, the Crypt, and Jupiter’s Temple.
This 24-hour clock was a wonder in its day, added in the 14th century to the already existing church Our Lady of the Bell located on the west wall of the palace. It is still working today!
A huge statue of Grgyr Ninski, sculpted by Ivan Mestrovic, sits just outside the walls of the Golden Gate on the north side of the Palace. The statue was erected to honor the Croatian bishop who opposed the Pope and introduced the Croatian language into religious services. Rubbing the statue's toe is supposed to bring good luck.
A huge statue of Grgyr Ninski, sculpted by Ivan Mestrovic, sits just outside the walls of the Golden Gate on the north side of the Palace. The statue was erected to honor the Croatian bishop who opposed the Pope and introduced the Croatian language into religious services. Rubbing the statue's toe is supposed to bring good luck.
After dinner we wandered through Peristyle Square, the central meeting place for residents and also the place where the two main streets intersect.
We saw there was some sort of entertainment going on … and Tobey got selected to be a part of it! This juggler stood over Tobey and juggled with knives.
Aside from the juggler, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Croatia with its diverse landscape and rich history. Tomorrow, June 20, we head to Prague.
We saw there was some sort of entertainment going on … and Tobey got selected to be a part of it! This juggler stood over Tobey and juggled with knives.
Aside from the juggler, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Croatia with its diverse landscape and rich history. Tomorrow, June 20, we head to Prague.
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