Trogir Off The Beaten Path

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Not more than 30 kilometers north of Trogir is another very nice island town that visitors stop to enjoy the scenery and old Medieval look. Wonderful scenery of this old Medieval village is the reason to come here. WE did not have time to stop, but got a couple of pictures of the long range view and landscape. The Turks tried to conquer this in 1542 but failed to do so. Beside being under Roman rule for centuries, the Venetians maintained control for nearly 500 years. Wine vineyards are the main commerce behind tourism and it is a UNESCO designated site.

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The fortress dates back to the Illyrian DAlmatae tribe that used the hill for defense back in BC times. It was one of the most important strongholds from 2nd century BC through to 1800's. The fort is three tiers, one higher than the other so if intruders got through one segment, narrow passages and slits in the wall could defend the next level. The Romans used it for centuries to deter the frontier of the mountain range that separated the Romans form Ostrogoths and many other invaders. The fort became the ruling seat for many Croat kings, and they fought many battles form here. There were also a number of sieges, to no avail to takeover the fort. The Turks tried to take over the territory in 1500's, but the fort kept them at bay for a couple hundred years, but they finally took over. The Venetians did get control in 1648 from the Turks, and modified the fort for more modern defenses. The Austrians did the same thing when they got control in 1800's. They even modernized much of the inside for the residents. The fort was used in WWII due to its strategic location covering the huge valley below and the mountains above.

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This was the main living center for the Illyrian Delmaeti tribe and in the Greeks used it for trading over many centuries in BC. The Romans continued that trading commerce that covered much of the inland regions. The creation of Christianity got a foothold here in 200-300AD, and many churches were erected without much disturbance by the Romans for the most part, even though they had to keep the profile low key. However, by 300-500 AD there were some enormous churchs built here. German Ostrogoths destroyed much of the town in the 4th century, and by that time the population was over 60,000 and covered at least 1 square mile. The Slavs and Avars ravaged the town in 641, and completely destroyed it for what reason? That forced Solin residents to take refuge in the nearly abandoned Diocletian palace in Split, so they had some protection with the walls as defense.

The main areas are called Manastrine that was the little church outside the main town that was first built in 300's. After that over 300 years there were 3 main additions to the church to what the outline is today. The old town center in the middle was in a valley and the layout today to imagine it is fantastic. There are outlines of two churches, and many huge buildings of old. Excavation of the ruins started in about 1840's and the main digs was by F. Bulic, archaeological specialist in 1929-1940's. He studied much of the ruins and a great deal is located in Split museums today. The grounds are open daily 8-5 and it costs $5. There is also a dedicated area to Bulic in the Tusculum and a small museum up on the top floor.

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The amphitheater was built in the 2nd century and held 18,000 people. It was on the outskirts of the town and was part of the main defense walls. It was excavated in 1840 and the digging continued through 1940's by Frank Bulic, the main archaeological specialist for this town. The amphitheater was destroyed in 160's by Venetians who were fighting the Turks and did not wan them to use it as defense point if taken over. Over the years, the stones were used for other needs, and the remainder was scant ruins. Some of the wall were rebuilt in 1950's.
It is open 8-5 daily and the fee is $5.

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This stretch of the coast comprises seven separate, but connected villages/towns. Each has a population of 4,000-6,000, and the whole area totals about 43,000 residents. The strip is popular with tourism and in the summer many locals come here for the serenity and peaceful atmosphere.
It is to the north of Split about 7 miles and goes for 12 mile length. You can take E8 road and then drive down to each off that road, or take a road that connects to all of them along the water coast.

BAck even in Greek era this was a string of ports for commerce. Romans used it for the same purpose, and made floating harbors there. Later is became a resort retreat for the Croat, Hungarian and Venetian gentry. I cannot say enough how nice the setting is and you can walk the whole length if you like. We walked the last 3 miles that connect the last 3 towns and that is the closest between the towns.

Kastela Gomilica was built by Benedictine nuns in 16th century, and this is the original design. The other castles and villages were built in 1500-1600 era for the most part, and so many of the original buildings are intact today.

See this beautiful medieval palace which stands on the Riva, right next to the Vitturi tower. Unfortunatelly, I have no informations regarding this palace. Anybody's help is very welcome.

When strolling around the old core of the town you may feel lost in this narrow streets which all looks a like. Just follow your instincts because all this streets lead you either to the main square or to the Riva.

Petar Berislavic is a very important person from the history of Croatia. Actually, he was Croatian viceroy, the opponent of Venetians and heroic fighter against the Turks. Trogir is the town where he was born and lived.