Trogir is not as well known as Split or Dubrovnik but rivals these cities in beauty. The town was founded by Greek colonists from the Island of Vis in the 3rd century BC. On this ancient matrix lies the historical core of Trogir, which is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the Adriatic but in all of Central Europe. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trogir’s medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises a preserved castle and tower and a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Trogir’s grandest building is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose main west portal is a masterpiece by the sculptor Radovan — the most significant work of the Romanesque-Gothic style in the country. The Kamerlengo Castle at the southwestern tip of the island offers good views and hosts open-air events in summer.
The old town is compact enough to walk in an hour, but slow enough to reward a full day. The nearby island of Čiovo offers beaches and quieter coves for swimming, easily reached on foot across the bridge. The contemporary Bridge over Foša connects the old town to the mainland market and is a pleasant starting point for any exploration.