“Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries.”
René Descartes
How Trogir tempts me with its fanciful flourishes fit for a fairy tale!
At almost every turn in the Croatian town’s labyrinthine lanes, there emerge weathered faces, coats of arms, religious motifs, and even a nautical-inspired element. Embarking on a grocery shopping mission is a hapless endeavor, for I always become distracted, craning my neck to see the treasures on the façades above. At times, I expect my trusty Nikon (or husband) to start puffing out smoke, exhausted from my maniacal snapping.
I also find myself torn between wanting to be a symbologist or art historian, or simply a child playing hide & seek in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that has been inhabited for more than 2,300 years, and shaped by Greek, Roman and Venetian cultures.
My husband and I have solved some of the mysteries about these limestone motifs, thanks to chats with locals, and scant research. On the Ćipiko Palaces’ south gate (image above) is the Latin saying nosce te ipsum (know thyself). A father and son built these neighboring palaces, which are heavily adorned with multiple family coats of arms.
Yet so many other details around town remain a mystery that I wish to unravel… Perhaps it’s better that way.
Where have you most found yourself getting lost in the details? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- During our 7 weeks in Trogir, we stayed in a studio apartment at Apartments Mirkec (affiliate link). We were very happy there, as the apartment had good Wifi, and a kitchen with all the basics. It was also perfectly situated in the heart of the Old Town, just a minute’s walk from the Riva.
- For more information, visit the Tourist Board of Trogir.
- Need more inspiration? This link contains an index of all my posts from Croatia.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Travels With Tricia 
Beautiful and fascinating, Trish. Great chatting with you yesterday. Love, Bionic Mama
We’re glad you can travel along with us virtually, Mary Ann! Tomorrow, we’re headed on our wine-tasting trip. So excited; we’ll of course share the details here. :) Hugs from both of us.
In Rhodes, and these crests remind me of it! Trying to decipher the secrets encoded in those stone tablets is certainly fascinating. Curious about the ones with weapons, particularly the flails. Neat post Tricia :-)
Me too, Madhu (curious about the flail). I think we’re going on a guided tour next week, so I’ll have to follow up. That particular coat of arms was in the City Hall/Duke’s Palace, and there’s an incredible Gothic staircase in the courtyard where all the crests are.
I hate to think of going to other places when we’re already in such a beautiful one, but Rhodes sounds really cool! Maybe, just maybe we’ll make it there this summer. How much did you spend in Greece?
Great post Tricia and stunning shots.
Mark, thank you! Guess I’m tempting you to make a return trip to Croatia. :)
I’m not so hot on what they represent, Tricia. Just fascinated by the incredible detail. Some of these are very beautiful.
I agree, Jo, that some of them have a bit macabre details, but could you elaborate a bit more? As Carol mentioned, it’s impressive that we are admiring this work centuries later.
I like to imagine the craftsmen who worked on all these ornamentations. They were highly skilled and they probably didn’t think about us admiring their work centuries later.
Carol, I was thinking about that the other day! How long did a piece take to do? Were they mostly done by local artists, or some traveling throughout the region? Just like the Descartes quote attests: “Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries…” I love the sense of history here.
I’m enjoying seeing it from your point of view too. I think we will have to go there one day.
It comes as no surprise that I highly recommend it. The weather is quite pleasant this time of year and there’s no battling to be done with crowds. I’ll be happy to share any pointers once you do.
Tricia – As always, a lovely post, accompanied by beautiful photography.
Thank you, PWTravelblog. It’s been quite fun unwrapping all the little treasures that are tucked away in this town these past 3 weeks!
great images
Thank you – you’re so lucky to live here year-round!
we don’t…. we are in (not-so-sunny) London, and come to Trogir for our holidays. Will be there for Easter. Enjoy! :)
Ah, the best of both worlds! Then I shall send you some Trogir sunshine for today. :)
hope to read more of your posts on Trogir + Dalmatia! :)
That’s nice of you to say! I’ve only shared a handful from our time so far, but will be writing one soon on our wonderful wine-tasting experience. We like it here so much – no wonder we’ve extended!
where did you go for the wine tasting? looking forward to a post about it!
We went to Split and Kaštela. I just posted a video/write-up on it here: https://triciaannemitchell.com/2013/03/06/a-wine-tasting-holiday-in-croatia-zinfandel-tour/
It was a splendid experience. Perhaps you’ll want to explore these places too when you get back to Trogir. :)
Hi Tricia, am so happy to find your blog. It seems we have much in common. Have been to many of the same places and seem to “focus” on similar things. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Tina, the feeling is mutual, and what a clever play on words. :) So much to explore on your photography site, but I did see a few familiar destinations (the Redwoods and Luang Prabang). It’ll be fun to explore more.
Another great post. You have a wonderful eye for detail, creating such interesting and meaningful photos. Cheers!
That’s kind of you to say; thank you. Indeed, it’s easy to delight in and get lost in the details in Trogir. We’re just around the corner from Trogir now (after having spent last winter there) so we’re eager to get back and see friends, and the town’s mélange of beautiful architecture.