A Farewell to Trogir, Croatia

“Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.”

Henry David Thoreau

Our time in Trogir, Croatia is rapidly ticking down, and we are getting sentimental about leaving this special corner of the world in which we have called home for the past seven weeks. Today, we will be heading to Dubrovnik, the so called ‘pearl of the Adriatic,’ by bus. It is a bittersweet morning.

Trogir's clocktower, cathedral tip, and loggia painted ceiling
sailboats sailing on the Adriatic near Trogir

There is so much that we will miss about Trogir – its choir of the bells on the hour, our morning walks to the nearby island of Čiovo, watching novice sailors test out their nautical skills on the sparkling Adriatic, the mischievous canines and felines, and architectural flourishes and nooks and crannies that have enlivened our childlike spirits. Most of all, though, we’ll miss the kind people who made our time here so special. They taught us about Trogir’s incredible history, introduced us to Croatia’s wonderful wines and cuisine, took us out onto the Adriatic Sea, showed us how wild asparagus foraging is done, and taught us tidbits about the culture that we otherwise wouldn’t have learned. To these fantastic citizen diplomats we say hvala. Thank you for making our time in Trogir so special.

There are still many stories yet to be told from this charming Dalmatian spot, so we won’t be saying goodbye to Trogir for long. Until then, here are some more scenes of everyday life in Trogir.

New friends in Trogir: Ummy the French Bulldog, Jacques the Pug and our first Dalmatian spotting, at a Carnival parade. The Dalmatian breed is said to originate in this region of Croatia.
New friends in Trogir: Ummy the French Bulldog, Jacques the Pug and our first Dalmatian spotting, at a Carnival parade. The Dalmatian breed is said to originate in this region of Croatia.
bishop statue in Trogir, Croatia
ladies smoking, child rollerskating, dog in trogir
windows in trogir, Croatia
Trogir Street Scenes08
Shawn and me.
st. lawrence cathedral belltower, architectural details in trogir, croatia
Trogir Street Scenes15
Trogir Street Scenes24
Spring improvements on a boat along the Riva.
Trogir Street Scenes09
Trogir Street Scenes55
Trogir Street Scenes27

Where in the World?

Planning Pointers:

  • During our 7 weeks in Trogir, we stayed in a studio apartment at the Apartments Mirkec (affiliate link). We were very happy there, as the apartment had good Wifi, as well as a kitchen with all of the basics. The apartment was also perfectly situated in the heart of the Old Town, just a minute’s walk from Trogir’s 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.

Published by Tricia A. Mitchell

Tricia A. Mitchell is a freelance writer and photographer. Born in Europe but raised in the United States, she has lived in Valletta, Malta; Heidelberg, Germany; and Split, Croatia. An avid globetrotter who has visited more than 65 countries, she has a penchant for off-season travel. Tricia has learned that travel’s greatest gift is not sightseeing, rather it is the interactions with people. Some of her most memorable experiences have been sharing a bottle of champagne with distant French cousins in Lorraine, learning how to milk goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village, and ringing in the Vietnamese New Year with a Hanoi family. She welcomes any opportunity to practice French and German, and she loves delving into a place’s history and artisanal food scene. A former education administrator and training specialist, Tricia has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in international relations. She and her husband, Shawn, married in the ruins of a snowy German castle. They’ve been known to escape winter by basing themselves in coastal Croatia or Southeast Asia. Her writing has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, Frommer’s, and International Living.

48 thoughts on “A Farewell to Trogir, Croatia

    1. Thank you for the Easter wishes. How did you celebrate?

      It’s been a pleasure sharing our tales from this special corner of the world. Even though we’ve left Trogir, we’ll have more to come – from Dubrovnik and beyond. Have you been to the Balkans?

      1. Easter in NJ was cloudy and rainy. Couldn’t do much outdoors but I certainly prepared special dinner. I am yet to explore Europe. Love your posts because I get to catch those beautiful European glimpses through. Thanks a ton :-)

      2. Our weather’s been the same here as well. Here’s hoping spring is just around the corner!

        It’s a pleasure to share my tales from this beautiful part of the world. I hope you’ll be making it here someday soon. It’s well worth the wait.

    1. We’ve actually just arrived to Dubrovnik, but since the weather is so grey and rainy today, we’ll have to delay our excursions in town by a day. We’re staying inside today, working. Perhaps we can meet up for coffee one of these days? That would be fun.

      1. Contact me directly, there is an option on my blog. Doubt you will be out much tomorrow as weather probably will be the same as today.
        Walk the wall and ride the cable car for views.

      2. I will do so. :)

        Here’s keeping our fingers crossed that tomorrow gets better. I’m seeing conflicting weather reports but will follow the more optimistic of the two!

    1. Thank you, Ruth – those shots were all snapped in Trogir’s main square: its loggia’s colorful ceiling, the belltower roof, and the clocktower on the loggia. I love all the details to be found in the Old World!

  1. Looks like a wonderful adventure for you. Thanks for sharing and giving us food for thought. We look forward to reading more about your travels. Hope to see you soon. Fran and Dave

    1. Fran and Dave, our new friend raves about how special it is to explore the islands here by sailboat. Yesterday, he took us to a high point midway between Trogir and Dubrovnik that overlooks the Adriatic. Seeing the islands out there can easily give one wanderlust to go sailing! Perhaps we will see you this summer (we’d love to!). I’ll respond to your Facebook message shortly.

  2. I’m finding myself saying “don’t go” too, Tricia- I’ve enjoyed your photos of Trogir so much. Bet you won’t miss climbing that bell tower though!

  3. Your pictures portray a place steeped in history, tradition and seemingly open to newcomers. I have enjoyed your stories of this region. Really makes me want to visit.

    1. Oh Lynne, I hope you do! The people are so friendly and the hospitality is quite something. Yesterday, while en route to Dubrovnik, new friends that we’d met in Trogir insisted that we meet them at their weekend home midway between the two cities. We were rewarded with a delicious, all-natural meal, good conversation, and beautiful views of the Adriatic from their restored stone home. What a wonderful place for their kids to play, among Mother Nature’s splendor. Though we were excited to see Dubrovnik, we didn’t want to leave.

  4. What a beautiful farewell post, Tricia, thank you for taking us all on your adventures. Each post is like a little trip for me to unknown places yet. Where will your journey taking you next?? Viel Glueck. Cornelia

    1. Cornelia, it’s nice that you could join me for our chapter in Trogir. I’ve really enjoyed reading your anecdotes about visiting Dalmatia as a child!

      We are now in Dubrovnik, taking a coastal bus ride to get here last night. The weather has been quite rainy and grey – something that has the locals quite frustrated. They’re accustomed to more sunshine this time of year. My fingers are crossed.

      Hope it’s a sunny day in your part of the world. :)

    1. Perhaps someday you’ll make it to this part of the world, Valerie? There are so many unknown towns just waiting to be explored.

      You’re right – the light in Trogir is quite special! Though as a Midwesterner who’s lived in Germany much of her life (= cold, grey winters) I have found spring here pretty nice, the locals said it’s the worst they’ve seen in years. “So much rain!,” they exclaim.

    1. I can see why, Vera. This region has such a fascinating history, given its former ties with Venice and other countries.

      We were told that when the lion is accompanied by an open book, that it indicates a time of peace, whereas a closed one indicates a time of war. Have you heard this too?

      1. No I did not know that. I though that the book related to the gospel of St.Mark, patron saint of Venice, but symbols abounded in those days as “celebrities” do today. v.

  5. Tricia, what a special time you have spent in Trogir – and introduced so many people to its charms through your stunning photos. I hope you enjoy Dubrovnik equally as much. All the best, Terri

    1. Terri, a really kind message and well wishes; ‘hvala.’ Something tells me that you’ll remember that phrase from your time in Dubrovnik! :)

      Since you spent a bit of time here, can you recommend any favorite off-the-beaten-path spots or excursions? There’s been a deluge of rain here since we’ve arrived (something the locals said is so abnormal) but we’re hoping to get out tomorrow or Friday to ride the Dubrovnik cable car and walk the old city walls.

      1. We did a couple of “off the path” things that were fun. Disclaimer: the directions will sound screwy. First, go outside the village wall, to the main road that heads NW out of town (it’s in front of the tourist board, and the city buses pick up here.) We walked up the hill for some wonderful views and there’s an interesting cemetery at the top of the hill on the right. Second, inside the old town, when you’re on the main street facing the clock tower (this will make sense when you’re there), go left up the stairs on any of the streets to the residential area inside the walls. If you look at a map, this will probably make more sense. Enjoy. ~James

      2. James, thanks for these Dubrovnik pointers! We walked some of the residential streets yesterday, in the vicinity of what you described. Charming indeed. We had a simple picnic under a string of laundry that was drying overhead, then set off for our 3.5 hour walk of the walls.

        Shawn went jogging up in the first area that you described, while I stayed in our apartment and did yoga. He said I must return with him though, because it’s also quite pretty. So much to see! If we get the energy (and have enough time today) we thought it’d be fun to hike Mount Srdj. Heard that takes about 90 minutes.

    1. Virginia, that’s really thoughtful of you – I’m flattered! :) Thank you. Also, wanted you to know that I’ve been using the French Flashcards and enjoying them. Thanks again.

  6. Thanks for sharing that!! This is my birthplace and I miss it so much – living in Chicago for many years. Always enjoy people discovering Trogir – there is a wonderful vibe there and most everyone gets it sooner or later.
    Here are loads of iPhone images from last summer in Trogir and surrounding areas:
    http://www.zoranorlic.com/PERSONAL/iphone—one/1/
    Cheers and enjoy your time in Dubrovnik! Mljet is a wonderful excursion for you – one of my favorite places in Croatia.

    1. Zoran, such lovely pictures you have of Trogir; you have a great eye for photography. I like the ones of the loggia and the little one enjoying ice cream there, plus the back alleyway with the artwork, and Split.

      I understand why you miss home. What do you think of the Windy City? I grew up about 3.5 hours from there.

      Hvala again!

    1. That’s sweet of you to say, Bashar. We are quite happy here, though I must divulge that I was masking some fear that I had standing on that bridge (initially). It’s a drawbridge style, and whenever large vehicles drive over its joints, it shakes madly! We met a nice couple from Norway/the Philippines there and talked for about 30 minutes, standing on that dancing bridge. They were nice enough to snap this shot.

    1. I’m surprised that many of the spots we’ve visited here don’t seem to be on the radar much, because they have much to offer.

      What spots are you hoping to visit in Croatia? Are you still living in Prague now? That’s one of my favorite European cities, due to its beautiful architecture and a special connection with a family friend who was born there in 1900.

  7. Beautiful photos! What an adventure. My Czech neighbor is over in Croatia now visiting a spa I think. Can I share this with her if she is not on WordPress? – Kaye

Join the conversation.

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: