CROATIAN BLOGGER VACATION VIBES IN TROGIR (PART 1)
Hello readers! In this blog, I shall take you to Trogir, a historical seaside town in Croatia. The weather was splendid when we visited, simply perfect for picture taking. Moreover, I felt my yellow and magenta outfit was giving some proper Croatian fashion blogger vibes. The combination of a glorious sunny day and me being happy with what I wore resulted in an exceedingly large number of photographs. I had fun posing, and presumably my husband had fun taking my pictures for we ended up with a lot of photographs. Now, I have a lot of photographs I can use as references for my fashion illustrations. Moreover, I have enough photographs to properly show you Trogir in all its sunbathed glory.
After some thinking, I decided to divide this travel post into two parts. After all, dropping one hundred photographs isn't exactly reader friendly. So, let's start our Trogir virtual sightseeing! I'm happy to be your guide today. We visited Trogir back in March, parking at some distance. We walked slowly towards Trogir, admiring the view and the reflection of the town in the sea. The historical part of Trogir town is actually located on a small island that is connected to main land by a small bridge. The historical Trogir town is also connected to another island Čiovo by another bridge. Isn't it a simply perfect inspiration for a painter! As we walked towards Trogir, I stopped to admire the beautiful boats and their striking reflections in the peaceful sea. Beauty is food for painter's eyes and soul!
Let us start our walk, shall we? The view of Trogir wasn't the only thing that caught our eyes. Beauty practically surrounds you here, you cannot turn your eyes from it. Everywhere you turn, there're beautiful views waiting for you. There's another particularly glorious view to enjoy- and that is view of Split city. Indeed, Trogir offers a great view of both Kaštela and Split. To gaze into the distance and admire my city and the islands- a precious experience. One I had to take photographs from. From this point you can see Marjan (a hill that is actually a dormant volcano overlooking Split city) as well as the islands obviously. Čiovo island in particular always look inviting, doesn't it? You can get to it by the new bridge now. You can also opt for a more romantic option and get there by a boat. I remember my colleagues telling me about how there was this old man who would transport people will his old fishing boat. I wonder if he is still around. It was a while back when they told me about it.
Look at how peaceful the sea was that day. Often when I post photographs from Croatian seaside, people assume they are shot near a lake. Well, this is the Adriatic sea. It's a gulf sea (part of the Mediterranean sea) and it can be quite calm. When the sea is this calm, it makes it simply perfect for capturing reflections. As regular readers of my blog know, I love to paint two things: the sea and boats. When I manage to combine the two, all the better. I somehow naturally gravitated towards painting seascapes. I think I only painted a few landscapes that weren't focused on seaside. I guess it makes sense that someone who is from seaside would naturally be drawn to painting seaside. One famous Croatian painter told me I should - "stick with the sea motifs." It seems I have been taking his advice.
If you have followed my blog for a while, you have probably came across my seascape and boat paintings. Some of these painting I have sold, some I have gifted and some are still with me. I'm still painting these kind of motifs, and soon I might even share with you a new seascape. In the meantime, you can have a look at some collages as a reminder of what kind of art I make.
As a kid vacationing on island Hvar, our old fishing boat was everything to us. A five to six meter long traditional fishing boat made of wood and weighting more than a ton. We would entire spend days sailing. I remember how my grandmother said that everyone criticized her for letting us kids wonder alone, sailing in the old boat. It turns out she was wise. We never got into any problem or trouble. We just got better and better at sailing and fishing. At the end we got so good at fishing that the old men would try and copy our 'fishing' spots. We acquired both wonderful memories and skills. I wonder if my present muscle definition hasn't got something to do with rowing with those two meters long oars for hours as a kid. It couldn't have hurt! Anyway, is it any wonder that I love boats so much?

I felt fabulous wearing this yellow jumpsuit and I played around with my magenta coat a lot. While posing in the sun, I would get too warm so I would throw it around my shoulders, and this resulted in some playful photographs.
Am I returning to my fashion blogger roots? No, I don't plan to fashion blog for a living but I plan to continue blogging about fashion (among other things). I'm going to blog about my kind of fashion. When I started my blog, I named it- Moda (fashion)- an ode to joy. This name still invokes what I hope this blog will convey- a playful and sustainable approach to fashion.
I was never really a fashion blogger by profession. However, having had this blog for so long, I do feel like I'm a blogger. Even if my blog is not a source of any income, it is still something meaningful to me.
I even made some fashion sketches based on this outfit. If I ever finish these sketches, I'll show them to you. We'll see. I decided to show you this rough sketch that was based on the picture you can see above. The other sketches will have to wait. After all, we have some travel to discuss as well.
Isn't this view of Trogir quite inspirational? Let's hang out here for a second longer and admire it. Sometimes you need a moment to really take a view in. And I want to reflect on this beauty! There is something about seaside cities that makes them feel timeless.
With the sun, the sea and the boats, who could be unhappy? I'm paraphrasing Oscar Wilde here, but you know what I mean. Wilde famously said: “With freedom, flowers, books, and the moon, who could not be perfectly happy?”
I was echoing Wilde words here and perhaps his sentiment. I felt quite happy in this moment surrounded by so much Croatian natural and historical beauty.
Of course, one can always be unhappy. There's nothing wrong with that. Life is about embracing both happiness and unhappiness. I think in modern days we have forgotten that. Everyone wants to be happy all the time. However, that is simply impossible. Nor is it advisable. What kind of permanent happiness exists in this world?
To be permanently happy would be a state of isolation, not carrying about anyone or anything.
Sadness is a part of life as well. Missing someone. Missing something. Melancholy and sadness are valid emotions.
One cannot run from one's feelings. Nor should one. Naturally, we should do our best to keep our emotional core healthy. Not give in to feelings all the time. Too much feelings isn't a good thing either as it can cloud our judgement. However, we cannot be emotionless.
Hence we cannot be happy all the time. It is silly to expect that we can.
While I was writing this post, I wasn't exactly happy. I was feeling pretty down, actually for a variety of reasons. And that is alright. That is life as well. Everything is life.
Here is one gif capturing my wondering around this promenade and admiring boats. This promenade is relatively new. Of course, the area existed before but it was not so neat. You couldn't cycle or walk so comfortably. As you can see now, the promenade leading you to historical part of Trogir is quite lovely.

Now, we're slowly coming closer to Trogir. Sometimes it is good to take one's time, isn't it? I love the first image in this collage before. I took it with my cellphone, and I think it might inspire a painting in the future. Seeing the famous Trogir cathedral reflected in the sea is quite a sight!

I wrote about Trogir on my blog previously. If you remember, I wrote about Trogir being quite ancient, formed in the 3rd century BC by Greek wanderers! People don't realize how much travelling people used to do back in the days. Different civilizations lived in the Mediterranean and if they had boats, and they did (some of them were naval superpowers), why would not they wonder the Mediterranean? So, Trogir has some connection to the Greek, but its history doesn't end there. There is also the Illyrian, the Roman and the Dalmatian influence. During its long history Trogir has incorporated Roman, Venetian and Dalmatian architecture influences into its urban structure.
Now, a gif composing of many photographs taken next to this cathedral!
One of the most striking things about Saint Lawrence cathedral is its Romanesque portal located at the main entrance. Carved from stone, this magnificent portal is the work of local (Croatian) architect and sculptor known as master Radovan. Some of his students worked on it as well. Completed and signed in 1240, this work of art has stood the test of time and still continues to impress visitors. The upper part of the portal shows scenes from the gospel and the life of Christ. On the lunette there is a scene of Navity and above it angels looking at the scene. There are many human forms portrayed on the portal ( saints and apostles) as well as some exotic animals. Besides the portal (one on each side of the main entrance) there are two stone lions. Eve and Adam stand on the back of the lions, guarding the portal. This Romanesque portal is a truly unique historical work of art.

Historic City of Trogir
Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period.
Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The Historic City of Trogir on the eastern coast of the Adriatic is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street pattern of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period, and it has been embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its fine Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. Its urban fabric has been conserved to an exceptional degree and with the minimum of modern interventions, in which the trajectory of social and cultural development is clearly visible in every aspect of the townscape.
The ancient town of Tragurion was founded in the 3rd century BC as a trading settlement by Greek colonists on an island at the western end of the bay of Manios between the mainland and one of the Adriatic islands. The town was enclosed by a megalithic wall and its streets were laid out on a grid plan. The town has been in continuous occupation since then. Its contemporary plan reflects the Hellenistic layout in the location, dimension and shapes of its residential blocks. The two ancient main streets, the cardo maximus and the decumanus are still in use.
The development of the ancient town is clearly expressed in the town plans. Ancient Tragurion lies at the eastern end of the islet; this spread out in the earlier medieval period, and the plan of two concentric circles of houses and streets, within the former walls, is still visible. The medieval suburb of Pasike developed to the west on a different alignment, and was enclosed by the later fortifications. The port was located on the south side. Finally, the massive Venetian fortifications incorporated the Genoese fortress known as the Camerlengo. The townscape of Trogir is determined by the pattern of, for the most part, narrow streets. Its homogeneity is stressed by the predominant local limestone, now mellowed by time with a golden patina.
Construction of the Cathedral of St Lawrence, built on the site of an earlier basilica and dominating the main square, began around 1200. The south portal was finished in 1213, Master Radovan finished the main west portal in 1240, and the walls were completed by the mid of the 13th century. The main nave was vaulted in the first half of the 15th century and the bell tower was added in the late 16th century. This relatively protracted period of construction has meant that successive architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance – are well represented.
The Cathedral is flanked by one of the fine public buildings of Trogir, the Town Hall, from the 14th and 15th centuries. This was extensively restored in the 19th century, but retains its Renaissance appearance and contains many original features in place.
Of the numerous palaces of the aristocracy of the town, the Cipico Palace, facing the west end of the Cathedral, is the most outstanding, covering an entire town block. Throughout the town and in particular around the ramparts, there are palaces of the other leading families Cega, Vitturi, Lucie, Garagnin Fanfogna, Paitoni, Statileo, Andreis. Many of these rise directly from the foundations of Late Classical or Romanesque structures and are in all styles from Gothic to Baroque. All the remains of the successive fortifications of the town are the Camerlengo fortress and one of the bastions of the Venetian defences.
Criterion (ii): Trogir demonstrates the influence of the various cultures in the Adriatic from its original settlement – Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Hungarian and Venetian, exemplified through its town planning from the Greek period onwards, and the architecture of its buildings, whether Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque. In terms of space and population Trogir is a miniature city, but its significance for the cultural and economic history of the Adriatic outweighs its restricted urban scale. Its institutions, its way of life, and its contribution to national and universal culture and science make it one of the most important Adriatic towns.
Criterion (iv): Trogir is an excellent example of a medieval town built on and conforming with the layout of a Hellenistic and Roman city that has conserved its urban fabric to an exceptional degree and with the minimum of modem interventions, in which the trajectory of social and cultural development is clearly visible in every aspect of the townscape.
Integrity
Today Trogir’s urban fabric encapsulates a series of historic configurations in a perfectly balanced relationship of stylistic formations. The plan of contemporary Trogir reflects the Hellenistic layout in the location, dimensions, and shapes of its residential blocks. The two ancient main streets, the cardo and the decumanus, are still in use. The oval outline of the historic centre was defined in prehistoric times. The street pattern follows the rectangular grid of the Hellenistic and Roman city, demonstrating an organic growth since its foundation, without any major interventions in the 19th or 20th centuries. The town lies wholly within the inscribed property. The property suffers to some extent from tourism pressure and long-term concerns are sea level rise and depopulation.
Authenticity
The authenticity of the overall ensemble is very high, since there are few, if any, later interventions, and official policy is to prevent these at all costs. There is an equal concern for authenticity in material and workmanship: abrasive stone cleaning is rejected in favour of maintenance of patina and where replacement is necessary, authentic materials and traditional techniques are always employed. The authenticity of the monumental values of Trogir’s Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and sculpture becomes particularly clear when we evaluate its influence on the bigger neighbour cities on the east Adriatic coast, namely Split and Šibenik.
Protection and management requirements
Act No. Z-3249 of the protection of Historic City of Trogir imposes strict control over every aspect of development within the historic town. There is an overall supervisory function exercised by the National Service for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Croatia, part of the Ministry of Culture and Media, with its local conservation department in Trogir. A partial Management Plan has been drafted, however, it is to be hoped that an uncompromising overall management plan for the property will be drawn up.
Controls over planning and regulation within the historic town come within the purview principally of the local authorities. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan that regulates all aspects of development of the Town of Trogir is being regularly updated (latest revision in 2020). The commitment of local administrators and officials to maintenance of the character of Trogir as a living town is clearly strong and fully supported by the inhabitants.
General state of conservation is good. Restoration and maintenance works on the cathedral and the buildings and urban structures are carried out in compliance with strict conservation standards and in accordance to regular funding provided by the state and local budget as well as the church and private owners. Heavy vehicle traffic that has been one of the main deteriorating factors for decades has radically decreased from 2018 onwards, with relocation of the regional road previously running through the historic centre.

THE BENEDICTINE MONASTERY OF SAINT NICOLAS (more information here)
MY PREVIOUS VISITS TO TROGIR CITY
TROGIR CITY PART 1 2019
TROGIR CITY PART 2 2019
VISIT TROGIR CITY WITH ME 2021!
That would be all for today! Thank you for visiting!
Es un bello lugar. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteGracias! I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!
DeleteBellissimo post,mi è piaciuto l'accostamento con i bellissimi palazzi.Iscriviti al mio blog.Buona Pasqua!
ReplyDeleteGrazie! Buona Pasqua.
DeleteWhat a wonderful place. Croatia is amazing. I am in love with your outfit in yellow with fuchsia.😁💕 Happy Easter Ivana.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina and Happy Easter to you as well.
DeleteBright and happy Easter! Christ is risen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Irina and I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter weekend as well!
DeleteCroatia is the most beautiful country in the world! Honestly, on one small part of planet Earth there is so much beauty, art, natural resources, sea, mountains, plains, rivers, lakes and above all such good, brave and noble people. The pictures of Trogir, the sea, you and your husband enchanted me, the spring sun, your fashion combination, architecture.... Fantastic. You made our day :) Happy Easter dear Ivana🙏💫
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated!
DeleteOh, such a beautiful location to inspire you and to know so well..as you do. Love the outfit. So wonderfully spring. Thanks so much for this amazing post packed with such a rich history of where the vacation began. Wishing you a beautiful Easter. Thank so much for your comments!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh, your post are full of love filled with travel and creativity! Beautiful photos and I liked hearing the story of the family boat. So great to learn more. An amazing post indeed. Thank you for being here and thank you for your comments. Wishing you a beautiful spring 💚🌍🌸🐤🐤💛
ReplyDeleteThanks dear!
DeleteThat is a very blogger-worthy outfit, the colours pop against that glorious Mediterranean backdrop! Trogir looks absolutely magical, I often treat myself to a piece of locally made jewellery when I travel, the jewellery you've described as being traditional for the Dalmatian area sounds right up my street. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Vix. I think you would enjoy the locally made jewellery here.
DeleteTrogir sounds absolutely enchanting, and your vibrant outfit seems like the perfect match for the town's sunny charm! It must have been an amazing experience capturing the reflections and beauty of it all. Can’t wait to see the second part of this journey! www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Melody.
DeleteLa Croazia è meravigliosa, e trasmette sempre quelle "summer vibes" che fanno bene al cuore anche solo attraverso le foto!
ReplyDeletePoi con quel cielo limpido e quel mare azzurro sarà stata una giornata super piacevole!
Il tuo look è perfetto: colorato e stiloso! Bellissima la tuta, il giallo ti dona moltissimo!
E soprattutto, stupendo il tuo dipinto: sei davvero super brava nei panorami e nel rendere il mare, è stupendo!
Baci!
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Grazie Silvia!
DeleteBoa tarde de sexta-feira e uma boa Páscoa. Amaria conhecer a Croácia. Tenho um livro que fala da culinária croata.
ReplyDeleteGracias!
DeleteBeautiful photos. The sky and the water are almost the same shade of blue.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow jumpsuit suits you sensationally.
Thank you dear Andrea.
DeleteGorgeous photos and amazing skies. Love your outfit :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Ananka!
DeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteAs for your look, I think it's beautiful, the colors matched perfectly and that jumpsuit looks great on you!
The photos are wonderful and Trogir is indeed an amazing island with a fantastic history. I love terraces in historic squares. Your paintings of boats are also very beautiful and enrich your post.
Just a curiosity, my soccer club in Portugal is Benfica and for many years, since the time of Yugoslavia, Benfica had players who came from there, but they were all from Croatia! I really liked them! And they loved living in Portugal!
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter!
Thank you Marisa. I didn't know that there were Croatian players in Benfica specifically but we do have a lot of football players in general. I'm sure they really loved living in Portugal, it's a beautiful country.
Deletegreat combo for the outfit ^^
ReplyDeleteThank you dear.
DeleteIncredible views :D
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a nice Easter weekend Kinga!
DeleteWhat a lovely post Ivana! You know I love Trogir (and have been sailing there many times) and my heart skips a beat when I see you in front of this gorgeous scenery. The yellow jumpsuit looks amazing on you and the magenta coat is brilliant. You look really adorable.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Easter, love Nadine
Thank you, Nadine. I didn't know you have been sailing in these parts. I remember you said that you visited Croatia, and now I think of it, you might have mentioned sailing in Croatia. How wonderful. I hope you had a fantastic Easter weekend!
DeleteBeautiful photos and lovely outfit.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIvana linda essa cidade, já deu vontade de conhecer, Ivana bjs.
ReplyDeleteObrigada
DeleteIt seems to be a very lovely place, that I never had heard of before...but I must confess, I only have been to Croatia once and that is years ago. Should be worth to visit that place. Your outfit is very nice , fits to spring with these contrasts of yellow and I think it is magenta.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time and all the best
Violetta
Yes, the coat is magenta!
DeleteThis looks like such a fun trip! I have been wanting to go to Croatia for years, but work has been way to hectic for me to take enough time off for me to really feel like I can do the country justice. I've been steadily building up an itinerary and you have definitely helped me add to it! Thanks so much for sharing and your outfit looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteWhat a beautiful view from the dock! Your boat paintings are truly gorgeous! The sky and sea make a lovely contrast with the colors of your outfit. I loved the yellow jumpsuit with that burgundy coat. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rebeca!
DeleteBeautiful post
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteI always do.
DeleteIt seems that I totally missed part 1 of your Trogir trip, which I only realized when I was reading part 1. What an absolute delight this town is! Thank you so much for taking us along. I could really do with the sight of those blue skies (and your cute jumpsuit) on a grey and rainy day like today (in Belgium). xxx
ReplyDeleteWe're also having some rain. It must be the same weather everywhere now. The sun will come out and shine again. :)
DeleteFabulous town. I remember these streets and buildings.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear you still remember them. :)
DeleteLove your boat paintings! There are not so many people in the world who can get the shape of a vessel + the water and its reflection right, but those really capture the beauty of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteTrogir is so picturesque and its history sounds rich as well. It looks like you enjoyed a beautiful weather day. Your bold statement outfit really stands out in these photos!
ReplyDeleteYes, I enjoyed myself.
Delete