Every Mile a Memory ( Part 7 ) Solin and Trogir

From Ivan Masetrovic Gallery we went to two more locations in Split.

First stop... TROGIR

TROGIR   is a historic town and harbour on the Adriatic coast in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia and has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. As you enter the old town of Trogir, you will see that Trogir has kept its original early Middle Ages urbanistic shape. Along with town walls, the tower and the entrance gate, the streets give impression on how people would live in the past.  It's like walking around the film set of an old Roman movie.

St. John is the patron of the town. His monument is erected on the North Town Gate, as you enter the old town of  Trogir.

Follow the main street into the town's main square which is dominated by the Cathedral of St Lawrence and its belfry on one side, the Town Hall on the other and the clock tower opposite the cathedral.

The Catherdral of St. Lawrence is considered one of the finest architectural achievements in Croatia. Finished around 1500, it is most known for its Romanesque door carved in the 13th century by Mater Radovan.

The entrance door of St. Lawrence is a beautiful masterpiece. Carved in stone are apostle scenes and the figures of the lions done with some of the most extraordinary detail I have ever seen. 

Inside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence

Just outside the Catherdral of St. Lawrence this little square takes you back in time, with all the different architectural styles all jammed into one space. If you hang around for a while, you will soon be entertained by a some Croatian singers.

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 next stop...... 

SOLIN

Solin ( or Salona in Greek ), was an early Roman settlement. Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Solin left behind an archaeological legacy that has earned the town the title of  "Croatia's Pompeii".

On the outskirts of Solin are the ruins of Salona which was the original capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia from the time of Julius Caesar until AD 614, when it was levelled by the Slavs and the Avars. Now all that remains of this city are the ruins showing temples, an amphitheatre, the governor's palace, the forum, Christian churches and cemeteries.



The ruins are relatively unvisited which allows you to calmly commune with the spirits of centuries past. 

The most impressive ruin is the 2nd-century amphitheatre which was destroyed by the Venetians in the 17th century. At one time it could accommodate 18,000 spectators.

Here are some tips that would help you travel around Croatia. Let me share them with you:

1. Bartering is acceptable in many places such as markets, jewellery shops etc.

2. You do not need to exchange your Euros to their currency which is KUNA. Most of the places in Croatia  accept Euros more than the US dollars.

3. Most locals will try and help with translation or queries. The younger generation speak English as their 2nd langauge but the older population speak German or  Russion as their 2nd langauge. Never get scared to ask.

My last tip:  Try to learn a few words of the language. You may not become an expert linguist but it always pleases the locals to hear foreigners trying to master their language.

It is always tempting to plan so many things on your holiday, especially somewhere as culturally rich as Croatia, but just pick a few key things you want to see or do and arrange the rest of your trip around it. Want to see Ancient Roman and Greek ruins? Desire to walk Medieval walls? Then travel to the Dalmatian coast. This is a piece of heaven!!!

Follow your dream ---- go and see Croatia !!! You will not be disappointed.  Onward to my favorite  city ...... Venice !!!