A private tour of Šibenik and Trogir is a great way to explore two of the most beautiful UNESCO sites on the central Dalmatian coast. Our experienced local guide will show you the highlights of each city. We will start our morning with a scenic drive from Split along the Adriatic coast. Continuing towards the picturesque town of Trogir, which is one of the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic-Renaissance cities in Central Europe. We will explore its beautiful main square, Saint Lawrence cathedral, and town loggia, and then walk through its narrow stone streets and palm trees waterfront. Afterward, we will drive to Šibenik town to visit St. James’s Cathedral, which is a one-of-a-kind monument on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Finally, our drive back to Split will be on local roads, giving us the chance to see the charming Dalmatian countryside.
The drive from Split to Šibenik takes only an hour. Šibenik is the youngest of the Dalmatian cities and takes great pride in being founded by the Croatian kings. Few cities can boast a UNESCO heritage site, but Šibenik has two – the Cathedral of St. James and St. Nicholas’ fort. Both of these unique constructions were made entirely of stone and were bold and unusual for their time. The Cathedral of St. James has been on the UNESCO list since 2000, and St. Nicholas’ fort since 2017. While walking through the town, you’ll see many churches and palaces. The Renaissance town hall, Prince’s castle, and neighboring churches are all part of a remarkable square, often cited as the most beautiful one in Croatia.
We will continue our journey towards the charming town of Trogir, which is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque-Gothic-Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. During our visit, we will stroll along the beautiful stone streets, explore the local green market to discover seasonal produce and check out the fish market to see the fresh catches of the day. We will also walk along the waterfront and stop to enjoy a coffee on sunny days. Our tour of the ancient UNESCO Heritage city of Trogir will include visits to its main attractions such as St. Lawrence’s Cathedral with its impressive Radovan’s Portal, as well as the Central Square, Town Hall, Town Loggia, and the North and South Gate.
The town’s main square houses the centerpiece of the area, the cathedral. The cathedral’s construction spanned from the XIII to XVII centuries and it has a fascinating history. The bell tower, which alone took 200 years to build, is a prime example of the Dalmatian architectural styles: Gothic at the base, Venetian Gothic in the middle, and Renaissance at the top. The cathedral’s front entry, the Radovan’s portal, is a sight to behold, with intricate decor and recently restored. Inside, the cathedral is dimly lit, with numerous altars. The treasury features some stunning XV-century carved-wood cabinets, filled with ecclesiastical art and gear. The cathedral is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Cathedral boasts a remarkable Romanesque door, which was carved by Master Radovan in 1240. This door is a magnificent piece of art from the Middle Ages in Dalmatia. Master Radovan, a local architect, worked on the cathedral’s gateway (main West portal) during its early stages of construction. He carved most of the portal himself, and it was finished and signed in 1240, making it a unique work of this great Croatian artist. The portal is divided into two parts, upper and lower. The upper part depicts scenes from the Gospels, that is, the life of Christ. The portal is dominated by human figures. Radovan himself crafted the internal and external doorposts, which rest on the backs of bent-over bearers. Pictures of Adam and Eve standing on the backs of two lions can be seen beside the portal.
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