After Split, Trogir is the second most visited city break destination in Central Dalmatia
During pre-season, many places in the area of Split-Dalmatia County note a significant number of visitors, including Trogir. It is a small town in Central Dalmatia, where every stone is a monument – the old town nucleus, framed by the turquoise see. Trogir was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Take a walk along the streets of Trogir means to take a walk through the past and listen to stories and legends of Trogir. Greek, Roman and Venetian heritage, all combined on a small islet, make Trogir one of the most interesting historical oasis on the Adriatic. If you are on a half-hour or one-hour visit to Trogir, go directly to the old town. Visit the cathedral of Saint Lovre (Saint Laurence) and admire the magnificent church portal by master Radovan, one of the most important medieval portals in this part of Europe. Continue your visit to Ćipiko Palace, with its unique and valuable features, owned in the past by one of the most prominent Trogir families. Do not miss the Tower of Kamerlengo, which in Venetian times, represented the Governor’s Palace.
If you have a bit more time to spare, do not miss these 7 attractions. The mysterious stories among the remnants of the city walls, palaces and fortresses will be the ones to inspire you to fall in love with this charming town in the heart of Dalmatia.
1. Kamerlengo Tower
Kamerlengo tower or fortress is located in the southwestern part of Trogir. Its oldest part is the polygonal tower, built at the end of the 14th century. The fort was built in the 15th century and served to accommodate the Venetian military crew. Today, Kamerlengo is a stage for numerous theater performances and other cultural events on the open.
2. Cathedral of Saint Lovre (Saint Lawrence)
St. Lovre is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Croatia and its construction lasted almost 300 years, completed in 1598. At the entrance of the cathedral, your attention will be caught by the breathtaking portal by master Radovan. This is one of the most important medieval portals in this part of Europe.
3. City Gate
The southern city gate or porta civitatis was built in Renaissance style in 1953 (PROVJERITI GODINU?). On its eastern side, there is a loggia intended for the stay of the passengers who arrived in the city at the time when the gates were closed – today it accommodates a gallery and a souvenir shop. On their top there is the statue of Saint Ivan of Trogir (Saint John of Trogir), patron of the town.
4. Rector’s Palace
The Palace dates back to the 13th century and was restored in the 19th century in Renaissance style. It carries historical coats of Venetian rectors and other noblemen. On the door above the staircase, there is an inscription which states that access is allowed only to noblemen. The Palace also featured a theater, which was later destroyed. Today, it is home of the City Council and City Hall.
5. Ćipiko Palace
The palace of Trogir family Ćipiko is a complex of several buildings, which are a plexus of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles, connected after certain time into a unique ensemble. The largest part of the complex originates from the 13th century. The south gate of the palace is decorated with the inscription “Nosce te ipsum”, meaning “get to know yourself”, and there are numerous and valuable works of art within the palace.
6. The Love Tree
The fact that love is eternal and an always welcome feeling, is witnessed in Trogir by an unusual tree, which was named “the Love Tree” by the locals, because of the discreet place that its shades provide to the couples passing by. of the crown where the loving couples gathered, called the Tree of Love. Legend says that, the couple who gets to kiss under its branches, will carry their eternal love in their hearts, till death do them part.
7. Trogir promenade or “riva”
Trogir’s “riva” is a top promenade along the sea with, numerous facilities catering to tourists, aas well as an unique dock for yachts and megayachts.
The popularity of The Game of Thrones, a series rewarded with the 38 Emmys, is still at its peak. And this year many tourists will tour our coast looking for places where numerous scenes in the series were shot. The cellars of the ancient palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split, the beautiful river landscapes of Žrnovnica, Kaštela, the green hinterland of Biokovo Natural Park rising above Baska Voda and Klis Fortress, as well as many other places filming locations are still hot fan targets. Everyone wants to be part of the filming history.
The Game of Thrones fever still runs high
Numerous travel agencies in Split and its surroundings took advantage of this very convenient moment and started a special tour of the main locations in the Dalmatian region, where scenes of the series were shot. This story has enriched an already exciting travel offer in Split & its surroundings. To tour the locations where the famous Mother of Dragons, Daenerys and her fiery flock strolled around, you will have to put some extra effort into booking your tickets!
Central Dalmatia swarms with highly attractive movie location
The coastal area as well as the array of green islands, quiet gravel beaches with the crispest of the seas on the Mediterranean, retreated under the slopes of the mountains, the green “heart” of Cetina and Jadro River valleys, is the “it” zone of the Adriatic coast, which attracted the producers of this series.
It happened to every visitor during the millennial history of Central Dalmatia – they were impressed with the views of the coves and the islands, picturesque hills and mountains, so our tourists and movie fans today experience the same – this region enchants them with the same natural beauty, as well as the rich historical heritage.
Three monumental ensembles, enlisted as part of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, played a great role in the filming of this famous series – Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the ancient Greek field near Stari grad on Hvar Island and the historical core of Trogir town.
Not to forget, Salona made to the selected locations too – today it is the largest archaeological site on the eastern Adriatic coast, and it once was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The cultural heritage of Central Dalmatia was created and left into the heritage by inspired artists who engraved their art into wood, marble and stone walls of palaces in local towns.
Among the famous sites included in the series we also have to mention the medieval fort of Klis, the picturesque settlement Žrnovnica, well known for its water mills, as well as Kaštela, a town settlement made of 7 smaller towns: Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Gomilica, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Lukšić. Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Novi and Kaštel Štafilić. Kaštel Gomilica was selected for the fourth season of the series, which features the events from the book “A Song of Ice and Fire”, the third book in George R.R. Martin’s famous cycle.
Photo: TB Split – Dalmatia country, TB Stari Grad, Trogir, Klis, Solin
Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County has recognized the potential of cultural tourism as one of the priorities of tourism development strategy, to reduce seasonality and stimulate tourism activities for a larger part of the year.
Around 37% of all international travel is attributed to trips motivated by culture. With three sites included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, an extremely valuable and rich archaeological heritage and with the concentration of protected cultural and historical monuments, the Split-Dalmatia County is ideally positioned for the development of cultural tourism. Half of all Croatian, UNESCO-listed tangible and intangible cultural heritage properties, are located in the area of this county.
Intangible heritage includes various forms of folk and traditional cultural expressions such as language, oral literature, music, dance, games, mythology, rituals, customs and traditional crafts, as well as cultural areas or living communities in which these forms are still nurtured – hence the extreme importance to protect, present and put in service to tourism all of this valuable heritage.
Croatia proudly boasts with thirteen items included the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Five of them are from the Split-Dalmatia County:
*agave lace as part of lacework in Croatia
*religious procession on Hvar Island named “Za Križen”
*the knight tournament “Sinjska alka”
*the traditional “silent” dance “vrličko nijemo kolo”
*a cappella singing by “klapa”
The agave lace in Croatia is made only by the nuns of the Benedictine monastery in Hvar town, and this skill has been present in Hvar since the mid-19th century. The lace is made of threads which are obtained by a special, painstaking process from the middle of the fresh agave leaves. After processing, the threads are white, fairly thin, and of a certain strength and length.
The religious procession “Za Križen” is a unique ritual of particular devotion, an expression of the religious and cultural identity of the inhabitants of the central part of the island of Hvar, which continues for five centuries and connects six island towns (Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj and Vrboska).
On the night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, processions start from six parish churches, guided by the “križonoša” – the cross bearer, carrying a cross weighing 18 kilograms. He is followed by a large number of believers and pilgrims, who stop at the churches and chapels of other villages and small towns, before they return to their parish church in the early morning hours. The procession takes eight hours and passes over 25 kilometers.
Sinjska alka is a knight tournament held in Sinj since 1717, on the first Sunday in August, to commemorate the victory over Turkish invaders, on August 14, 1715. During the competition, the rider races on the horses in gallop down the main street, aiming for the “alka” – the iron ring hanging on the rope. Tournament rules promote fair play and emphasize the importance of participating in community life. Also, Alka’s participants must be members of families from the area of Sinj and Cetina area. Sinjska Alka is the only surviving example of medieval knight tournaments that were regularly held in Croatian coastal towns until the 19th century.
“Vrličko nijemo kolo” or the Silent Dance from Vrlika is unique for its performance, with no musical accompaniment or independent if such accompaniment exists (it is played by traditional “diple”, a bag-pipe-typed instrument, or by a specific way of singing in small groups by “shaking” the voice – “rera”, “ganga”, “ojkavica”).
It is performed in a round – in a “kolo”, only in the area of Dalmatian hinterland, but it can also be broken into pairs or performed during the entire dance in pairs, which are moving freely in the “kolo” or the dance area.
Klapa singing is a traditional polyphonic a cappella singing, without accompanying instruments. The tradition of klapa and klapa songs which we know today was formed in the mid-19th century, at the time when the cultural and musical identities of Mediterranean towns on our coast and islands, especially in Dalmatia, were profiled. The oldest model of klapa, the folk klapa, is an informal group of singers who occasionally sing to satisfy their love of singing, more than anything else. Tradition of oral expression, the simplicity of musical expression and spontaneous singing are part of the main features of this model of klapa. During the last decades, klapa singing has seen great changes and has gained great popularity even outside Dalmatia, the fatherland of klapa singing.
Photo: TB Split Dalmatia County, TB Stari Grad, TB Vrlika, TB Sinj
If you have sports and adventure spirit, set out on Makarsa Riviera on your personal bike challenge
Tourist Boards of Makarska Riviera have joined forces in project of cyclotourism development in preseason and postseason, creating brand of Makarska Rivera as a recognizable destination of active vacation. Project Cycling Roads of Makarska Riviera is a part ambitious County’s project to profile Riviera area as attractive cyclotourist destination. With promotional activities on tourist fairst throughout the world and certified bed&breakfast facilities customized for cyclists, Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County is happily marching forward.
Riding a bike on Makarska Riviera is possible throughout the year due to exceptionally favourable weather conditions, while autumn and spring are especially pleasant. Terrain configuration is breath-taking – these are roads that lead to sandy beaches through beautiful ambience of Nature park Biokovo, to Makarska – second biggest town of Split-Dalmatia region, and also to traditional taverns and restaurants with authentic homemade menus!
If you have sports, and of course, adventure spirit, try conquering one of attractive roads, and we have prepared some of their technical characteristics, and a few curiosities.
1. 200 BRELA TOUR Set out on 200 Brela Tour road that starts and ends in a place where Mediterranean monk seal gladly resided. Its route is Brela – Bast – Kotišina – Makarska – Promajna – Brela)! Total length of this hilly road is 43.6km (26.3 km asphalt, and 17.3 km macadam). Total ascend is 1001 m, while the highest point is on 283 metres altitude.
2.Road 240 Makarska Tour (Makarska – Veliko brdo – Kotišina – Osejava – Makarska) is of similar characteristics, except it is significantly shorter – 15.4 km. (9.2 km asphalt and 6.2 km macadam), while total ascend is 456 m and the highest point is on 283 metres altitude.
3. DO NOT MISS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW FROM THE SECOND HIGHEST PEAK IN CROATIA. True adventurists will gladly tackle 241 Biokovo Tour, which leads from Makarska, from 0 altitude to St. Jure peak on 1762 m above sea level! This ascend (of total 2262 m) is a challenge to all cyclists and it should be marked as an important accomplishment in their portfolio, and considering that it is all asphalt, it is suitable for those type of cyclists as well. Try conquering the second highest peak in Croatia!
Asphalt-macadam road 280 Tučepi – Podgora Tour27.8 km long (asphalt 18.5 km, macadam 9.3 km) has a route: Tučepi – Podgora – Stara Podgora – Srida sela – Makarska – Tučepi. Here as well you can expect hilly type of road, while total ascend is 770m, with the highest point on 330m altitude.
ROYAL LINE.Road 320 Igrane – Živogošće tour sets out from place where allegedly King Arthur himself was buried! Ride along roads of ancient rulers on route Igrane – Živogošće – Živogošće Blato – Živogošće Strn – Drašnice – Igrane. The road is 25.6 km long, (12.3 asphalt, and 13.3 km macadam) total ascend is 612 m with the highest point on 275 m altitude.
27.5 km long road 360 Drvenik-Gradac tourgoes on a route Drvenik – Zaostrog – Podaca – Brist – Gradac – Stari Gradac – Stari Zaostrog – Drvenik. It is asphalt-macadam hilly road, with total ascend of 710m and the highest point on 288 m altitude.
The sun, citrus fruits, olive oil, fish and sea food. Of all these ingredients you get dishes that are appealing to the eye and delicious to your palates. They are the main part of Mediterranean diet – the healthiest diet in the world! And autochthonous dishes made in the area of Split-Dalmatia County are abundant with these ingredients! Its ideal geographic position reflects rich gastronomic offer of its cities and places. It is full of contrasts in which taste of past times blend with today’s creative cuisines and contemporary tastes.
But, what stays the basis of every good Mediterranean dish, not common in any other diet are two grains of salt and the smell of fireplace. Each of these two grains of salt, brought by warm south or cold north wind, has its own story woven into autochthonous dishes…
Frog legs stew and Cetina’s trout
Going thorugh Dalmatian hinterland and its beautiful landscape bordered by the River Cetina, you will find some of the dishes affected by the winds, but also the richness of natural and untouched rivers. The dish we strongly recommend is frogs stew on baškotin – lemon juice is poured over frog legs and they simmer on light fire with all the other ingredients. They can be served on baškotin, traditional type of hard sweet toast. If you wish to visit Trilj, then with already mentioned frog legs you should also try Cetina’s trout. This royal river fish with red dots on it body is becoming very rare in the Cetina River. It is most often prepared on grill, fried or cooked by people from Trilj and Cetina surrounding, and it is very tasty if it’s covered in corn flour and boiled. Only a few kilometres away, in famous Alkars’ Sinj you will be offered Sinj’s arambašići. These are cabbage rolls made in traditional way – minced beef or pork rolled in sour cabbage leaves and cooked on light fire.
Descending towards the sea you will come across coastal places in Split-Dalmatia County where every good host will offer you lamb bowel with fennel. This is actually lamb tripe, a specialty of coastal cuisine, made of lamb entrails noodles and potatoes, seasoned with garlic and spices. Fennel is the one that gives a special taste to his traditional dish.
In places of Split-Dalmatia County it is all about tasty and healthy food, so some of the traditional dishes in which locals, but guests as well, enjoy are koštradina – dried mutton, šalamaštrani tongue with capers or polestar – young rooster under the baking lid. Islands’ specialties are Vis’ and Komiža’s pie. In Komiža it is made with combination of salted sardines and tomato sauce with olive oil and parsley, all this wrapped in bread dough. After it is baked, it is cut into squares. And the most important thing…it blends perfectly with a glass of red wine! Vis’ pie is very similar, with salted sardines and onions sautéed on olive oil, only without tomato sauce.
Vis’ hib – former farmer’s pie – today’s top delicacy
As every dish ends with a delicious dessert, we end our story of autochthonous dishes with Imotski’s rafioli, traditional dessert made in every household in Imotski on special occasions and for holidays. This Dalmatian sweet is made of dough with walnut stuffing, dipped in brandy and sugar after it is baked.
But, this is not all! With prosecco and Makarska’s rafioli as a harmonious Mediterranean couple love was born on many occasions in warm, summer nights. What makes Makarska’s rafioli different from all other sweets is thin, crispy dough with walnut stuffing. For the choosy ones, there is also Makarana cake.
Just as Sacher cake is famous with Vienna people and their guests, so does Makarana lure with its Mediterranean magic. With all these delicacies, paprenjaci biscuits mustn’t be forgotten.
Their main ingredient is saffron, which was, together with honey and coriander, very important product on islands in 16th century. On the island of Vis you can sweeten your tooth with hib – former farmer’s pie made of figs, aromatic herbs, almonds and homemade brandy.
Old ancient roads of Central Dalmatia hide remains of old-Christian necropolis, Roman camps, sacral buildings and numerous remains of fortification facilities
One doesn’t need to travel to Rome to see Roman roads – this is proven by restored Roman roads of Central Dalmatia – for tourist purpose. All those interested in history, archaeology or those who are simply of curious nature and want to know how it all looked like in ancient and Roman times, when soldiers of Roman legions, but ordinary travellers as well, passed through this area where we are today, should visit remains of Roman roads in Split-Dalmatia County.
To save all this from oblivion, in 2012 Joška Stella, director of Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County and Lino Ursić, county’s external associate, especially on projects of archaeological tourism, started a project named Roman roads of Central Dalmatia. The project has spread outside the borders of the County and set out to Zagreb, where the exhibition will be held on April 6 in Archaeological Museum. This way our capital’s residents and tourists will have the opportunity to get familiar with this significant part of Dalmatian, but Croatian history as well.
A trip back in time starts in Salona, which is together with Diocletian’s palace one of ancient jewels of this area. Preserved remains of Roman roads are located throughout Split hinterland, like military road Salona– Klis-Andetrium – today’s Gornji Muć and road of new conquests and borders Salona – Klis, Dugopolje – Dicmo – Aequum (Čitluk) and Servitium – a place where First Pannonian Fleet had its quarters, presumably on the Sava River.
A trip back in time starts in Salona, which is together with Diocletian’s palace one of ancient jewels of this area. Preserved remains of Roman roads are located throughout Split hinterland, like military road Salona– Klis-Andetrium – today’s Gornji Muć and road of new conquests and borders Salona – Klis, Dugopolje – Dicmo – Aequum (Čitluk) and Servitium – a place where First Pannonian Fleet had its quarters, presumably on the Sava River.
This spring all those in love with walks, cycling, eno-gastronomy, and all other forms of tourism are warmly invited to a picturesque place of Bol. Former place of residence of farmers, fishermen and seamen is a real tourist mecca today, visited by many tourists even from elite world destinations.
Although Bol is especially visited in summer; in spring, when new life awakens, it will shine it its full glory. Many tourist agencies offer various routes during which you can get familiar with all the beauties and mystique of this little place. During half-day excursion, you can visit Dragon’s Cave i.e. a monument of cave monastery life from the 15th century, located above Murvica place. It is actually a temple and residence of Franciscan Glagolitic from 15th century, with a relief of a dragon, after which it got its name.
Cycling, windsurfing and surfing
For those who like cycling or mountaineering and use their own two feet rather than two wheels, a climb to Vidova Gora is especially interesting. It is located on 778 m above sea level and it offers a beautiful view of the archipelago – islands of Hvar, Korčula and Vis, and world-known beach Golden Cape, listed among 40 the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In springtime, you can also enjoy windsurfing and surfing because the wind will take you to the exact direction you wish for. Those who are more daring can devote themselves to diving which is equally interesting at any time of year. Bol Tourist Board leaves nothing to chance so they paid special attention to perfectly arranged walkways and small quad roads.
But, Golden Cape beach is a perfect place for all the more popular kitesurfing because of the west wind (maestral) that blows at the speed of 15-25 knots. If you are not a professional kitesurfer, do not worry, there is a kitesurfing school in Bol.
Crafty hands of Brač people made magnificent stone works
If you ask people from tourist agencies or Bol Tourist Board to recommend an excursion around the place and the island, they will certainly recommend a visit to famous Brač’s masonry school in Pučišća where magnificent works of art are made of Brač’s stone. Once you are enchanted by the works of crafty stonemasons’ hands, we recommend you a visit to Blaca desert, the former famous Glagolitic desert where stars observatory was located at more recent times. It is on the south side of the island of Brač, between Milna and Bol. Tour guides can tell you the story about this desert, but the most important thing to know is that there are a monastery and a church.
Increasingly popular Nordic climbing
Nordic climbing is becoming all the more popular and it is exactly the sport that is very interesting in springtime. By setting out on this hilly excursion that lasts a little less than 4 hours you are keeping fit and preserving your health, and what’s most important, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful nature. The Nordic excursion starts in Murvica, and with an easy climb, you will come to Silvio and Stipančić monastery where stone tombs are located. If you continue on, you will come across aforementioned Dragon’s Cave and see many reliefs, carved triptychs and unusual characters.
Not everything is designed only for those in search of adventure, sport and healthy life; those who enjoy romance can find something for themselves as well. Namely, as the legend says, on 600 metres long sandy beach Golden Cape, there is a stone of fortune in a shape of snail house. The one who finds it will be awarded by – great happiness! Therefore, set out on a journey because you never know where the grain of happiness awaits you!
Central Dalmatia abounds in cultural attractions, surreally beautiful landscapes and exquisite gastronomy. With its long history and tales which are woven into every rock, it is ideal destination for relaxation, entertainment and active vacation.
Spring is the most beautiful time of the year in Dalmatian hinterland, when numerous tourists and nature enthusiasts visit magical lakes, forests and mountains, ancient remains, cold caves and nature parks. It is up to you, dear readers, to explore incredible spectre of possibilities, according to your own wishes and possibilities.
During your peregrination across Dalmatian Zagora, do not miss to visit world-famous natural phenomena. Imotski’s Red and Blue Lakes are natural values of global significance. These protected natural monuments have circled the world with their beauty. Blue Lake is favourite excursion site of both foreign and domestic guests in search for a holiday in nature and atypical beach fun. Karst Blue Lake is one of the most beautiful Croatian lakes approachable by nicely arranged stairs, so it is a favourite bathing spot during summer.
When the lake dries up, then witty residents traditionally play football at its bottom. Red Lake was named after red rocks on its edge. It is, unfortunately, impossible to approach due to high steep slopes surrounding it. This karst pit is 528 metres high, while the depth of the lake is around 281 metres, so according to certain data, it could be the deepest lake in Europe.
In Imotski town initiative has been launched to turn one of the region’s most popular natural attractions into a UNESCO protected park, a so-called Global Geopark. Project of building a centre with various contents for visitors and researchers is being prepared. The study of Red Lake, a karst phenomenon that attracts adrenaline enthusiasts from all over the world, continues as well.
Documentation for application is being prepared. After that, in 2019, follows necessary marking, signalization and implementation arrangements. If everything works out well, in June 2020 Red and Blue Lake will obtain a status of UNESCO geopark.
This would be the third geopark in Croatia, Nature park Papuk is UNESCO protected geopark, while UNESCO’s protection of Vis archipelago as geopark is expected to be approved soon.
2nd year, Hvar will be ideal location for an early race and for a race in the Mediterranean. Croatia and Hvar is a dream come true location. Organizator is proud to kick- off the European swimrun season and welcome you the ÖTILLÖ Hvar Swimrun Weekend.
The island is magnificient, surrounded by emerald-colored seas and the exceptional Paklinski islands to the south. Hvar is known to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Just one hour off the mainland city of Split makes the ferry ride a perfect place to relax into the island vibe.
Rosemary, lavender, wine, more than a 2000-year old history; just simply, a unique place for a unique race.
The first World Series race of the 2018 season will be hosted on the 8th of April with an ÖTILLÖ Sprint the day before,on April 7th.
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018
23:59
Last day to make team changes for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Hvar (individual names and team names). These changes must be sent to [email protected] before midnight.
Friday, April 6th, 2018
18:00
One hour presentation of ÖTILLÖ, swimrun, the future of ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series. Get together with one of the founder of swimrun, Michael Lemmel. Open for anyone, NOT mandatory. Hotel Amfora
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018
23:59
Last day to make team changes for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Hvar (individual names and team names). These changes must be sent to [email protected] before midnight.
Friday, April 6th, 2018
18:00
One hour presentation of ÖTILLÖ, swimrun, the future of ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series. Get together with one of the founder of swimrun, Michael Lemmel. Open for anyone, NOT mandatory. Hotel Amfora
Saturday, April 7th, 2018
09:00
Race briefing and bib distribution for ÖTILLÖ Sprint Hvar – Hotel Amfora
11:00
Start ÖTILLÖ Sprint Hvar – Hvar Main square
12:30
First teams expected to finish – Hvar Main square
14:10
Last teams across the finish line – Hvar Main square
14:30
Prize giving ÖTILLÖ Sprint Hvar – Hvar Main Square
16:30-18:00
Registration and bib distribution ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Hvar – Hotel Amfora
17:30
Pre-race welcome drink – Hotel Amfora
18:15
MANDATORY Race briefing ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Hvar – Hotel Amfora
Sunday, April 8th, 2018
09:00
Start ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Hvar – Main Square
10:45
Cut-off – Point Pelegrin, Time 2
13:50
First teams expected to finish – Hvar main square
14:00
Cut-off – Hvar, Time 6
15:50
Cut-off – Milna, Time 8
17:15
Last teams across the finish line – Hvar Main square
18:00
Closing dinner and prize giving for ÖTILLÖ Hvar – Hotel Amfora
On behalf of the Tourist board of the city of Solin, the hotel President Solin and the city of Solin, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the „4th. International Historic Cities Congress“.
4th International Historic Cities Congress is first project with that concept, organized in Croatia, under the motto „Meet, share& build“ , which aims to motivate ideas exchange („Meet“ concept) between leaders in tourism industry of historic cities, tourist boards, archaeologists and travel agent representatives.
The share of experiences („Share“ concept) is another objective as well as development of the new tourism products and arrangements by joint engagement of the tourism industry leaders in the destinations („Build“ concept).
In regards to the archaeological park Salona and its status in ancient history, we believe to be the perfect host of this event and we trust you will enjoy the programme we have prepared. This project is financed by European union through INTERREG IPA cross border cooperation Croatia- Bosnia and Herzegovina-Monte Negro 2014-2020 (project RiTour).
Project is supported and sponsored by: The President of the Republic of Croatia, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Croatian national tourist board, Tourist board of the Split-Dalmatia County, Split-Dalmatian County, Croatian national chamber association, Croatian association of historic cities, Wüstenrot building society, Perfecta travel agency, Lavanda tourist group, Public cultural institution Zvonimir, City of Split tourist board, City of Split museum, Archaeological Museum Split, Klis tourist board and Klis municipality. We would like to take the opportunity and thank them all for their assistance, support and recognition of this project.
The topic of congress is preservation and intepretation of historic attractions and localities in historic cities throughout Croatia through benchmarking with cities from abroad. Historic periods covered throughout this congress range from prehistoric times to roman times and middle ages.
Our aim is to present cities both from Croatia and abroad from these historic periods, with the emphasis on destination management, in terms of the creative and interpretative presentation of historic sites. The congress gathers professional lecturers from tourism and archaeological profession including Department of Antiquities from Jordan, Italian national tourist board, city of Krakow, tourist board of Ljubljana, representatives of touroperators from Egypt, city of Mostar, Cultural institutions and assocations from Šibenik, Omiš, Solin and Istria and Tourist board of Zagreb.
Apart from lectures, panel discussion will be held on the Education in culture and tourism. Panelists will be professionals from educational and government institutions, employment agency and Ministry of tourism.
We are pleased to state that 2nd year in row, within the congress, the cultural tourism award Plautilla for quality and innovation in management of historic cities will be assigned in three categories:
BEST cultural tourism product
The award is given to those tourist associations / institutions / companies / crafts etc. with the best tourist product which is characterized by high quality and creative interpretation of cultural and historical heritage.
HISTORICAL TOWN / SITE / FOUNDATION
The award is given to those cities / localities / institutions that have made significant effort in protection and preservation of cultural and historical heritage.
THE BEST CULTURAL TOURISM ITINERARY
The award is given for itineraries with a high quality in interpretation and presentation of cultural and historical heritage of the city or region, and may relate to day trips, or seven-day city break programs.
More info on conditions and application at web page: http://ihc-congress.com/awards/
Since the congress is financed by European Union, the application for congress is free of charge. All information about applications and programme may be found on the congress web page: http://ihc-congress.com/home/
Due to the limited number of participants, please be aware the applicaton should be done as earlier as possible, but not later than March 5th 2018.
We trust your stay will be full of interactions, new knowledge and ideas and will meet your expectations to the fullest extent.
We wish you a warm welcome to Solin, the cradle of ancient and Croatian history.
08:00h-08:45h – Registration 08:45h-09:00h – Welcome speech 09:00h-12:10h – Lectures 09:00h-09:25h – Asma Shhaltoug, Head of Engineering and Conservation Directorate, Department of Antiquities, Jordan Topic: Protection and presentation of cultural heritage of Jordan: New perspectives 09:30h-09:55h – Andrea Colonnelli, Travel trade department and market reserach, Italian national tourist board, Italy
Topic: Italy’s historical heritage and cultural tourism 10:00h-10:25 – Andrzej Czaplinski, Department of promotion and tourism, City administration Krakow, Poland Topic: Presentation and Interpretation of the cultural heritage of Krakow 10:30h – 10:45h – Coffee break 10:45h-11:10h – Mitja Predovnik, assistant managing director, Tourist board Ljubljana. Slovenia Topic: Strategy of cultural tourism in Ljubljana 11:15h-11:40h – Jakov Vetma, mayor, Municipality of Klis/President of Croatian association of historic cities Topic: Revalorization of Klis cultural heritage 11:45h-12:10h – Karim Mohsen, Managing Director/Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, Sylvia Tours, Egypt Topic: Challenges and experiences in creating and selling cultural and tourism products 12:10h-12:30h – Coffee break 12:30h-14:00 – Panel discusion
Topic: EDUCATION IN CULTURE AND TOURISM
Moderator: Željko Trezner, struč.spec.oec., Vice dean, ASPIRA college
1) Nansi Ivanišević, Director of Department for Education, Culture, Sports, Information and Technical Culture, State Administration Office in Split, Dalmatian County 2) Lidija Petrić, prof. dr.sc., Department of Economics of the National Economy, University of Split, Faculty of Economics Split 3) Tonči Glavina, State Secretary, Ministry of Tourism 4) Zvjezdana Jaman, head of the office of Solin, Croatian Employment Service 5)Helena Cvikl, director, College for Hospitality and Tourism Maribor/Vicepresident of EURHODIP 6) Renata Nevidal, director Carlson Wagonlit Travel, president of Cultural tourism board, Croatian chamber of commerce
14:00h-15:00h – Lunch break 15:00h-17:30h – Included excursion Solin and Klis (Ancient Salona and fortress Klis) 17:30h-19:00h – Free time 19:00h-20:00h – Dinner 20:00h-21:30h – Entertainment – Karaoke party
Thursday 22.03.2018.
09:00h-12:10h – Lectures 09:00h-09:25h – Ivana Mahnić, Expert Assistant/Product Development Department, Zagreb Tourist Board Topic: Advent in Zagreb 09:30h-09:55h – Gorana Bačelić – Barišić, Director, Public institution in culture – cultural fortress Šibenik Topic: Development of cultural tourism in the city of Šibenik – revitalization of cultural heritage 10:00h-10:25h – Admira Čustović, Tourism advisor , city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Topic: City of Mostar – presentation and protection of cultural heritage 10:30h-10:55h –Ana Brničević/Mladen Tomić, Director of Tourism council, Society of Poljica Topic: Old Poljica principality as a contemporary tourist destination 11:00h-11:15h – Coffee break 11:15h-11:40h – Darko Komšo, Director, Archaeological museum of Istria Topic: Management, protection and presentation of Pula archeological heritage 11:45h-12:10h – Mario Matijević – Public institution in culture Zvonimir, Solin Topic: Old croatian heritage of Solin – opportunities and threats in protection and interpretation
12:10h-14:00h – Lunch break
14:00h-17:00h –Included excursion Split (Diocletian palace, City museum) 17:00h-19:00h – Free time 19:00h-20:00h – Award ceremony 20:00h-22:00h – Gala dinner
Stećci (standing tombstones) in Imotski region were listed on 8th place of world UNESCO heritage list
Imotski region has a rich history of legends and myths, beliefs in fairies and other surreal creatures connected to stećci (standing tombstones). Folk tradition has attributed their emergence to surreal creatures of great strength and power. These unique tombstones were often believed to have miraculous, healing properties.
Stećci in Split-Dalmatia County are a specific part of Croatian cultural heritage from Medieval Ages. Due to their significance and value, they are a great contributor to development of cultural tourism in our country. Therefore, plans for development of cultural tourism of Split-Dalmatian County include stronger marketing tools which would include sightseeing of Medieval tombstones that definitely deserve greater attention and thus contribute to development of that region.
It is known that Croatian history dates back to the 7th century, and our country is also proud of numerous historical sites. This fact is proven by Stećci – medieval graveyards, two of which were listed on 8th place of UNESCO world heritage list: Crljivica near Imotski, between Cista Velika and Cista Provo in Split-Dalmatia County and Dubravka – in Sv. Barbara in Konavli, Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
This way, somewhat mystical phenomenon of preserved stećci in our two Dalmatian places is listed with over 70 000 standing tombstones on 3 300 localities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Monte Negro on a prestigious world heritage list. On this very list 28 necropolis have been included, among which are 2 aforementioned from Croatia, 3 from Serbia and Monte Negro and 20 from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Origin of these Medieval tombs in Croatia dates back to the 12th century, and this way of burying dead continued until the 16th century. Stećci in Cista Provo and Konavli were made of limestone, which is typical for Dalmatia region. Of almost the same kind of limestones standing tombstones were built in other countries of the region, and its specificity is that it can only be found on this area. We can, for example, compare them to those made in Armenia or Ireland, but they are not completely the same. Stećci were cut out of great limestone blocks, then designed and decorated with different kinds of shapes and motifs and inscriptions inspired by religion and everyday life of local traditions.
Locality Crljivica was marked by UNESCO as the biggest and the most important collection of stećci in Croatia. On more western Mala Crljivica there is a small number of stećci decorated in relief. Till today around 90 tombstones of all types have been preserved (flagstones, coffins and ridged ones), among which there are 16 sarcophagi, 56 coffins and 15 tombstones shaped as flagstones.
Legend says that Crljivica originated when people, while escaping the Turks, covered a church located there with a pile of stones, in which valuable church vestments and chalices were hidden, together with one little bell. According to the legend, one mustn’t dig there for he/she would become ill and all the crops would be destroyed by hailstorm. The oldest local people say that every year, in the period from Pentecost till St. Anthony during the night you can hear silent ringing of the buried bell.
While travelling along the road from Lovreć to Imotski, after about 5 km, one comes across a necropolis Mramor on Kamenjak locality. Legend says that standing tombstones belong to a wedding procession which was attacked by haiduks before the wedding. Under one of the tombstones, says the legend, rest the bride and the groomsman, under another one stander-bearer and under the third one the groom.
Within the programme of cultural tourism development there are many other cultural-historical sites being revitalized. Those are, for example, Roman roads in Central Dalmatia, used in ancient times by soldiers of Roman legions. It is exactly this project of restoration of net of Roman road communication in Central Dalmatia, which will include renewal and sightseeing of Medieval tombstones, that can lead to greater interest of tourists for cultural tourism in Croatia. And what Roman roads really looked like can be seen on Roman Roads Exhibition, which will be held on April 6 in Archaeological Museum in Zagreb.
Photo: TB Split-Dalmatia County, archive TB Imotski
SEVENTH ART GIANTS AT THE GATES OF CENTRAL DALMATIA – MAMMA MIA, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT WHEN OUR VIS EARNS WORLD’S RESPECT!
THAT DALMATIA IS ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONS TO CAMERA EYE, is confirmed by the words of numerous film masters, like strict Hitchcock who was swept away by Zadar’s sunset, which he declared to be the most beautiful in the whole world! Also flattering fact is that, besides all world-famous destinations and potential filming locations, more and more attractive productions choose our coast as an ideal scenery for their movies.
In upcoming thriller with Katarina Radivojević, Hvar could soon be visited by Tom Hanks as well; Klis fort and Žrnovnica have already hosted famous Daenerys and her dragons (protagonists of world-famous “Game of Thrones”), while legendary uskoks rushed through our heroic town Sinj during filming of documentary-feature filmThe Age of Uskoksin autumn last year! Submarine of famous Jacques Cousteau circled around Hvar, Vis and Biševo waters during filming of great movie “Odyssey” – about the life and work of this legendary explorer.
Together with all these intriguing notes, one of the most recent confirmations of film-like nature of Central Dalmatia came from one of the most popular Hollywood motion pictures – romantic musical “Mamma Mia 2”, spiced with great hits of legendary ABBA, filmed on our beautiful and mysterious Vis – and we cannot wait to see its world premiere!
VIS IN A ROLE OF GREEK ISLAND. Mysterious an irresistible Vis, for almost half a century isolated as a military island, turned this fact into its advantage. Its secludedness from frenetic everyday life and truly intact nature, are real treats for those in search of Robinson tourism, and it also caught the eye of Hollywood producers who wisely recognized Vis’ potential for a role of Greek island, where first sequel of this global cinema-hit was filmed.
Great actors as unmatched Meryl Streep, one of the most attractive Bonds – Pierce Brosnan, charismatic Colin Firth, American beauty Amanda Seyfried who excelled in “Les Miresables”… – have one thing in common – all of them were delighted by the beauties of our Vis, and have marked it on a world-famous movie destinations map with their joint performance. Moviemakers on set were extremely satisfied with cooperation of domestic filmmakers, local authorities and people, their hospitality and professionalism which was indeed at the top level.
AND WHILE THEY ARE IMPATIENTLY WAITING FOR JULY, when this attractive film will be released, head people of Central Dalmatia tourism don’t just sit back and wait – they have recognized great potential in aforementioned facts and decided to introduce one more attractive note in region’s tourism. In this spirit, intensive effort is being made to open a film office in Split, like the ones already existing in Zadar and Istria. Exactly with this purpose, in late June last year, three-days International Film Convention was held, whose main goal was to promote creative industries, especially movie industry.
Observations about Split having great potential for film setting are, by all means precise, and this is shown by successfulness of materials made there. For example, two-part German crime TV series about detective Branka Marić, shot in Split in 2015, attracted no less than 4,45 million viewers, while Columbian part of the story about General Gotovina was also filmed there. Not only would establishing its own film office contribute to recognition of the destination in this sense, but it would also, according to Joško Stella, the leading man of the County’s tourism, prolong high season, open possibilities for new jobs; and the most important thing, it would attract new and attractive film productions.
We support this attractive initiative, because, what more can we wish to Dalmatia, but to be put in itineraries of not only globetrotters, party lovers, gastronomads, but also the masters of the seventh art! What’s more to say but – Mammy mia, what can we expect when our Vis earns world’s respect!
Photo: TB Split-Dalmatia County, archive TB Komiža
Sinj Business Center in cooperation with the town of Sinj and the Split-Dalmatia County is organizing the National Prosciutto Fair with international participation, a manifestation which gathers all relevant actors in the production and marketing of prosciutto and other cured meats products assortment.
At home in the Alka town with a long production tradition of this unique delicacy, the Fair has gained an impressive reputation among professionals, as well as visitors. It has been attracting a growing number of tourists to the Dalmatian Hinterland for more than a decade, and, impressively, off-season.
The manufacturers will, like before, have the opportunity to exhibit their products in the adequate stands where the visitors can browse, taste and shop. It is a great opportunity to present products via marketing materials, with the participation of the media which will be covering the manifestation.
A rich culture and arts program will be organized, including a promotion of traditional customs and crafts, as well as performances by the cultural and artistic associations from Dalmatia and Lika.
A number of workshops dealing with current agricultural and economic themes is also planned, with the participation of renowned experts. It is important to mention that the traditional presentations of tourist-catering schools from Sinj, Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir and Šibenik will also be held this year. Their students will be competing in the BURA cup where they will be judged in the art of arranging and serving of prosciutto and other traditional products.
The evaluation of the quality and uniqueness of prosciutto by selected manufacturers will be held on 22 March 2018, the day before the official Fair. The committee consisting of renowned experts and scientists, members of the association of seasonal analysts, representatives of scientific institutions, the Ministry and Center for quality of the Croatian Chamber of Economy will be evaluating the quality of the prosciutto, like before, based on the Ordinance on Prosciutto Quality Evaluation. The evaluation is open to the public and will be carried out in the presence of the committee members, the representatives of the selected manufacturers and the media, and the products of the Fair participants will be evaluated.
The following are expected to take part in this year’s Fair: Croatian producers of prosciutto and dry-cured meat products, family farms, producers of prosciutto and Slavonian ham, representatives of regional meat industries, representatives of associations of manufacturers, individual manufacturers, leading manufacturers of Istrian and Drniš prosciutto, guests from Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of pig breeders associations, regional family farms breeding pigs, representatives of leading chain stores, hoteliers and caterers.
Come and have a taste for yourself, delicious bites and pleasant company are included!
BASIC FAIR PROGRAM
22 March 2018 THURSDAY – program for the delivery of samples for evaluation
08:00 PROGRAM OF THE OFFICIAL EVALUATION OF THE PROSCIUTTO QUALITY
08:00 DELIVERY AND CODING OF SAMPLES
08:30 – 15:30 EVALUATION OF THE PROSCIUTTO QUALITY
EXHIBITION PROGRAM / EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND ROUND TABLES
Day 1 – 23 March 2018 (FRIDAY)
09:00 ARRIVAL OF THE PARTICIPANTS
10:30 CULTURAL-ARTISTIC PROGRAM
11:30 OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE PROSCIUTTO FAIR
23 March 2018
Exhibition of prosciutto and cured meats products
Presentation of cheese, presentation of autochthonous food products and wine
Presentation of traditional products, cultural-artistic program
There will be round tables, lectures and presentations organized along with the Fair on topics such as:
Presentation of programs: Government and other institutions, associations and chambers, banks and funds, developmental programs of the Split-Dalmatia County and the town of Sinj
The opportunity of applying to the Ministry of Agriculture contest from the Program of rural development 2014-2020 – Improving the economic competitiveness of the region
HBOR – a support to the balanced and sustainable economic and social development of the Republic of Croatia
An opportunity for financing from the European structural projects for rural development
Meeting and presentation of business-supporting institutions and local action groups; ESIF loans
Clusters as models of organizing – examples of good practice
Seasonal analytics: The importance of prosciutto quality evaluation
Technology of production and technological trends in the production of prosciutto
The presentation of cooperative opportunities for pig breeders and prosciutto makers
Presentation “Croatian island product” and “Marks of quality”
Promotion of the best-rated prosciuttos
Cultural and entertainment program for visitors and participants
Day 2 – 24 March 2018 (SATURDAY)
10:00 FAIR OPEN FOR VISITORS
11:30 CUTLURAL-ARTISTIC PROGRAM
13:30 PROSCIUTTO TASTING
15:30 CLOSING CEREMONY
– Cultural-artistic program
– Announcing the results of the competition
– Declaring the winner
Picturesque scenery of the Brač Island, apart from hiking, can be seen and experienced – on two wheels. In the most beautiful month of the year, May, pump your bike tires and bring them for quite an unusual adventure!
Of course, it is all about “catching the wind” or a XCM Marathon “Uvati vitar”, a recreational race held from 18 to 20 May on the island of Brač. To participate in the race no license is required, and cyclists with both recreational and professional motives are invited.
A 75 kilometres-long Bura trail was prepared with professional cyclists and those who prefer long-distance cycling routes in mind. It is appealing to competitors as well as to the viewers for its attractive single track sections, fast descents, demanding climbs, and some technical parts most likely to be mastered by those who really cycle like a pro.
To avoid leaving everthing on a tourist ride, the fastest and most skilful cyclists wil be awarded. The hosts prepared a rich prize pool, and everyone can participate in an always-attractive tombola lottery.
The hosts also took care of the real feast after the race at the same location, so that all competitors, their escorts and those who will intentionally or accidentally follow the race, can enjoy the abundant gastronomic and enological offer of the island of Brač.
And while all of the last year’s participants have only words of praise for the 2017 catching the wind race, everyone hopes that this year’s event will exceed all expectations. During the race, Bike Friendly Sutivan will also provide accommodation at a very convenient price for competitors, their escorts and friends, and everyone who pays for the entry fee will also get a 30% discount for the ferry ticket.
At the end are you ready for XCM Sutivan? Visit www.uvati-vitar.hrweb site and apply for the most beautiful bike race….it is all about “catching the wind”
