On Sunday, 14 June, Trilj welcomed participants of the Oldtimer Promo Tour, an event that has been successfully bringing together a passion for classic automobiles, heritage preservation and friendship for many years.

Owners and enthusiasts of historic vehicles arrived from across Croatia and the surrounding region, making their visit to Trilj much more than a traditional classic car gathering. Travelling through the picturesque landscapes of the Dalmatian Hinterland via Bisko, the convoy first reached the Gardun Plateau in front of St. Peter's Church, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Trilj area. For a few unforgettable moments, the site was transformed into an open-air museum of automotive history.

The participants then explored the archaeological site of Tilurium, where Damir Banić from the Gaius Laberius Gardun Association introduced them to one of the most valuable ancient heritage sites in the Dalmatian Hinterland. Along the way, visitors discovered the remains of the Roman camp's impressive western defensive wall – a rare example of military architecture that stands as a testament to Trilj's strategic importance since Roman times.

From Gardun, the convoy descended into the heart of Trilj, where the final vehicle exhibition took place against the stunning backdrop of the Cetina River canyon. The display attracted numerous residents, visitors and passers-by, many of whom stopped to photograph automobiles that are rarely seen on today's roads. Owners were delighted to share stories of painstaking restorations, memorable road trips and the personal histories behind their treasured vehicles.

Particular attention was drawn to the oldest participant of the gathering – the legendary 1941 Jeep Willys. It was joined by an impressive collection of automotive icons representing almost an entire century of motoring history, including a 1952 Mercedes-Benz S 220, a 1954 Citroën Traction Avant, a 1965 Ford Falcon, as well as a remarkable selection of classics that continue to fascinate lovers of design and engineering: 1970s Mercedes models, the iconic Citroën DS, Simca, Volkswagen Beetle, Opel Manta, the striking Opel GT, Fiat 500, Fiat 124 Sport Coupé, together with newer BMW, Volkswagen and Mazda models that have already earned their place among tomorrow's classics.

"We wanted to open the summer with an event that truly reflects the spirit of Trilj – relaxed, authentic and filled with people who turn their hobbies and passions into stories worth sharing. Classic cars have a unique ability to connect generations, awaken memories and remind us that the best journeys are not always the fastest ones. The enthusiasm of our visitors confirmed that this is exactly the kind of experience we want to create through Summer in the Rhythm of the Cetina – events that leave lasting memories," said Carmen Marcela Perica, Director of the Trilj Tourist Board.

Josip Radić, founder of the Oldtimer Promo Tour, thanked the hosts for their warm hospitality and emphasised that Trilj provides the perfect setting for an event of this kind.

"Classic cars are much more than vehicles. They are part of family histories, cherished memories and the eras in which they were built. Every car tells its own story, and that is why the greatest value of gatherings like this lies in bringing together people who share the same passion. Trilj truly impressed us – from its remarkable cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes to the warm welcome we received from both the hosts and the local community."

Once again, the Classic Car Gathering proved that events born from genuine passion have the power to bring people together and create unforgettable memories. And for one special day, Trilj became a place where automobiles told their own stories, and where the past and the present travelled side by side.

PHOTO: Bepo Novaković

The project has been financed through the Fund for Tourism Underdeveloped Areas and the Continental Tourism Development Programme, based on a decision of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s Tourism Council, following the recommendation of a committee composed of representatives of the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, and members of the Tourism Council of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board.