Kaštela - Croatia’s Booming Beauty

Situated between two well-known tourist destinations, Split and Trogir, the 7 historically significant villages have long been ignored by tourists.

Locals are often cited saying: “Tko nam ovo more platit?” (Who can pay for such beauty?)

This is all starting to change, as more people recognize the beauty, history and perhaps most importantly, serenity and peacefulness of this beautiful city.

Valiant Defensive Structures

The origins of the seven Kaštelas date primarily to the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Kingdom of Croatia and the Venetian Republic faced increasing pressure from the expanding Ottoman Empire. Frequent raids threatened the fertile fields and villages surrounding Split and Trogir, forcing local landowners to seek new ways of protecting their populations.

Instead of relying solely on distant city walls, influential noble families constructed fortified castles along the coast. These castles offered refuge during attacks while allowing people to continue cultivating the rich agricultural lands nearby. The sea also provided an escape route and enabled communication with Venice and other Adriatic settlements.

Meet the Lucky Seven

Kaštel Sućurac

Kaštel Sućurac is the oldest of the seven Kaštelas, founded in 1392 by the Archbishop of Split. It was built to protect church lands and the local population from increasingly frequent Ottoman raids. The settlement developed around the Archbishop's fortified castle, making it the first link in the defensive chain along the coast. During the Second World War, the town suffered significant damage from Allied bombing, but many of its historic churches and buildings have since been restored.

Kaštel Gomilica

Kaštel Gomilica is renowned for its fortress built by Benedictine nuns in the early 16th century. Constructed on a small islet connected to the mainland by a stone bridge, it is one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance military architecture on the Croatian coast. In recent years, the fortress gained international recognition as one of the filming locations for the city of Braavos in the television series Game of Thrones, attracting visitors from around the world.

Kaštel Kambelovac

Kaštel Kambelovac was established in the late 15th century by the noble Cambi family, who built a fortified Renaissance castle to protect nearby villages. Over time, several smaller settlements merged around the fortress, creating the present-day town. Today, Kaštel Kambelovac is known for its historic waterfront, traditional fishing heritage, and lively cultural events.

Kaštel Lukšić

Kaštel Lukšić is perhaps the most romantic of the seven settlements. It developed around Vitturi Castle, built by the aristocratic Vitturi family in the late 15th century. The castle is famous as the setting of the tragic love story of Miljenko and Dobrila, often described as Croatia's own Romeo and Juliet. Today, Vitturi Castle houses the Kaštela City Museum, preserving archaeological finds, historical documents, and works of art from the region.

Kaštel Stari

Kaštel Stari grew around the fortress of the powerful Ćipiko family, completed in 1476. It eventually became the largest and most commercially important of the seven Kaštelas. Its broad waterfront, lively old town, and well-preserved Renaissance street layout reflect its historical role as a center of trade and daily life. Today, Kaštel Stari serves as the administrative and commercial heart of the City of Kaštela.

Kaštel Novi

Kaštel Novi was founded in 1512 by yet another nobleman of the Ćipiko lineage, as a carefully planned fortified settlement. Unlike some of the other Kaštelas that developed gradually, Kaštel Novi was designed with defensive walls, regular streets, and organized public spaces. Its historic center still preserves much of this original layout, while the town remains closely connected to local agriculture, olive growing, and viticulture.

Kaštel Štafilić

Kaštel Štafilić was founded in 1508 by the nobleman Stjepan Štafilić, who constructed a fortified castle on a small coastal islet. The settlement is best known for the Mastrinka Olive Tree, an olive tree estimated to be around 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest living olive trees in Europe. Kaštel Štafilić is also home to the Resnik archaeological site, where the remains of the ancient Greek settlement of Siculi provide evidence of human habitation long before the medieval castles were built.

What are you waiting for?

Plan a romantic evening, a nighttime walk or just a glass of good ol' red wine and Croatian cuisine; one thing is certain, Kaštela won't disappoint!