A Riviera with 7 Kastellas
West of Split and East of Trogir lies the Riviera Kastela in Croatia’s Central Dalmatia. The Riviera owes its name not only to the city of Kastela, which is situated about 9 kilometers from the airport in Split, but also the 13 castle that were built here between the 15th and 16th century to defend the 16 kilometer coastal strip. Today 7 out of 13 castles are preserved and now characterize this part of the coast. The Riviera Kastela is surrounded by the Kozjak Mountains, which explains the mild, Mediterranean climate. Tanning in the sun at the Riviera Kastela is as little of a problem as swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
7 Castles of Central Dalmatia
Surrounded by interesting destinations the 7 castles between Trogir and Split are among the most exciting sites of Central Dalmatia. The 7 castles are called Kastel Stafilic, Kastel Novi, Kastel Stari, Kastel Luksic, Kastel Kambelovac, Kastel Gomilica, and Kastel Sucurac. Kastel Stafilic lies west, just a few kilometers away from Trogir. The castle was built by the Greek noble Stjepan of Trogir on a small island, so that the fort was only accessible from the mainland by a draw bridge. Beside the castle and its tower “Rotondo,” which was built in 1508, there are other sites that attract tourists to this part of the city, which is home to about 3042 residents. One of these sites is a 1500 year-old olive tree. West of the Kastel Stafilic one finds a pebble stone beach that allows for a refreshing swim in front of a historical setting.
About 6000 people live in Kastel Novi, which was built in 1512 by Pavao Antun Cippico, nephew of Koriola Cippico from Trogir, who 35 years earlier erected the neighboring Kastel Stari. Beside the Renaissance church of St. Rochus one may enjoy the city of Loggia as well as the artwork of Croatian artists that are shown in the “Biblical Garden.” The fort of neighboring Kastel Stari has become an integral part of city life. Every day greengrocers and
A Riviera with 7 Kastellas
West of Split and East of Trogir lies the Riviera Kastela in Croatia’s Central Dalmatia. The Riviera owes its name not only to the city of Kastela, which is situated about 9 kilometers from the airport in Split, but also the 13 castle that were built here between the 15th and 16th century to defend the 16 kilometer coastal strip. Today 7 out of 13 castles are preserved and now characterize this part of the coast. The Riviera Kastela is surrounded by the Kozjak Mountains, which explains the mild, Mediterranean climate. Tanning in the sun at the Riviera Kastela is as little of a problem as swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
7 Castles of Central Dalmatia
Surrounded by interesting destinations the 7 castles between Trogir and Split are among the most exciting sites of Central Dalmatia. The 7 castles are called Kastel Stafilic, Kastel Novi, Kastel Stari, Kastel Luksic, Kastel Kambelovac, Kastel Gomilica, and Kastel Sucurac. Kastel Stafilic lies west, just a few kilometers away from Trogir. The castle was built by the Greek noble Stjepan of Trogir on a small island, so that the fort was only accessible from the mainland by a draw bridge. Beside the castle and its tower “Rotondo,” which was built in 1508, there are other sites that attract tourists to this part of the city, which is home to about 3042 residents. One of these sites is a 1500 year-old olive tree. West of the Kastel Stafilic one finds a pebble stone beach that allows for a refreshing swim in front of a historical setting.
About 6000 people live in Kastel Novi, which was built in 1512 by Pavao Antun Cippico, nephew of Koriola Cippico from Trogir, who 35 years earlier erected the neighboring Kastel Stari. Beside the Renaissance church of St. Rochus one may enjoy the city of Loggia as well as the artwork of Croatian artists that are shown in the “Biblical Garden.” The fort of neighboring Kastel Stari has become an integral part of city life. Every day greengrocers and fishmongers set up their market booths on the city square to sell regional produce.
Kastel Luksic, Kastel Kambelovac, and Kastel Gomilica equally impress not only with a fort from the 16th century, but also with spectacular churches from the baroque era and the Renaissance as well as with unique garden architecture including exotic plants. Kastel Sucurac, which is home to about 6800 people, is located 12 kilometers from the airport in Split at the Eastern side of the Riviera Kastela. The first tower was built in 1392, which is why Kastel Sucurac is known as the oldest castle. At the same time it is also the castle best preserved at the Riviera. Although this area is rather industrial, even here one may experience beautiful and historic structures – such as the bishop’s summer house that was built in 1488.
Destinations in the region
Not only bigger cities like Split and Trogir are attractive destinations. The islands off the coast attract many tourists that look for a day of away from the mainland in an idyllic environment. Across from Trogir one finds the island of Ciovo. Many parts of this island are covered by a forest that features cypresses, pines, olives, wine, and citrus fruits providing a unique scent across the island. Many of the hidden, beautifully located bays are perfect to enjoy one’s vacation, to swim, and to lay in the sun.
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