Along the Bay of Kaštela stretches the town Kaštela, which was formed from seven settlements, each with its own castle-fort: Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Gomilica, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Novi and Kaštel Štafilić. Built mostly in the period from the 14th to the 16th century, the castles are well preserved to this day and give these small villages a particular charm.
Trogir nobleman Stjepan Štafileo for example chose to build his fort on a sea cliff in Kaštel Štafilić in 1508, which is today known as the Rotondo castle. In 1512, Trogir nobleman Pavao Antun Ćipiko had his castle built in the shape of a square tower, around which Kaštel Novi has developed over time. Landlord Coriolano Cippico built his castle as a fortified palace on the cliff itself and connected it to the mainland by a drawbridge, thereby creating a square in front of it called Brce. In Kaštel Lukšić the fort was built by Mihovil Rosani, while the defensive fort in Kaštel Kambelovac by Split nobles Jerolim and Nikola Cambi. Benedictine nuns completed their fort in 1545 in Kaštel Gomilica on a reef called Gomilica. The oldest defensive tower dates back to 1392 and is located in Kaštel Sućurac. Its construction was commissioned by Archbishop Gualdo of Split.
Although all seven Kaštela form a single administrative unit today, each settlement has its own peculiarities and charms that attract more and more visitors. Accommodation is offered by numerous hosts who will warmly welcome you into modern apartments, villas and holiday homes. The abundance of beautiful beaches along the shores of the Kaštela Bay, its many restaurants and taverns serving traditional dishes with local wines and olive oil offer a unique Dalmatian atmosphere to which you will always happily return.
