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...the only place in the world with two UNESCO architecture within 15 km...
A deep and well-protected bay between Split and Trogir acts like a natural refuge and safe haven and even in ancient times Kaštela had become a place where the wealthy from nearby larger cities built their summer residences. Out of fear of the invading Turks, fortifications were erected right on the coastline - 15 of them by the end of the 15th century - all in a Renaissance architectural style with rich interiors. About seven of these fortifications became settlements that eventually merged to create the present town of Kaštela.
The town of Kaštela is located on the coast of the Bay of Kaštela. It has over 40000 inhabitants, and it is the second largest town in the Split and Dalmatia County. It stretches over the length of 17 kilometers.
The city of Kaštela has seven settlements – Kaštel Gomilica, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Novi, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Sućurac, Kaštel Štafilić.
Traces of all historic periods could be found in the area of
the town of Kaštela; cavemen have hunted here (Mujina Cave on the western
slopes with artifacts dating 45 000 years BC).
There are many Illyrian stone heaps scattered over the
Kozjak Mountain.
During the Greek and Roman rule these parts experienced
their economic and cultural prosperity. Remains of many antic villas and the
Siculi settlement at Resnik are the proofs of that.
Croatians migrated to the gentle slopes of Kozjak in the 7th
century and formed their first settlements. Old Croatian churches are the
silent witnesses of that time.
Aristocrats and clergymen from Trogir and Split built their
castles on these rocky shores. The Venetian authorities approved of that to
protect crops and peasants. These fortified mansions– castles appeared as
fortresses on their land sides with keeps, moats, loopholes and drawbridges.
Their sides facing the sea were built as Renaissance villas with wide windows
and balconies. Inhabitants of the old settlements on the slopes of Kozjak
sought refuge and security by building new fortified settlements around them.
Agriculture and growing of olives and grapes were the basis
of economy and the foundation of economic might of these parts. Big churches
with bell towers (decorated by most famous artists of that time), golden and
silver gifts in church treasuries and folk costumes noted for their golden
decorations and golden embroidery witness about that might.
Around 16 castles seven villages were formed: Kaštel Štafilić, Kaštel Novi, Kaštel Stari, Kaštel Lukšić, Kaštel Kambelovac, Kaštel Gomilica and Kaštel Sućurac. These villages grew, developed and finally merged to the town of Kaštela. The villages preserved authentic Dalmatian architecture: houses with open front stairs, balconies, wine cellars, narrow streets and squares at their centers.
Kaštel Stari
At a sea reef a nobleman from Trogir Koriolan Cipico,
writer, humanist, military leader in the battle of Lepanto had his mansion
built in 1476. Later it got its present name Kaštel Stari (the old castle). He
built the mansion which was a combination of fortress and palace. It was
connected to the mainland by a drawbridge (brvno). This is the reason why areas
in front of the castles are named Brce (brvce). After fire in 1493 it was
renovated in the Renaissance style with arcaded yard and the southern balcony
decorated by the family coat of arms.
Residents of Radun, a village on slopes of Kozjak build
their houses around the castle. Perimeters of the village are visible even
today. Streets of the village have a rectangular pattern which could be seen in
the ground plans from 1704. There is the church of St. Josip inside the village
built in the 17th century by Celije Čipiko.
The parish church of St. Ivan Krstitelj (St. John the
Baptist) was consecrated in 1641 and renewed in 1714. The interior is decorated
with five marble altars and five altar covers. The miraculous icon of Gospa od
Milosti (Our Lady of Mercy) and body of St. Felicije patron saint of the
village are kept in the church.
The palace of Celio Cega family, built in the18th century is
to the west from the church. Foundations of the Andreis castle could be seen on
the seafloor lttle more to the west.
The new parish church is particular because its building
lasted from 1871 to 1970.
The old Croatian church of St. Juraj od Raduna (St. George)
from 9th /10th century witness about existence of Radun, a village on slopes of
Kozjak. The church is preserved in its original shape.
One-nave space is decorated by shallow niches. Niches divide
outer wall of the rectangle apse. Archeological surveys of surrounding graves
proved continuity of burials from the 9th - 15th century. Old Croatian jewelry
and artifacts found in those graves are kept in the Museum of the Town of
Kaštela.
Marked mountain path leads from Kaštel Stari to the Malačka
saddle (480 m) where mountain houses Malačka and Split are located. These
houses are starting points for mountaineering paths through Kozjak and Kaštela
Hinterland. This is the easiest accessible lookout with magnificent view on
Velo and Malo Kaštela Field, the bay, Split, Marjan, Trogir and Central
Dalmatian islands.
A chapel with cross was built to the west at the nearby peak in memory of men of Kaštela killed in the Homeland War.
More information:
Kaštela Tourist Board