City of Kastela (Citadel) is a set of seven small towns located on the stretch from the airport and the town of Trogir at one end to Solin and Split at the other. It can be simply said that Kastela is a place exactly between Trogir and Split, or place between International airport and Split. Kastelas’ history dates back to early Christian and Roman era. Every little town has grown from the different citadel. Every citadel has its unique historical story. The length between airport and Split is about 20 km. The whole area of Kastela along the coast is a part of Split County.
During the Romans and Greeks, Kastela have experienced their civilization flourish.
Later, in the 7th century, Croatians settled slopes of the mountain Kozjak, situated above the Kastela area.
Trogir and Split noblemen built the citadels on the cliffs and along the coast of the bay to protect crops and peasants. Soon, a new settlements were developed around the forts
Kastela
Kastela’s rich history is evident today from the various fortresses, churches and the remains of ancient villas.
To date, authentic Dalmatian architecture has been kept in its’ city centers, taverns, streets and squares.
Over many centuries, agriculture, olive growing and growing grapes were the most important sectors of the economy and a source of material power. National costumes had ornaments of gold.
CURIOSITIES
Zinfandel – What particularly attracts attention concerning the viticulture is an indigenous local vine variety – “Crljenak”
There is an old, almost forgotten grape variety from Kastela, called “crljenak”.
Apparently, genetic profile of old “crljenak” and today’s very popular American Zinfandel share the same genetic profile.
In the early twenties of 19th century, this variety under name Zinfandel, was imported from Vienna “empire” to USA. Especially in California, Zinfandel has expanded and became very popular and appreciated variety.
Many years later, intensive search about Zinfandel’s origin first led to Italy and then from Italy to Dalmatia where the matching DNA profile was finally found.
The oldest olive tree – The oldest olive tree in the world, protected natural monument is located in Kastel Stafilic, where it grows for 1750 years old. It is 6.20 m wide with the crown of 18 meters. There has been a speculation that the tree was originally brought from island of Krf or from Italy.
A Game of Thrones – Kastel Gomilica embodied a free City of Braavos. Waterways, islands, canals and lagoons are features of the city just like Bravos should be. It was a major location of season 5.
KASTELA TODAY
Kastela are inhabited by about 40 000 residents.
It has a very good traffic infrastructure. International airport is just there. Railway station also and 2 accesses to highway which connects Dalmatian capital Split with Croatian capital Zagreb.
Also, Kastela has a very good accommodation capacity: hotels, Kastela villas & private Kastela apartments which makes them a very suitable place for your
Every place out of 7 Kastela are situated along 12 miles of Adriatic sea coast and therefore beaches are spread everywhere as well as Kastela apartments which are numerous and available in all 7 places.
Advantages of staying in Kastela apartments during Dalmatia vacation is primarily proximity to the airport, highways, local beaches, Split and ferry port in Split
During February carnival festivities are held in Kastela which has been a tradition for more than 200 years.
In Kastel Kambelovac there is a folk music and folk dance festival held in July.
If you rent apartment in Kastela for your holidays in Dalmatia the visiting these events is unavoidable, especially for excellent dishes of Dalmatian cuisine, various fish specialties and highly valued domestic wines are offered at every corner.
