KAŠTELA - INTERPRETIVE WALKS 

July 1, 2023 - September 1, 2023

The Tourist Board of Kaštela organizes 3 themed interpretive walks (storytelling) at different locations in the town of Kaštela. 

These 3 itineraries take place during the summer (July and August), every week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). We provide announcements for each program on social media (Facebook), with the option to sign up for the program. These guided tours are free, but the number of participants is limited. 

KAŠTELA STORYTELLING  

CASTLES AND LEGENDS OF KAŠTELA - Kaštel Lukšić 

Guide and Heritage Interpreter: Nataša Birčić 

Reservations:  natasa_cuk@yahoo.com   +385 98 286 926     

Our story takes place in the 17th century in Kaštela, where noblemen from Split and Trogir have been building fortified castles by the sea since the 15th century. It was a time of the Venetian Republic's rule, and the threat of Turkish attacks loomed behind the Kozjak hill. The fortified castles served as country houses for the noblemen and provided protection to the peasants who worked the land for them within their walls. 

In Kaštel Lukšić, in the Vitturi Castle, lived a girl named Dobrila with her parents, while in the Rušinić Castle a young man named Miljenko lived with his father. The two young people fell in love, but due to a dispute between their fathers, their love was forbidden. 

The costumed walk begins at the Vitturi Castle, narrated from the perspective of Dobrila's maid, Antica, who is dressed in the working attire of that time. It continues to the old parish church of Our Lady of the Assumption, where Miljenko and Dobrila got married. Alongside the love story, the tour explains the way of life during that period. The journey then proceeds to the Rušinić Castle and the church of St. John the Baptist, where the two young lovers are buried, concluding the walk there. This is a tragic love story of Kaštela's Romeo and Juliet, who had to meet in secret due to their forbidden love. Their love does not last long. After the wedding, Dobrila's father kills Miljenko out of revenge, and Dobrila loses her sanity, having only one desire—to be buried next to Miljenko. 

ROOTS OF DALMATIA – Kaštel Štafilić and Kaštel Novi 

Guide and Heritage Interpreter: Ana Jakić 

Reservations: a.ivica@yahoo.com  0915835416 

The interpretive tour "Roots of Dalmatia" begins at the Old Olive Tree and introduces participants to the spatial and temporal framework of Kaštela from the 5th to the 21st centuries. From nature, we obtain fruits that are refined by human hands and applied in everyday life. Kaštela is the birthplace of the production of extra virgin olive oil and premium wines. The most famous, of course, is the Kaštelanski Crljenak – Zinfandel, but there are also lesser-known varieties such as Babica and Tribljan. The ancient Greeks used to say, "Where there is oil and wine, there is culture." 

Throughout the walk, the development of Ferro Tower, the fortresses of Stafileo and Ćipiko, is traced, which served to defend the fields and peasants from Turkish attacks and numerous conquerors passing through these lands. Croatian noble families, Ćipiko and Stafileo, played a crucial role in this defense by constructing fortresses and protecting the villages. The noblemen had the challenging task of maintaining a balance between Venetian authority and the Croatian people. 

Because the roots of Dalmatia are not only rooted in nature but also in society. The fruits of nature and the flavors of the Mediterranean play a significant role in the Christian faith and the Church, providing strength to weary people. Traditions and customs often fade away after many centuries, but thanks to spirituality, oil and wine continue to hold great symbolism and power in the 21st century. This is interpreted at the Church of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi. 

During this walk, participants have the opportunity to taste extra virgin olive oil, familiarize themselves with the process from the soil to the table, reflect on their roots, contemplate their heritage, spirituality, and the historical development that has left a mark on present-day life in Dalmatia and in Kaštela. 

STORY OF DOBRILE VITTURI – Museum of the Town of Kaštela 

Guide and Heritage Interpreter: Sandra Hrabar 

Reservations: sandra.hrabar0212@gmail.com +385 99 461 2385 

Is there anything more beautiful than talking about love? If you decide to visit Kaštela, be sure to visit the Museum of the City of Kaštela. The museum is located in Kaštel Lukšić, specifically in the Vitturi Castle. And while we're on the subject of Kaštela, is there anything better than hearing the story of the most famous lovers from Kaštela? Everyone knows about Romeo and Juliet, but have you heard of Miljenko and Dobrila? As you enter the castle, you will be greeted by a special lady named Dobrila Vitturi. Just by looking at her, you'll notice that she doesn't belong to the present time. Thanks to a licensed tourist guide, or rather a costumed heritage interpreter, visitors can enjoy a unique story. Our Dobrila, embodied by Sandra Hrabar, will bring the past to life for visitors and tell the tale of her tragic love. The Vitturi Castle itself is a witness to this love story, and who knows its secrets better than Dobrila herself? In addition to learning about the secret meetings of these two young lovers, you will discover more about the eventful history of Kaštela. And you will uncover even more about the history of Kaštela as Dobrila takes you through the museum's permanent exhibition. Delight Dobrila with your visit because, despite sharing her tragic destiny, she is thrilled to revive the memory of her great love. Let's embark on a journey into the world of imagination and, together with costumed Dobrila, bring the past and the legend back to life. They say that love conquers all and is invincible. But in Dobrila's case, these two young lovers are together for eternity.