Kaštela – Interpretive Walks 01.07.-01.09.2025.

The Tourist Board of the City of Kaštela is organizing three costumed interpretive storytelling walks at various locations throughout Kaštela.

These three itineraries take place during the summer (July and August), every week (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Each event is announced in advance on social media (Facebook), with the possibility to register. These tours are free of charge, but the number of participants is limited.

1. KAŠTELA CASTLES AND LEGENDS – Kaštel Lukšić

Guide and heritage interpreter: Nataša Birčić
Reservations: natasa_cuk@yahoo.com
📞 +385 98 286 926 | Facebook

Our story is set in the 17th century, in Kaštela, where Split and Trogir nobility had been building fortified seaside castles since the 15th century. It was the time of the Venetian Republic, with the threat of Ottoman attacks looming from the Kozjak hills. These castles served both as summer residences and as fortresses to protect the peasants who worked the surrounding lands.

In Kaštel Lukšić, young Dobrila lived with her parents in Vitturi Castle, while Miljenko lived with his father in Rušinić Castle. The two fell in love, but their romance was forbidden due to a family feud. The costumed walk begins at Vitturi Castle, narrated by Antica, Dobrila’s maid, dressed in 17th-century attire. The tour continues to the old parish church of Our Lady of the Assumption, where Miljenko and Dobrila were secretly wed.

Through this tragic love story, participants also learn about everyday life in that era. The walk proceeds to Rušinić Castle and the church of St. John the Baptist, where the lovers are buried—bringing the story to a close. Often referred to as the “Romeo and Juliet of Kaštela,” their love ended in tragedy: after the wedding, Dobrila’s father killed Miljenko in revenge, and Dobrila, overwhelmed with grief, asked to be buried beside him.

2. ROOTS OF DALMATIA – Kaštel Štafilić and Kaštel Novi

Guide and heritage interpreter: Ana Jakić
Reservations: a.ivica@yahoo.com
📞 +385 91 583 5416 | Facebook

The interpretive walk Roots of Dalmatia begins at the ancient olive tree and introduces participants to the spatial and historical context of Kaštela, spanning from the 5th to the 21st century. Nature provides the raw materials, which are refined by human hands for daily use. Kaštela is the cradle of extra virgin olive oil and high-quality wine production.

The most famous variety is Kaštelanski Crljenak – known worldwide as Zinfandel – alongside lesser-known local varieties like Babica and Tribljan. The ancient Greeks said, “Where there is oil and wine, there is also culture.”

This walk also explores the development of the Ferro Tower, the Stafileo and Ćipiko fortresses, built to protect the fields and villagers from Turkish and other invasions. The Croatian noble families Ćipiko and Stafileo played a key role in preserving life in the area, balancing Venetian authority with the needs of the Croatian people.

The roots of Dalmatia are not only natural but also social. Mediterranean products like oil and wine hold great symbolic and spiritual meaning in Christianity and provided strength to a weary people. Although many traditions vanish over the centuries, olive oil and wine remain deeply significant—even today. This is highlighted at the Church of St. Peter the Apostle in Kaštel Novi.

During this tour, participants have the opportunity to taste extra virgin olive oil, learn about the process “from soil to table,” reflect on their own roots, heritage, spirituality, and the historical development that shaped life in modern Dalmatia and Kaštela.

3. DOBRILA VITTURI’S STORY – Museum of the City of Kaštela

Guide and heritage interpreter: Sandra Hrabar
Reservations: touristguidesandra@gmail.com
📞 +385 99 461 2385 | Facebook

Is there anything more beautiful than talking about love? If you decide to visit Kaštela, be sure to stop by the Museum of the City of Kaštela. The museum is located in Kaštel Lukšić, within Vitturi Castle itself. And what better place to hear the tale of Kaštela’s most famous lovers?

Everyone knows Romeo and Juliet—have you heard of Miljenko and Dobrila? Upon entering the castle, you’ll be greeted by a special lady named Dobrila Vitturi. Her appearance makes it immediately clear that she does not belong to this time. Thanks to our licensed tourist guide and costumed heritage interpreter, visitors can enjoy an immersive storytelling experience.

Sandra Hrabar brings Dobrila to life, taking visitors on a journey through the past and sharing the story of her ill-fated love. Vitturi Castle stands as a witness to this tragic romance, and who better to reveal its secrets than Dobrila herself? You’ll learn about their secret meetings and the turbulent history of Kaštela.

Dobrila will also guide you through the museum’s permanent exhibition, revealing even more about Kaštela’s past. Delight her with your visit—although she tells a tale of heartbreak, she finds joy in reviving the memory of her great love. Step into a world of imagination and join the costumed Dobrila in bringing history and legend to life. They say love conquers all and is invincible—though for Dobrila and Miljenko, their eternity began only in death.