The ancient town of Kastela (Kaštela) lies on the rocky coast of the Adriatic Sea just a few kilometers from the popular Croatian city of Split. It can be called the keeper of the rich history of seven well-preserved medieval castles. Founded by the ancient Greeks, fortified by the ancient Romans, and exalted by the Venetian Republic, the town consists of several small settlements at once. Each settlement is adorned by its own castle: some of them have an almost original appearance, and some are ruined. One of these castles is Gomilica (Kaštel Gomilica), located in the most picturesque part of Kastela, on a small island that can be reached by a bridge. This magnificent monument of Croatian defensive architecture was built by the Benedictines at the beginning of the 16th century. The official name of the castle was romantic —Abbadessa, but the locals liked another one — Gomilica. The rural name of the castle stuck, becoming known as one of the main town attractions. The appearance of the old castle is also original. A high observation tower rises in the southern part of the courtyard and serves as the central entrance to the castle. This tower welcomes guests who enter the castle via the stone bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. From the height of the observation deck, one can see the rest of the castle buildings and their fancy roofs covered with bright red-brown tiles. Start your acquaintance with the beautiful town of Kastela with Gomilica. Then continue exploring it in a small settlement right opposite the castle. This part of the town houses the old Church of St. Jerome, dating from the beginning of the 17th century, and the more ancient monument of temple architecture, the Romanesque Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, built in the 12th century. Other Kastela castles are also nearby, as well as charming Venetian houses and cozy family restaurants serving traditional Croatian and Italian dishes.