The picturesque Adriatic coast, from the popular Croatian resort of Split to Trogir famous for its rich history and luxurious ancestral heritage, is dotted with medieval castles, each of which keeps its secrets within ancient stone walls, in deep dungeons and endless labyrinths of halls built many centuries ago. Once-small urban settlements are now united in Kastela, the fabulous town with outstanding monuments of defensive architecture, wonderful sea beaches, and a magical medieval atmosphere. What could be better than hiding from the southern burning sun in the stone halls of cool castles?
In total, Kastela consists of seven magnificent citadels that once belonged to the power holders, like princes from Trogir, wealthy nobles, and officials. Some buildings have not survived to this day and have turned into ruins, but others still delight visitors with an almost unchanged appearance. For example, Rotondo Castle, one of the best-preserved monuments of medieval architecture and one of the most beautiful citadels of Kastela.
This popular holiday destination, Rotondo Castle, or as it is also called by locals "Stafileo Castle", was built at the beginning of the 16th century by the order of the Trogir nobleman Stefano Stafileo. Hence the second name of the castle – Stafileo. Located on steep coastal cliffs, the castle was intended to protect civilians from the constant raids of the Ottoman Turks, destruction and looting by the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. It is also evidenced by the inscription in Latin above the castle entrance. It says that the citadel was built as a refuge not only for the Stafileo family but also for their neighbors, like locals, merchants and artisans living outside the castle walls.
The massive 1127 square meter stone structure has four floors. From the north, the castle with a high square-shaped observation tower resembles a fortification capable of repelling enemies. But from the right, it looks like an ordinary residential building, common for medieval Croatia.
Be sure to climb the observation tower, which offers a fabulous view not only of Kastela but also of the entire Adriatic coast.