[My Croatia] – Kastel Novi a small old pearl on Croatian coast

Did you know Kastel Novi is an over 500 years old Croatian settlement on Dalmatian coast? It's in the vicinity of Split, the famous ancient city of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Kastel Novi

Kastel is fortified building. In this area usually in the form of the tower.
Kastel Novi meaning Kastel New was built by Trogirian nobleman Antun Ćipiko in 1512 as a summerhouse as well as the town for his peasant vassals.

One of many narrow streets

Although it was made in the shape of a rectangular tower giving the impression of a strong fort, kastel's residential purpose could be seen through its decoration with windows and balconies. A small settlement developed around it has been surrounded on three sides (western, northern and eastern) by a defensive wall, while the southern side was lying next to the sea.

Old Stone House across the Kastel Tower

A drawbridge was at the north side in front the entrance to the Kastel.
Not far from it in 1775 was built confraternity's house with a clock around which developed today's central square of Kastel Novi called Brce.

Brce - Main Square Morning Activity

Confraternity's house with a clock

Almost across confraternity's house with a clock was housed the church from the 13th century. On its foundations is built today's parish church of St. Peter with a detached bell tower.

Kastel Novi - Parish church of St. Peter with bell tower

Parish church of St. Peter - Kastel Novi

Inside and around this church famous Croatian singer of Dalmatian songs Oliver Dragojević filmed some parts of the official video spot for his song "Cesarica" (Empress) that became widely popular in the country.

Kastel Novi also has its small harbor where locals keep their fishing and other boats protected from strong winds and roaring sea by the breakwater that stretches into the sea on the west from old Kastel tower.

Harbor at Kastel Novi - North Side

On the northern side of the harbor lies Đardin, a charming small garden which name originate from Italian word "giardino" (garden) where locals, from youngest to oldest, like to mingle, rest, play and socialize.
Few market benches are placed along the northern side of the Đardin park where every day early in the morning locals sells own fresh home-grown fruits and vegetables.

Kastel Novi - Đardin

On the western side, Kastel Novi borders with Kastel Stafilic, while on the eastern side, the border with Kastel Stari (Kastel Old) marks a statue with horseman Messenger of Freedom Monument made by Marin Studin, a sculptor born in Kastel Novi who was a student of famous Ivan Meštrović.

Messenger of Freedom
Monument bordering Kastel Novi and Kastel Stari

Kastel Novi is one of seven Kastels lying one next to another, along the shore that stretches between Split and Trogir. Today those seven Kastels constitute The Town of Kastela, all seven together with about 40,000 citizens.

Early Morning Empty Terrace

Being the lucky one who spends every summer in this beautiful and charming old place, thanks to my husband who inherited an old stone house that belonged to his family for many generations and whose ancestors, according to the church books and other available materials from State Archives, were living here from 17th century, I can say Kastel Novi is not just a place of our summerhouse, it's my second home!

Fisherman - Early in the Morning

Text and Photos by @ana-maria
Posted on September 8, 2016