Nadbiskupska palača

Nadbiskupska palača (the Archbishop's Palace) is one of the oldest monuments in Kaštel Sućurac, a district of the town of Kaštela on the Dalmatian coast. Known locally as Kaštilac, the fortified complex was built as a defensive residence for the archbishops of Split and still stands over the seafront promenade of this small coastal settlement.

How did the palace come to be?

The story begins in 1392, when Split's Archbishop A. Gvaldo raised the first stronghold here to shelter peasants from the nearby settlement of Putalj, on the slopes of Kozjak hill near the small church of St. George. Later archbishops kept expanding the site: in 1474 Archbishop Ivan Zanetti signed an agreement to repair the buildings on his estate, and in 1488 Archbishop Bartolomeo Averoldo linked the existing structures with a defensive wall to form a single complex, turning it into a summer residence. The palace reached its final form in 1509.

What can you see there?

The palace was originally built on land reclaimed from the sea, which is why a defensive rampart with an external walkway was added on the seaward side — a solution rarely found in medieval architecture. Over time the walkway was removed, gun embrasures were replaced with Renaissance-style windows, and a balcony took the place of the old defensive parapet above the sea gate, the southern entrance to Kaštilac. The building was originally a single-storey, L-shaped structure with Gothic single and double-light windows. Its southern facade still shows richly decorated late-Gothic windows. Part of the complex today houses the Podvorje exhibition room, displaying archaeological finds unearthed at the nearby Putalj site. Of the 16th-century parish church that once stood beside the palace, only the bell tower survived Allied bombing in 1943, and it still stands next to the old walls.

How do you get there?

The Archbishop's Palace sits on the seafront promenade of Obala kralja Tomislava in Kaštel Sućurac, the easternmost district of Kaštela, right on the border with Split. It makes a convenient stop whether you're coming from Split or exploring the other seven "kašteli" strung along the bay. The building is listed as an immovable cultural monument (registration number P-5178) under preventive protection as secular architectural heritage.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with milder temperatures and a quieter promenade than during the summer peak. A walk along the coast also takes in the other historic noble kašteli that gave the whole municipality of Kaštela its name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaštilac in Kaštel Sućurac? It is the former fortified residence of the archbishops of Split, built between the late 14th and early 16th centuries, also known as the Archbishop's Palace.

Who built the palace? The first stronghold was raised by Archbishop Gvaldo in 1392, and the residence took its present shape thanks to Archbishops Ivan Zanetti and Bartolomeo Averoldo in the 15th century.

What is there to see inside? The complex houses the Podvorje exhibition room with archaeological collections from the nearby Putalj site, alongside preserved Gothic and Renaissance architectural details.

Is entry free? The building can be seen and approached from the outside along the promenade at any time; for access to the interior, it's best to check current opening details with the local tourist office, as hours can vary by season.