Kamerlengo Castle

Kamerlengo Castle, locally known as Kula, Kaštel or Tvrđava Kamerlengo, lies in the town of Trogir, in the county of Split-Dalmatia in Croatia.

Trogir is a city situated on a, somewhat, rectangular island in a sea channel between Čiovo island and the mainland. It was a fortified city, and originally the site of the present castle was just the southwest corner of the city walls. The polygonal tower of the castle was built here in the late 14th century to protect the city from the seaside.

In 1420 the Venetian Republic conquered Trogir after a siege of almost 2 months. As the city's defenses were badly damaged during the siege and the people of Trogir were hostile to their new lords, the Venetians felt the need to erect a city-castle from which they could rule the newly conquered city.

So, between 1420 and 1437 they built Kamerlengo Castle and the former corner tower of the city walls became a keep. Originally, the fortress was separated from the city by an outer crenelated wall and a wet moat. It housed the Venetian mercenaries and their kamerlengo (governor). At first, it was just known as the castle of Trogir, only since the mid-16th century did it became known as Kamerlengo Castle.

In the mid-19th century, most of the city walls were demolished, and the castle moat was filled in. There were even plans to tear down the dilapidated castle, but luckily this was prevented.

Kamerlengo Castle can be visited for a fee. A nice castle, although its interior is empty and the only interior spaces you can visit are the empty halls in the keep. The keep does give you a great view over the old city and its surroundings, however. The old city itself is beautiful with its alleyways and historical buildings. Nearby is also the late 15th-century St. Mark Tower.

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