Splitska lies in a quiet bay, 8 km from Supetar. A clear thread runs through the sights of the village: the kastil, the history of stone exports and the themed Hercules hiking trail to the Rasohe quarry. The Stomorena Church, a traditional fishermen’s festival and Bok Beach add to this cultural heritage. This makes it easy to understand Splitska through specific places and themes—with a focus on architectural history and art, but also a beach and a festival whose date depends on the phase of the moon.
Kastil and Local History
The present-day settlement of Splitska was established in the 16th century, after pirates from Omiš destroyed an earlier settlement founded in the 13th century. The village developed around the kastil built in 1577 by the Cerinić-Cerineo family; it is Splitska’s oldest building. The dates mark different chapters: the 13th century belongs to the earlier settlement, while the 1577 kastil is associated with the development of the present-day village.
Stone Exports and the Hercules Trail
Splitska was an export port from which stone was shipped for the construction of Diocletian’s summer residence in Split. Thus, in addition to the village’s oldest building, Splitska’s history has a direct connection to Split’s architectural history.
The 1.1 km themed Hercules hiking trail starts at the port of Splitska and leads to the Rasohe quarry. A stone relief of Hercules is located there. The shared reference to Hercules links the route and its destination through a clear theme. Check the current route before setting out; changes to the trail infrastructure may affect route details.
Church and Art
Another historic stop is the parish church of the Holy Virgin Mary Stomorena. It was built on the foundations of an old church dating from 1288. The church houses an altarpiece by Leandro Bassano, dated 1577, depicting the Virgin with saints. This brings together two different landmarks in Splitska that share the same year: the kastil is associated with the development of the village, while the altarpiece represents sacred art. Anyone interested in architecture and sacred art will find two distinct points of interest here: the church’s architectural history and a dated work by a known artist.
Fishermen’s Festival and Beach
The Varoš Days add a seasonal event. This traditional fishermen’s festival takes place in the Varoš area in mid-July, depending on the phase of the moon; sardines and red wine are served. Because the date depends on the moon phase, it does not fall on a fixed calendar date in mid-July. If the festival is part of your travel plans, check the exact date before your trip.
Bok is also a point of reference in the village: it is a beach in Splitska. As a different focus alongside the kastil and the church, Bok represents a scenic aspect of the village. Together with the quiet bay, this beach adds another aspect to the architectural and artistic history when choosing where to visit.
Discover more destinations: Mirca, Ĺ krip, Supetar.
For the overview of the wider area: Općina Supetar.
