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

In 1420, the Venetian Republic conquered Trogir after a nearly two-month siege. Since the city's defenses were badly damaged during the siege and the people of Trogir were hostile to their new rulers, the Venetians decided to erect a city castle from which they could govern the newly conquered city.

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 Venetian mercenaries and their governor, known as a 'kamerlengo'. At first, it was simply called the castle of Trogir, but since the mid-16th century, 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. Plans to tear down the dilapidated castle were fortunately prevented.

Kamerlengo Castle can be visited for a fee. It’s a nice castle, although its interior is mostly empty, with only the halls in the keep open to visitors. The keep offers a fantastic view of the old city and its surroundings. The old city itself is beautiful, with its alleyways and historic buildings. Nearby, you'll find the late 15th-century St. Mark Tower.

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