The renovation of Rušinac Castle, one of the most valuable cultural and historical sites in the city of Kaštela, is entering an important phase of implementation with strong financial support from the state, county and city levels. The Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, through the Program for the Protection of Immovable Cultural Property for 2025, has approved 519.085 euros, while the Split-Dalmatia County will support the project with an additional 300 thousand euros. The remaining funds will be provided by the City of Kaštela, and the total value of the investment is estimated at around 1,1 million euros.
Rušinac, recognizable for its architectural value, historical role and unique story that combines elements of folk life and love themes, represents an exceptionally valuable part of the cultural heritage of Kaštela. The site is given special value by the preserved park, which is why the goal of the restoration is not only to protect the building, but also to actively include it in the contemporary cultural and social life of the city.
The planned renovation includes the reconstruction of the building itself, with increased caution due to the sensitivity of the terrain and constant archaeological monitoring. Site engineer Toni Vukušić from the Rocoso company points out that the work is being carried out in cooperation with archaeologists.
– We are the contractors on this facility and are reconstructing the castle itself. There is a lot of excavation, and in cooperation with archaeological supervision we are agreeing on how to approach more sensitive areas. The work is proceeding cautiously because it involves special interventions and specific terrain, but I believe that everything will turn out as it should in the end – said Vukušić.
During the restoration, extensive archaeological research is being carried out, which is already yielding new knowledge about the earliest phases of the construction of Kaštela Rušinac. Senior expert advisor from the Regional Conservation Service in Trogir, Marijeta Babin, emphasizes the importance of archaeology in such projects.
Marijeta Babin, senior expert advisor from the Regional Conservation Service in Trogir
– Here we have clear evidence that archaeology is just as important as the construction restoration itself. Thanks to the research, we will gain valuable information about the earliest stages of the construction of the site, perhaps even about the construction process itself, which is not visible in the walls today. The role of the conservator is multi-layered – from valorization and allocation of funds to a constant presence in the restoration process, as new discoveries often appear that require adaptation of the project – Babin pointed out.
Archaeological research is being conducted by the Kaštela City Museum, and director Ivan Šuta explains that the findings so far are extremely significant.
– On the ground floor of the castle, the remains of two brick kilns were found, which we assume date from the first phase of the construction of the Kaštel, probably from the beginning of the 16th century, and one was found outside the building. They most likely served as lime kilns. In addition, in the area of the former tavern, the remains of the sea entrance to the Kaštel and staircases, as well as drainage channels for rainwater, were discovered – said Šuta.
Additionally, assumptions about the existence of a southwest and northwest tower and openings in the walls that were used to place smaller cannons for defensive purposes were confirmed.
– Archaeological research truly sheds new light on the history of Kaštela. Our goal, along with further research, is to enable an appropriate presentation of all these findings to the public – added the director of the Kaštela City Museum.
Ivan Šuta, director of the Kaštela City Museum
Upon completion of the renovation, the combination of the castle's interior spaces and the spacious garden will enable the holding of various cultural and social events throughout the year, and the renovation itself includes the modernization of the communal infrastructure - the installation of new sewage, water supply and electrical installations, as well as the arrangement of the interior spaces and gardens, in which the green fund will be renewed and special lighting will be installed. On the first floor of the castle, special rooms dedicated to Miljenko and Dobrila will be arranged, as well as a room in honor of the Grgin couple, Milivoj and Marija, who donated their part of Rušinac to the people of Kaštela.
It is expected that Rušinac will become the new cultural center of Kaštela, enrich the city's tourist offer and provide space for new events, meetings and events.
The Rušinec renovation project once again confirms the commitment of the City of Kaštel to preserving cultural heritage and adapting it to the contemporary needs of the community, while respecting the historical value and identity of the space.
Photo: Ivana Topić / City of Kaštela
