Kastio Castle

What it is

Kastio is a small 16th-century Venetian fort above Petrovac’s present-day harbor; together with the remains of a quarantine infirmary it frames the bay and separates the town beach from the cliffs. Today it’s a viewpoint and a compact cultural venue at the end of the promenade.

Key features

• Built by the Republic of Venice with a permanent garrison and customs watch.
• Wine and produce warehouses operated at the foot of the fort for coastal shipping.
• The adjoining infirmary is legible in wall fragments and plan.
• Surviving curtain walls, platforms and stairs; a partially overgrown socialist-realist bas-relief.
• Wide lookout over the beach, diagonally stratified limestone cliffs, and the islets of Katič and Sveta Neđelja.

What to see

• The upper platform with ramparts and bay panorama.
• Remains of the infirmary and seafront storehouses.
• Layered coastal rocks and the small harbor.

History

Raised in the 16th century to police trade and protect the roadstead, the fort hosted a garrison, stores and an infirmary for epidemic times. As Venice waned, the site declined; a socialist-era relief appeared in the 20th century. From the late 20th century the harbor end was revitalized with a restaurant and summer stages; early September often brings jazz sets and small concerts.

Practical information

Location: western tip of Petrovac bay above the small marina.
Getting there: on foot from the town beach (steps from the promenade); by car –seafront parking is limited in summer.
Access: free; sections may be closed during events/venue service.
When to visit: year-round; mornings and sunset in season.
Visit length: 20–40 minutes.
Best time: golden hour/evening for light on walls and strata.
Good to know: steps can be slippery after rain; handrails not continuous; avoid wave edges in southerly winds.