Venetian Castle, Medieval fortress in Split, Croatia.
The Venetian Castle is a medieval fortified structure in Split featuring an irregular pentagonal layout with a large central tower and a smaller eastern tower connected by stone walls. The ruins sit at Radić Brothers Square, also called Fruit Square, positioned near the southwestern corner of Diocletian's Palace.
Construction began in 1441 after Venice took control of Dalmatia, with the fortress built on the site of an earlier monastery in this strategic coastal location. The Napoleonic Wars brought major changes when Marshal Auguste de Marmont ordered demolition of the southern walls from 1806 to 1807.
The fortress reflects Venetian military planning in its stone construction and tower design, which still shapes how visitors move through this part of Split. Walking around the remains shows how medieval defense strategies were adapted to protect a coastal city.
The ruins are easy to reach on foot in Split's old town, especially if you are already visiting Diocletian's Palace nearby. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be quieter and offer better conditions for seeing the stone structures clearly.
The western facade bears heavy damage from its demolition that was never fully restored, leaving visible scars from this destructive period. Visitors can see today where modern restoration work meets the original medieval stonework in clear contrast.
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