Veliki Kaštel and the Kotišina Botanical Garden

The Makarska coast is incredibly beautiful and full of hidden corners that are true oases of peace. In one such corner, right above the village of Kotišina, stands the Veliki kaštel (the “Great Castle”), a fortress from the middle of the 17th century that served the local population as a refuge from enemy invasions. It is perfectly blended with the imposing Biokovo cliffs that tower above it. The need for its original function vanished long ago, so today the castle has been restored and turned into an interpretation centre, while the path leading up to it passes through a botanical garden.

The founder of the botanical garden is Dr. Fra Jure Radić, a Franciscan and scientist, a distinctive figure, the founder and head of the Malacological Museum and the Institute of Mountains and Sea in Makarska, editor of numerous journals, and the person most deserving of credit for the establishment of Biokovo Nature Park, of which this complex is also a part.

The garden was founded with the aim of studying and popularising the plant world of Biokovo. It was conceived as an “enclosed piece of nature” and is very unobtrusively interpolated into the landscape.

Kotišina is said to be derived from “Kotao tišine” (“Cauldron of Silence”). If you are lucky enough to be here alone, it really is possible to “hear” the silence. Enjoying it, surrounded by beautiful nature and an equally beautiful view towards the sea, it is easy to spend more time here than you had planned.

Besides the garden and the castle, it is also worth visiting the surrounding churches, the one of St. Anne and the church of St. Martin.

St. Martin is somewhat farther away, and the 650 m long path leading to it is very attractive, while from the cemetery in front of the church there is a beautiful view of Makarska and its surroundings. If you are looking for a place for contemplation, or simply want to find a little peace, this is it.