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Odien Group confirmed the acquisition of Štafileo Castle (also known as Rotondo), a 16th-century fortress located on the waterfront in Kaštel Štafilić. Originally built in 1508, the castle stands directly on the Adriatic coast, giving it a rare combination of historical significance and an exceptional seafront location.
Odien plans to carefully restore and reposition the Renaissance fortress into an intimate luxury heritage hotel. This acquisition represents a significant expansion of Odien Group’s hotel portfolio on the Dalmatian coast and further confirms the company’s strategic focus on developing Kaštela as an attractive tourism destination.
Commitment to preserving unique heritage
Although the existing building permit envisages a concept of separate residential units and commercial premises, Odien Group has committed to preserving the castle as a single, unified historical entity. The restoration project foresees transforming the site into a luxury hotel that respects its five-hundred-year history and architectural integrity, ensuring that the fortress remains an indivisible cultural monument rather than a fragmented private complex.
The luxury heritage hotel will offer a limited number of suites, with an emphasis on an authentic connection to the site’s historical and architectural legacy. All restoration works will be carried out in cooperation with the relevant conservation authorities to ensure the highest standards of protection and restoration of this important Renaissance monument. The project reflects a long-term approach focused on preserving cultural heritage while enabling sustainable and carefully planned commercial use.
“Štafileo Castle is an integral part of Kaštela’s identity,” said Michael Saran, owner of Odien Group.
“We made a considered decision to preserve the castle as one unified whole and transform it into an intimate seafront heritage hotel, ensuring its long-term future for the local community, visitors and future generations, while honouring more than five centuries of Kaštela’s history.”
Strategic investment in Kaštela
The Štafileo project is Odien Group’s second major investment in the city within the last three months. The Group is also transforming the former Zenica Resort complex in Kaštel Stari into a 150-room luxury resort operating year-round, with completion planned by the end of 2028.
Together, these projects represent a dual strategy: on one side the development of large premium hotel capacities, and on the other the creation of a boutique ultra-luxury heritage experience. This synergy further strengthens Odien Group’s role in transforming Kaštela into one of the key luxury destinations in the Croatian tourism market.
“Every new initiative that contributes to tourism development and the activation of valuable sites is positive news for us, especially when we are talking about landmarks such as Rotondo Tower. We see the acquisition by Odien Group as a sound business decision by the new owner, and we expect that in this case as well, plans will focus on quality and sustainable development while respecting the interests of the local community. It is also encouraging that a serious and well-known investment company has recognized the tourism potential of Kaštela through investments in two exceptionally important projects,” emphasized Denis Ivanović, Mayor of the City of Kaštela.
About Odien Group
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Prague, Odien operates in real estate, hospitality, infrastructure and energy through Odien Real Estate, Odien Hotels and Avia Energo.
Its largest project to date, Avia City in Prague, covers 66 hectares, transforming a former industrial zone into one of the largest urban development and regeneration projects in the Czech Republic. The project will deliver an integrated, sustainable district with more than 7,000 apartments, three primary schools, one secondary school, five kindergartens, public transport infrastructure, sports and recreational facilities, and extensive green areas.
