PHOTOS: Camino Central Dalmatia officially opens

(Camino Central Dalmatia)

Kaštela, 28 June 2025 – In the spirit of centuries-old European pilgrimage traditions, Croatia officially opened a new and important segment of the Way of St James on Saturday – the Camino Central Dalmatia.

With this, Central Dalmatia becomes part of the wider European Camino de Santiago network, offering local pilgrims a meaningful spiritual journey without having to leave the country.

The inauguration took place in Kaštel Sućurac, where more than 150 pilgrims gathered in front of the Church of St George the Martyr.

Although the opening Mass was to be led by Mons. Franjo Frankopan Velić, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska, his arrival was delayed due to a traffic accident and heavy congestion on the approach to Kaštela.

(Camino Central Dalmatia)

The Mass was instead celebrated by Don Ivan Delić, Dean of the Kaštela Deanery and parish priest of the local church, who then joined pilgrims and walked the entire route of the Camino Central Dalmatia.

A 10-Kilometre Journey Through Faith and Culture

The Kaštela stage stretches 10 kilometres, from the parish of St George to the Church of Blessed Mother Teresa in Kaštel Štafilić. The route’s gentle terrain and spiritually rich landmarks made it accessible and deeply moving for participants.

Along the way, pilgrims passed seven churches, with special moments of reflection and prayer held at the Rosary Chapel of St Peter’s Parish in Kaštel Novi and the Church of St Peter the Apostle.

(Camino Central Dalmatia)

Prayers accompanied the entire walk, with many pilgrims offering intentions previously submitted to the organisers. The experience was further enriched by short theological reflections held at designated points, focusing on themes such as the walk of faith, returning to one’s roots, personal renewal, and spiritual community. Pilgrims were invited to pause, reflect, and open their hearts to God’s presence.

Pilgrimage for All

A particularly powerful part of the day came from the presence of women pilgrims who, despite physical challenges, completed the entire walk – some with crutches, others with prosthetics – all with joy in their hearts. Their perseverance was a visible testament that the Camino is a path open to everyone, regardless of physical condition.

The stage concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving and the awarding of Compostelas – pilgrimage certificates – handed out by Marija Pražen from the Croatian Brotherhood of St James. The final blessing and closing prayer were given by Don Mate Škaričić, parish priest of Radun, at the Church of Blessed Mother Teresa.

Camino Central Dalmatia

Part of a Broader Vision: Camino Croatia

This route is part of a much larger initiative – Camino Croatia – which encompasses multiple segments across the country, totalling around 3,000 kilometres. The Camino Central Dalmatia connects the Dalmatian hinterland with the coast – from Cista Velika and Trilj, through Sinj, Klis and Dugopolje, all the way to Kaštela, Seget and Marina.

It forms a vibrant spiritual and cultural artery in Central Dalmatia, also creating an access point for pilgrims from neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Camino in Croatia is not merely a physical path. It’s a call to return to Christian roots, to open our hearts to renewal, and to rediscover the joy of community,” said Marija Pražen.

(Camino Central Dalmatia)

The logo of the Camino Central Dalmatia reflects deep symbolism: the red pilgrim’s hat and the letter “J” reference St Jerome, patron of Dalmatia, while the yellow scallop shell of St James on the hat and the cross formed by its tassels remind pilgrims of their journey toward salvation and divine love.

Local Support and a Spiritual Invitation

The project is a result of strong collaboration between the Croatian Brotherhood of St James and the tourist boards of Kaštela, Sinj, Dugopolje, Seget, and Marina, as well as the Municipality of Klis, with robust support from the local Church and the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska.

(Camino Central Dalmatia)

The warm hospitality and openness shown by the Kaštela clergy ensure that this Camino will continue to thrive in Dalmatia.

The opening of the Camino in Kaštela reminds us that pilgrimage doesn’t begin in Santiago – it begins in the heart. This new route calls all – parishioners, religious communities, laypeople, and seekers – to become part of this spiritual movement, whether as pilgrims, hosts, intercessors, or guides.

A special thank-you was extended to Mr Ivan Tunjić, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Spain in Croatia, as well as to all honoured guests and representatives of local authorities along the route, whose presence underscored the strong unity and commitment to revitalising the Way of St James in Central Dalmatia.