At the beginning of the 18th century, three brothers from the noble Marchi family, Ivan Petar, Juraj and Ivan Marchi, arrived on the island of Šolta with a vision that would shape the history of Maslinica for centuries.
In 1703, the Marchi brothers received permission from the Venetian Republic to build a defensive tower, a village and a church above the bay of Maslinica. At that time, the Adriatic coast was frequently exposed to pirate attacks, and the western bays of Šolta required protection and settlement.
Following the Morean War, the brothers presented their plan for the colonisation and defence of this remote part of the island to the Venetian authorities. Governor Alvise Mocenigo III approved the project, recognising its strategic importance. By an official decree issued on 25 August 1703, Venice granted permission to build the tower, village and church, and allocated 200 acres of land for the new settlement.
The new settlers cultivated the previously neglected land and helped defend the island from pirate raids. Due to the depopulation of Šolta and the proximity of the Ottoman border near Split, the Marchi family encouraged colonisation and brought settlers from nearby mainland regions such as Dalmatinska Zagora, Zaostrog and Prugovo.
Soon after the settlement began, the construction of a castle with defensive walls and a prominent tower was completed. Built around 1708, the fortress served as the last line of defence for the bay of Maslinica and the surrounding settlements.
Yet the greatest legacy of the Marchi family was not only defence, but also the introduction of vision, culture and enlightenment ideas that arrived on the island from the great European capitals of the time.
Today, the historic castle that once served as the residence of the Marchi family is home to Martinis Marchi Heritage Hotel, a place where history, art and refined hospitality come together.
Surrounded by the untouched nature of the island of Šolta and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, the estate remains a place of light, peace and contemplation. Hidden coves, fragrant Mediterranean herbs and the timeless rhythm of island life create an atmosphere of calm and authenticity.
Once you arrive on Šolta, you will feel this harmony of simplicity, nature and history everywhere around you.
This is Šolta.
This is Martinis Marchi.
A place where timeless memories are created.