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About us
On the Foundations of the Dabelić Family Heritage
Culture, Tradition, and Nature
Located just below the imposing Klis Fortress, Stella Croatica is much more than a simple complex — it is a living story of Dalmatian culture, tradition, and nature. The celebrated family estate was developed in 2002 on the foundations of the centuries-old heritage of the Dabelić family from the island of Mljet near Dubrovnik, who for centuries cultivated olives, figs, and grapevines and produced olive oil, wine, and delicacies.
Spouses Melita and Andrija Polić began handcrafting delicacies as gastronomic souvenirs. Growth in production and demand, along with relocation to Split and later Klis, marked the beginning of creating today’s experience center.
Thanks to European funds, the Klis complex has developed to include its own production, a laboratory (Herba.hr), a botanical garden, an olive oil museum, an ethnographic village, a shop, and a gastronomic center. All raw materials are of controlled origin: figs, olives, oranges, lavender, and the products are handmade following traditional recipes. Today Stella Croatica unites education, tradition, nature, and tourism, becoming an essential destination for visitors to Split and Dalmatia.
Mission of Stella Croatica
To revitalize and protect forgotten Dalmatian ingredients, recipes, and customs, and through a modern approach bring an authentic lifestyle of the Dalmatian hinterland rooted in tradition and sustainable use of resources.
To offer every visitor an authentic experience of Dalmatian nature, tradition, and gastronomy by preserving local heritage, handcrafting, and education, with respect for the environment and people.
Vision and Legacy
The initiative of the young Melita Dabelić, now Polić — the brand’s founder — was to unite native recipes, family secrets, and rural architecture into a unique experience. This concept combines:
- An ethnographic village (reconstructed with expert support from the Ethnographic Museum Split),
- A Mediterranean botanical garden with 500+ plant species,
- An olive oil museum dedicated to Dalmatia’s “liquid gold,”
- Traditional cuisine, restaurant, and manufactory, and
- A tasting center and shop with local products.
Our vision is to become a recognized center of Mediterranean culture and nature in Croatia, and one of the leading examples of sustainable tourism and traditional production at the European level.
What Makes Us Special?
Authenticity
Stone architecture and wooden construction bring back the spirit of the past century.
Traditional Production
Everything is handmade following old recipes: fig cake, pašticada, pesto…
Rich Education
Interactive garden, olive-growing workshops, tastings, family and school programs.
Comprehensive Experience
Visits include the manufactory, oleoteca, botanical garden, and olive oil museum.
Our Approach to Making a Difference
Sustainable, inclusive, and authentic.
Sustainability and Environment
- Green energy — solar panels supply multiple buildings.
- Zero waste in development — moving towards full waste-free concept.
- Workshops on waste and composting — practical ecology education.
Community and Education
- Educational center for primary and secondary schools, students, and children.
- Collaboration with European universities as a good practice example of sustainable entrepreneurship.
- Support for local producers.
Inclusiveness
- Accessible to wheelchair users
- Pets welcome
Local Gem Near Klis and Split
Ideally located just 20 minutes from Split, Stella Croatica is a must-visit destination for:
- Day trips,
- Group and family visits,
- Small schools and educational tours.
It is also a popular stop on excursions that include visiting Klis Fortress, the archaeological site of Salona, or the Vranjača cave.
Discover the Natural Beauties of the Mediterranean with Your Senses and Heart
Start Your Journey
Visit the factory where we hand-produce our sweets, explore the picturesque botanical collection, wander through the vibrant Mediterranean garden, discover the Olive Oil Museum… Awaken all your senses by tasting different types of local delicacies and our award-winning olive oils. In the authentic atmosphere of our traditional family estate, you will find dishes prepared daily from fresh, organic, and local ingredients.
Whether you seek cultural adventure, gastronomic experiences, or educational moments, here you will find it all — and much more.
What Our Visitors Say
“Unique tour to experience the old way of life in the hinterland of Dalmatia through ... traditional herbs and products.”
“Stella Croatica is an experience center which provides a true insight into the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of Dalmatia.”
Legal data
Stella Mediteranea d.o.o.
Mihovilovići 21A, 21231 Klis
OIB: 44992758804
VAT ID: HR44992758804
Trgovački su u Zagrebu
02487209
Share capital: 183.820,00 EUR
Administration: Andrija Polić
Bank accounts
Mala poslovna banka d.d. / Zagreb / IBAN: HR4729990061500093999
Helpdesk
turizam@stella-croatica.hr
+385 99 215 02 50
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