When I was planning the locations to visit during this road trip, Omiš was an obvious choice. Its location is fascinating, nestled between huge rocks, with an old town and a fortress above the city. That’s more than enough reason for me to visit a place like this, and it didn’t disappoint!
Before I show you the photos, let’s see what the internet has to say about this place.
Omiš, a historic town in Croatia, is nestled in the Split-Dalmatia County, where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea. With its rich history stretching from ancient times to the present, Omiš has become a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. This charming town serves as the center of the Omiš Riviera, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Geographical Location
Omiš is strategically located in the heart of Dalmatia, just 21 kilometers southeast of Split, one of the region’s largest cities. The town sits along State Road D8, covering an area of 266.20 km², extending from Duće in the west to Brela in the east. Omiš is surrounded by several municipalities, including Dugi Rat, Dugopolje, Trilj, Cista Provo, Šestanovac, Zadvarje, Brela, and the City of Split. The Sinaj district, a significant part of Omiš, is located along the western bank of the Cetina River, stretching all the way to its mouth at the Adriatic Sea.
City Limits
The city boundaries of Omiš encompass numerous settlements on the western side, bordered by the municipality of Dugi Rat. The area extends from the sea west of the “Ribnjak” campsite, following a stream to the north until it meets the Adriatic Road, and then continues toward Omiš. The city’s jurisdiction includes various settlements such as Blato na Cetini, Borak, Čelina, Čišla, Donji Dolac, Dubrava, Gata, Gornji Dolac, Kostanje, Kučiće, Lokva Rogoznica, Marušići, Mimice, Naklice, Nova Sela, and many others.
Historical Overview
The origins of Omiš trace back to ancient times, with the settlement first mentioned under the name Oneum or Onaeum. The town has historically played a crucial role due to its strategic location as a gateway to the interior regions. The ancient settlement was likely situated in Baučići, where numerous Roman artifacts have been uncovered, including reliefs, inscriptions, tombstones, lamps, and coins. Some of these significant artifacts are preserved in the Omiš Town Museum.
During the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries, Omiš was ruled by the Kačić family, who led the infamous Omiš pirates. The town, known as Almissa in Italian, became notorious for pirate raids on the ships of powerful maritime states such as Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Split. These raids often led to conflicts and treaties, with the pirates demanding tributes for safe passage. Despite efforts to suppress the pirates, including two Crusades against them, Omiš remained a formidable maritime force until the Venetian Republic ultimately asserted control in the late 13th century.
The pirate legacy of Omiš is still evident in the town’s two famous fortresses, Mirabela (Peovica) and Starigrad (Fortica). These fortifications offered commanding views over the town, the Brač Channel, and the surrounding islands, enabling the pirates to monitor and control the region effectively.
Omiš Through the Ages
After the decline of the Kačić family’s power, Omiš came under the control of various rulers, including the Bribir dukes of the Šubić family and, later, the Venetian Republic. The Venetians recognized the strategic importance of Omiš, transforming it into a military and naval settlement protected by walls on three sides, with the northern side shielded by the mountains. This fortified state persisted until the 19th century, after which most of the city walls were dismantled, although some remnants can still be seen today.
In the 19th century, following the fall of Venice, Omiš fell under Austrian rule, briefly becoming part of Napoleon’s French Empire before reverting to Austrian control after 1813. During this period, the town’s maritime significance waned, leading to a decline in population and economic activity. By 1840, Omiš had only 761 inhabitants. It wasn’t until the advent of industry and tourism in the early 20th century that Omiš began to flourish once again.
Tourism and Culture
Today, Omiš is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic Church of St. Peter in Priko, dating back to 1074, and the remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers. The Mirabela (Peovica) fortress offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding areas, while the Festival of Dalmatian Klapa, held annually in Omiš since 1967, celebrates the traditional a cappella singing style of the region.
Conclusion
Omiš is a town where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Whether you’re wandering through its ancient streets, exploring its fortresses, or enjoying the local music and cuisine, Omiš offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Dalmatia’s rich heritage.
Check the Showcase page of Omiš by clicking HERE.
