Omiš is a small picturesque town located at the estuary of the Cetina river, some 20 km south from Split. Throughout history Omis is best known for its unusual medieval citizens, the pirates of Omis that ruled a large part of the Adriatic sea for almost 2 centuries! Lead by the ruthless dukes of Kacic family, the pirates of Omis governed the area throughout the 12th and 13th century, attacking the large merchant ships and forcing the payment of the tributes even to the Pope's navy. During the Venetian government in 15th century and later on, the town of Omis became a strong fortified city with massive city walls and forts, the remains of which are still visible in today's Omiš city and surrounding area.

 

We will start our Omis tour from the sand city beach to reach the bridge over the Cetina river, walk along the main town street of Fošal and enter the old town from the Eastern City gate, „Porta terraferma“, one of the best preserved parts of the eastern town walls. A walk through the narrow streets, squares and piazzas of the quite small old core of the city will take us to the Parish Church of St Michael with a bell tower and the set of stairs leading up to the fortress of Mirabela. Built by the pirates in the 13th century, the Mirabela fortress, one of the most famous Omis landmarks, offers a great view over the red roofs of the old town and the nearby island of Brac.

 

After a short break at the fortress we will return back to the town to continue the walking tour along the main city street visiting the most unusual 16th century House of a Happy May with a famous Latin inscription „GRATIAS AGO TIBI DNE QUIA FUI IN HOC MONDO“ - Thank you Lord for having lived in this World!

 

Other than for the pirates, the city of Omis is also well known for the unique Festival of Dalmatian „klapas“, being klapa a group of people performing traditional Dalmatian songs „a cappella“. On our walking tour we will visit the 16th century House of the Festival of Dalmatian Klapas to finally reach the Poljica square and the pillar of shame facing the bridge and the Cetina river.

 

On our way back to Split we will make a short road deviation in the ancient “Republic of Poljica” to visit the statue of Mila Gojsalic and to enjoy the great panorama over the Cetina canyon.

 

The Republic of Poljica

among the first truly democratic republics in the world’s history

 

A group of villages in the Omis hinterland that form the today’s territory of Poljica, were a part of a well-organized Medieval Republic of Poljica, already in the 13th century governed by the Great Prince of Poljica, democratically elected by the people each year on St. George’s Day. At the basis of this progressive administration and unique social structure and true democracy at the time was the famous Statute of Poljica. Written in the 14th century, the statute regulated all the details of the economic and social life in the Republic for almost 600 years when it was finally abolished in 1807 during the Napoleon’s government of Dalmatia.

 

The statue and the legend of Mila Gojsalić, the „Croatian Jeanne D'Arc“

 

In 1530 the large Ottoman army advancing from the East were one short pass far away from conquering the Republic of Poljica. Being largely over numbered, the inhabitants of Poljica couldn’t withstand much for a long … enjoying the great panorama over the Cetina canyon you will find out how a beautiful young girl from the village, Mila Gojsalic, heroically sacrificed her own life for the freedom of the Republic. At the place where Mila died according to the legend, today proudly stands her impressive statue, a masterpiece of the famous Croatian and worldwide known sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

 

The fortress of Fortica

 

An extension of the Omis city tour (approx.. 2,5 hours more) can include also the visit to the Fortica fortress, Medieval fortification located at the peak of the hill surrounding Omiš on the North side. Please note that the road from the city center of Omis up to the fortress is about 1 hour long, therefore this part of the tour is not recommended for all the visitors. Nevertheless, once we reach the Fortica fort you will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most amazing views in entire Croatia: a great panorama over the sea, the islands of Brac, Hvar and Solta, the Cetina canyon and its surroundings!

 

The Cetina river Canyon

 

If you are interested to include in your tour also the boat trip along the river and the visit to the old mills with traditional lunch option, please visit our Omis and Cetina Canyon Tour From Split.