Omiš is the town and the port of the same name at the mouth of Cetina. It is located 22 km southeast of Split, and is first mentioned in 1074. During the Middle Ages Omiš was better known as Olmissum. But this is just one of the many names of the city that have changed over the centuries (Oneum, Holm, Olmisi, Almissa and so on).
There are many antique inscriptions, reliefs, monuments and other specimens found in the Antique in the Oneum settlement, and the most important ones are stored in the City Museum where they talk their own story.
The most famous monuments are:
– stone fragments with Roman inscriptions from the 1st century BC
– Golden Arkadia Gold 395.-408.
– a marble portrait of Emperor Tiberius
– the inscription from the city gate of Oneuma
– Early Christian Reliefs
– Venetian coat of arms
– a transcript of the Poljana Statute
During the Middle Ages Omiš was in a bad voice because of the Omiš pirates who ruled the Adriatic for more than three centuries.
In the 12th and 13th centuries Omiš was ruled by the princes of Kačići, and they were at the head of the Omicidal pirates. At that time Omis was awarded the Italian name Almissa. Omis pirates were the most powerful and attacked and burned Venetian ships, boats of Kotor, Split and even Dubrovnik.
It is important to note that no peace with the pirates has lasted for too long. There were even two crossbreeding wars against them.
The first war brought Pope Honor III. (1221) due to frequent pirate attacks on the Crusaders whose target was Palestine. The Pope in this case pulled out a thicker end. In the second Crusade of War that occurred in 1286 and 1287, and the Venetians took over, the pirates were lost. This also meant the end of the Duke Kačić. But this was by no means the end of the homeland pirates. The masters continued to change, but the pirates were no longer as successful as before. They ruled another and a half century, until 1444, when Venice overwhelmed their domination in the Adriatic. It was a milestone that marked the end of the pirate on the Adriatic Sea.
Omiš pirates were skilled naval builders and even better sailors. They made their own ships known as Sagitta, which translates into arrows. It was a special type of ship that guaranteed quick attack and quick return to “base”. Their base was the mouth of the Cetina River, where they built an underwater wall that had one opening and was adapted to their ships. What’s most interesting is that the wall could be closed by chains, so if the enemy ships were found here, they would get stranded.
Although Omiš has been subjected to constant onslaught throughout history, Omiš citizens and homicidal pirates have never let them fall into the hands of the most powerful invaders, the Turks.
It can thank them for their strength, courage, and the built walls that guarded the city. In addition, at that time, two fortresses, Fortica and Mirabella, were built today as a reminder of the burning past of this city. The artifacts are available to the public and the “mandatory” view of all mountaineers and other nature lovers.
Fortica fortress was built in the 15th century on top of Omiš Dinara. It served as a good sight for the hunting pirates who could control their walls not only from the sea but also from the land side.
Fortica Fortress
In addition, at the same time, it also represented excellent protection from hostile attacks. This may sound unbelievably at first glance, but if the enemies took over the city center, Omiš’s defenders would remove rocks from the fortress and destroy the city and destroy the enemies.
The fortress is still stable today and is a favorite place not only for the local population but also for the tourists. It can be reached from the city on a gentle walk accompanied by an arranged hiking trail and other signposts. Make sure you take the camera with you to experience common moments in the beautiful sea and remote islands.
Mirabella Fortress
Mirabella Fortress (or Peovica) represents the final part of the city walls that defended the city from the enemy in the Middle Ages. The fortress consists of 4 floors, and at the entrance there are numerous pirate souvenirs. At the top of the fortress there is a viewpoint from where the entire Omiš and the Brac Channel look like they are on your palm.
On the way to Mirabella Fortress, you will find interesting stairs that stretch through the historic core of the city. It is important to note that the steps are carved into the rock, so the climb is somewhat harder.
Although Omiš pirates no longer exist, each year the Push Battle is held as a memorial to them and their activities.
Pirate battle
Pirate battle is the most visited and most reliable tourist manifestation of the revival of the history of the town of Omis, which gather more than 10 thousand visitors every year. The Omisians are extremely proud of their pirates and honor them for a unique event. The pirate battle is held in the city harbor, and its goal is to credibly display and revive the historic battle against the 13th century Venetian. The Venetians, then, go to the port of Omiš, and pirates from small ships return to attack. Although the Greeks are more powerful, they defeat their own pirates seeking payment for a ride through the Brač Channel.
All visitors have the opportunity to enjoy outstanding scenes and battle reconstruction. Additionally, pirate ships (sagittas) are used in the Battle of Gusar, even six of them and pirate and Venetian galleys.
This show is attended by about a hundred participants each year, who in a representative manner are trying to organize an important historical battle for them and once again emphasize the importance and value of the maritime tradition.
As a part of the Pirate battle, takes a day of small pirates also takes place. It is a manifestation where your youngest can meet with “real pirates”. After getting acquainted with the game, there are fun playing and playing pirate games.
Manifestation The Pirate Battle begins August 18 each year and usually lasts two days. But last year, as part of the event, was held the Dalmatia film festival, where the Omiš pirates documentary film premiered. The film is mostly filmed in Croatia at selected locations, but also in Cesenatico and Venice.
Of other events in Omiš, it is certainly worth mentioning also:
– Festival of Dalmatian Klapa
– Cultural summer
– The Christmas city
– Omiš Swimming Marathon
– Crazy jumping
– Fishing nights
– Carnival
The most famous sights in Omiš relate to:
– the old Omiš cemetery
– City museum
– Church sv. Michael
– Church sv. Peter
– Church sv. Spirit
– Church of our Lady of Carmel
– Church sv. Jure in Gradac