Omiš

Omiš is a town and port in Dalmatia, Croatia located approximately 25 km (16 miles) south-east of the Croatia's second largest city of Split. Its location is where the river Cetina meets the Adriatic Sea. The town has a population of 15,800 and an area of 266 km² (103 mi²).

Its historic names include Onaion (Oneon), Holm (Hum), Nestos, Oneum (Onaeum), Olmisi, Olmissium, Almivssium, and Almissa.

History

Omiš (also known as Almissa) was well known in the past by the Corsairs whose Sagittas or ships, brought fame to them because they were built for attack and fast return into the mouth of the Cetina River, protecting the town from foreign invasion. At a very early date neighbours of the Corsairs of Omiš, the highlanders of the Poljica Principality, became their allies, enabling them to harass the sea trade without fear of a sudden attack by land.

Panoramic view of Omiš from the south

Mouth of Cetina and the southwestern part of Omiš

Omiš was known for centuries as a symbol of retaliation, courage and strength.

In the Priko neighborhood, on the right bank of the Cetina River, stands the most important building in the city, the pre Romanesque St. Peter's church from the 10th century. This single-naved edifice, with a cupola and apse, was used in the 18th century as a Glagolithic seminary for novice priests.

Economy

Today, Omiš's economy is based on farming, fishing, textile and food processing industries and tourism.

Tourist attractions

Omiš Riviera stretches for twenty kilometers along a coast of exceptional beauty, with many perfect pebble and sandy beaches and bays, steep cliffs and a crystal clear sea. The mood of the area is caught in an inscription on the lintel of a Renaissance palace in Omiš: "GRATIAS AGO TIBI DOMINE QUIA FUI IN HOC MUNDO" (Thanks be to Thee o Lord, that I have lived on this Earth"). Omiš Rivera, its cultural heritage, the quiet Dalmatian singing in the local wine cellars are tourist attractions.

Popular turist destinations include the Cetina River, Radmanove Mlinice and the Gubavica waterfalls (Velika and Mala Gubavica). Radmanove Mlinice, located five kilometers (3 miles) up to the canyon of Cetina River, is an excursion/picnic place famous for bread baked under the lid of iron (peka) and for fresh trout. The Cetina River is a great place for those who like active holidays (white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking). Recreational activities in Omiš also include: free climbing, cycling, tennis, football, basketball, 9-pin bowling, bocce, paragliding, beach volleyball, windsurfing, water skiing, sea kayaking, water polo and scuba diving.

The settlements of Omis Riviera: Marusici

Culture

Omiš is best-known for the traditional Festival dalmatinskih klapa (Festival of the Dalmatian klapas). There is no doubt that Festival dalmatinskih klapa is the highlight of Omiš's summer, the expression of the city's vitality... in short, its beauty. Also, Omiš Summer Festival during which various concerts and recitals are performed at the plazas and in churches (Omiš has eight churches). Other summertime activities include: "Jure's poplars", "Fishing night", "Swimming marathon", "Omiš triathlon", "Pirats' nights" and "Ludi skokovi" ("Crazy dives").

External links

• Omiš official web site
• Omiš unofficial web site
• Omiš info,Internet Art Gallery,Cafe
• Omis Travel Portal
• Blog about Omis

43°27′N 16°41′E