Mirabela Fortress (Peovica)

You are standing beneath Mirabela, the fortress that has watched over Omiš for centuries from a height of 200 meters. Also known as Peovica, this stronghold was more than just a pile of stone on a hill—it was the main stronghold of the Omiš pirates, who used it to monitor every ship passing through the Brač Channel and decide who could pass and who would become their next target. Built in the 13th century, its age was confirmed by a Byzantine coin deliberately hidden in its foundations—a pirate move meant for future generations. Mirabela has four levels and a trapezoidal layout, with thick stone walls that have withstood numerous attacks and storms. On the ground floor, there's a secret walled-up door—an escape route in case of danger—showing just how cautious and prepared the pirates were. From the top, there’s a panoramic view of the entire town of Omiš, the Brač Channel, and the surrounding areas—once a matter of life or death, and today, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Dalmatia. One of the most interesting stories is related to the Turkish attack in the 16th century. The defenders then used the echo from the fortress to create the impression that they were much more numerous than they actually were, which forced the enemy to retreat. Mirabela has been damaged several times throughout history, but the worst was in 1988 when it was almost destroyed by lightning. Although its story seemed to be over at the time, the fortress has been completely restored and today it is a protected cultural property and an unmissable attraction for anyone who wants to experience the authentic pirate history of Omiš. Interesting fact that you may not have known: In the 13th century, the people of Omiš ruled the sea between Split and Dubrovnik so much that even Pope Honorius III launched a crusade against them – and lost. Mirabela has thus become a symbol of the time when pirates set the rules in the Adriatic.