Starigrad Fortress (Fortica)
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You are at the Starigrad Fortress, also known as Fortica, at the very top of the Omiš Dinara. From here, you can enjoy a view of the city of Omiš, the mouth of the Cetina River and the entire Brač Channel – it is clear why pirates and defenders chose it as their main fortress. The fortress was built in the late 14th or early 15th century, on the remains of even older settlements: the Illyrians lived here, and the Romans had their military stronghold. The first written record of Fortica dates back to 1443, and its history is marked by constant adaptations to new war threats, especially Ottoman attacks. In the center of the fortress is a square tower with an observation terrace, and triangular bastions were added in the 16th century to house artillery. Inside is a courtyard with a cistern, the remains of the crew's quarters and a small chapel – everything that was needed to survive during sieges. The walls were built of local stone, about a meter thick, and still bear witness to the skill of medieval builders. One of the most interesting details is the “stone avalanche plan”: large boulders were kept at the top of the fortress, ready to fall on enemies if they breached the defenses. Fortunately, this plan was never implemented, so the houses in Omiš have been preserved to this day. In case of danger, the people of Omiš fled the city and took refuge here, where they could track every movement of the enemy and warn others in time. The fortress was repaired several times during the Candian War due to damage from storms and battles. In the 19th century, it was briefly under Napoleon's administration, and in the 20th century, it was rebuilt thanks to local volunteers and enthusiasts, without modern machinery - a real construction feat considering the inaccessibility of the cliff. Today, Fortica is a protected cultural monument and a popular picnic spot. It offers one of the most beautiful views in Dalmatia: you can see Brač, Hvar, Šolta, the Cetina Canyon and the entire Poljica. If you are a history buff, it is interesting to know that part of the coat of arms of the Venetian Doge Nicola Marcello from 1474 was found, which confirms its importance in the Venetian-Turkish conflicts. Another interesting fact: the fortress was the key reason why Omiš never fell under Ottoman rule, despite numerous attempts and attacks. If you are planning a visit, there is a well-marked trail leading to the Fortica, and the climb takes about an hour.