Omiš

Omiš (pronounced [ɔ̌miːʃ]) is a town and port in the Dalmatia region of Croatia, and is a municipality in the Split-Dalmatia County. The town is situated approximately 25 km (16 mi) south-east of Croatia's second largest city, Split. Its location is where the emerald-green Cetina River ^[1] meets the Adriatic Sea (Croatian: Jadransko More). Omiš has a population of 15,800 ^[2] and its area is 266 km² (103 m²).

Name

It is supposed that name of this city, Omiš, developed from Slavic Holm, Hum as translation from Illyrian - Greek word Onaion, Oneon, in meaning "hill" or "place on the hill", but there is also possibilty that name of the settlement Onaeum was derived from the name of river which was called Nestos by the Greek colonists in its lower flow, during Antiquity.

Latin names during Ancient Rome were Onaeum, Oeneum, Alminium, and Almissum, during Medieval name was recorded as Olmissium, Almiyssium and from the end of the 15th century, when the city fell to authority of Venetian Republic it was Italian: Almissa.^[3]

History

Omiš was well known in the past by the Corsairs of Almissa (Omiški gusari)^[4] whose Sagittas (ships) (Genitive case: Sagittae, translated as The Arrow), brought fame to them because they were built for attack and fast retrieval into the mouth of the Cetina River, protecting the town from foreign invaders. At a very early date, neighbours of the Corsairs of Almissa, the highlanders of the Poljica Principality ^[5] (Poljička Republika), became their friends and allies. This allowed them to harass the seaborne trade, without fear of a sudden attack from inland.

• Historical monuments:
  • Church of St Euphemia by the coast on Brzet, from the early 6th century
  • Mirabella Fortress (Peovica) from the 13th century
  • Starigrad Fortress (Fortica) from the 15th century
  • Renaissance church of the Holy Spirit from the 15th century
  • Old cemetery, the 16th century or 17th century
  • Parochial church from the 17th century
  • Franciscan Monastery on Skalice from the 18th century

In the Priko neighborhood, on the right bank of the Cetina River, stands the site with the most historic significance: the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Peter (Crkva Sv. Petra) from the tenth century A.D. 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.

Settlements

Within the limits of the town lie the following settlements: Blato na Cetini, Borak, Čelina, Čisla, Donji Dolac, Dubrava, Gata, Gornji Dolac, Kostanje, Kučiće, Lokva Rogoznica, Marušići, Mimice, Naklice, Nova Sela, Omiš, Ostrvica, Pisak, Ruskamen, Podašpilje, Podgrađe, Putišići, Seoca, Slime, Smolonje, Srijane, Stanići, Svinišće, Trnbusi, Tugare, Zakučac and Zvečanje.

Tourist attractions

The Omiš Riviera stretches for twenty kilometers along a coast of exceptional beauty, with many perfect pebble, sandy beaches, bays, steep cliffs and a crystal clear sea. The mood 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). The destinations of Radmanove Mlinice and the Gubavica waterfalls (Velika and Mala Gubavica) are also points of interest. Radmanove Mlinice, located five kilometers (3 miles) up to the canyon of Cetina River, is an excursion/picnic place famous for bread baked under an iron lid (peka) and for fresh trout that can be caught from the river.

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 (soccer), basketball, 9-pin bowling, bocce, paragliding, beach volleyball, windsurfing, water-skiing, sea kayaking, waterpolo and scuba diving.

Culture

Omiš is best known for the traditional klapa Festival (Festival of the Dalmatian a capella singing groups).^[6][7] This festival is the highlight of Omiš's summer, the expression of the town's beauty. Omiš's Summer Festival - during which various concerts and recitals are performed - takes place at the plazas and in churches.

• Omiš as a town has eight churches:
  • church of Saint Michael
  • church of Holy Ghost
  • church of Saint Rock
  • church of Saint Peter
  • church of Saint Luca
  • church of Saint Mary
  • Franciscan Monastery with church of Our Lady of Carmel
  • church of Saint Stephan and
  • remains of church of Saint John in Borak.

• Other summertime cultural activities include:
  • " Jure's poplars "
  • " Fishing nights "
  • " Swimming marathon "
  • " Omiš triathlon "
  • " Pirate nights "
  • " Pirate battle "
  • " Crazy dives "

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Omiš is twinned with:

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Cresswell, Peterjon; Atkins, Ismay; Dunn, Lily (10 July 2006). Time Out Croatia (First ed.). London, Berkeley & Toronto: Time Out Group Ltd & Ebury Publishing, Random House Ltd. 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SV1V 2SA. ISBN 978-1-904978-70-1. http://books.google.com/books?id=VZweAAAACAAJ. Retrieved 10 March 2010. 

External links

• Omiš official web site
• Reconstruction of famous Omiš corsair ship "SAGITTA"
• Omiš unofficial web site
• Omiš unofficial web site
• Omiš tourist board official website
• Find out more about Omiš
• About Omiš in French language
• Omiš town portal
• Omiš online
• Active vacation in Omiš