Omiš is a small town in the heart of Dalmatia and is located at the mouth of the river Cetina. Omiš is situated 21 kilometers southeast from Split.

Omiš is first mentioned in history under the name Oneum, and geographic position of Omiš, gave the town strategic position as connection to the mainland from the Adriatic.
There is number of archaeological discoveries from the Roman period (reliefs, inscriptions, gravestones, coins). Today the most important monuments are kept in the Municipal Museum, like the stone fragments from Roman inscriptions.

In the middle Ages during the 12th and 13th century the town was ruled by princes Kačić who were leaders of Omiš pirates. Pirates led attacks on the pope's galleys and merchant ships from powerful Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split and other cities. All this gave rise to frequent wars and entering into agreements, which are often ended by paying tribute to Omiš pirates. However, any peace with the pirates was short lived and was reason to lead against them two crusader wars. The first war led by Pope Honorius III in 1221 which ended as victory of pirates. The order of attack was after pirates hit on the Crusaders sailed to Palestine. Second Crusade, which Omiš pirates lost, was led by the Venetians in 1286, and marked the end of a Kačić princes ruling the town of Omiš.

History of Omiš Pirates we can notice in the city's fortress Mirabella Fortress and Starigrad Fortress. From Mirabella one can see the whole Omiš, and from Starigrad whole Brač Channel, the islands of Brač, Hvar and Šolta, and the mouth of the river Cetina. For piracy, it was very important, because from one place could monitor a large area of land and sea.
Pirates used rowers boats with excellent characteristics. One of the most important characteristics of boats was shallow draft, which they allowed for rapid mobility and also the effective withdrawal to the river canyon, in case of emergency. Omiš pirates also built an underwater wall in the bed of the river Cetina, near the entrance of the sea, which was very important. The underwater wall was not seen because it was under water, and had only one opening, for which were boats adapted and was able to close with the chain, so that the enemy ship strand if they tried to follow. On the left bank of the Cetina River was built a small fort, which was later completely destroyed, and whose role is associated with underwater wall.

After Kačić princes rulers of Omiš changes, and piracy, while still active, will never be as successful as for their rule.

At the time of Venetian rule was Omiš military and maritime settlement that thrived within its walls. Omiš was protected by walls on three sides, and the northern face is protected by mountains. In the 19th century the walls were largely destroyed.
Omiš, after the fall of Venice in 1797, fell under Austrian rule. At that time, Omiš lost its strategic importance.

Only the arrival of industry and tourism at the beginning of the 20th century Omiš will resume upward path in their development. There is the rich cultural heritage of this town today, with many cultural monuments.

What to see in Omiš

Fortress Fortica
The whole rich and detailed history of piracy clearly obtains Fortica fortress, together with the fortress Mirabela. Fortica fortress is situated on top of Dinara Mountain. The fortress can be reached on foot from the city, climb the fort for 20 minutes and enjoy the view.

Fortress Mirabella
This part of Omiš is the medieval part of town that was surrounded by city walls and fortifications, the fortress Mirabela dates from 13th century. Buildings of this part of town were built from 16th to 19th century and includes the Renaissance style , Gothic style and early Baroque. Mirabela fortress offers a view of the entire old part of town, and the entire Brač Channel.

Parish Church of St. Michael
The parish church was built in the early 17th century church was built by local builders, and combines features of Gothic, Renaissance and early Baroque.

Church of the Holy Spirit
Church was built on the site of an older Gothic church from the 1585.

Church St. Peter
Church is located on the right bank of the river Cetina in the documents was first mentioned in 1074.