Hotel settlement Brzet ***

Omis is a small Central Dalmatian town and harbor located between Split and Makarska, situated in the mouth of the Cetina river, surrounded with massive gorges. In the past Omis was notorious because of the pirates of Omis whose ships were a centuries-long symbol of retaliation, courage and strength. The evidences of proud and turbulent Omis history can be found on every corner of the Omis Riviera. Ancient town of Omis, Omis churches and Omis fortresses are silent stone reminders of the power and the might of infamous Omis pirates. Today, it is the center of Omis Riviera, one of the most beautiful parts of Croatia's Adriatic Coast. Situated in the heart of Dalmatia, with its true Mediterranean spirit and diversities, Omis Riviera offers everything you need.
Numerous beaches and bays, rich vegetation, fresh air and crystal blue sea make Omis Riviera the perfect place to escape the stress and rush of modern life. The beautiful Cetina River and its canyon, nearby mountain tops and islands, ancient vineyards and olive plantations together form the landscape of extraordinary beauty. For those that prefer active holidays, Omis Riviera is a perfect destination. Rafting on Cetina River, free-climbing, scuba diving, trekking and windsurfing are just some of the activities that Omis Riviera has to offer.
Due to it's location in the heart of the Dalmatia, Omis is the perfect place to start the exploration of Dalmatia, it's islands, it's proud history, cultural heritage and natural beauties. Ancient Roman cities of Split and Salona are just half-hour drive from Omis. Islands Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis are easily reachable from Omis.
Omis is literally filled with restaurants, wine-cellars and café bars. Mediterranean cuisine, with it's olive oil, fish and sea food, home-grown vegetables, wine, and it's thousands year tradition will surely help you experience the true spirit of the Mediterranean. Omis Cultural Summer, Festival of Dalmatian Klapas, Pirates Nights and many other musical, theatrical and gastronomical social events make Omis perfect place to experience not only the beauty of Dalmatia, but also beauty of it's soul.

The evidences of proud and turbulent Omis history can be found on every corner of the Omis Riviera. Ancient town of Omis, Omis churches and Omis fortresses are silent stone reminders of the power and the might of famous Omis corsairs.
There are several historic names, including Onaion (Oneon), Holm (Hum), Nestos, Oneum (Onaeum), Olmisi, Olmissium, Almivssium, and Almissa. The oldest artifacts that mention Omis date back to Greek and Roman times.
During the Middle Ages Omis was infamous for its corsairs (pirates) whose 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 neighbors of the Corsairs of Omis, the highlanders of the Poljica Principality, became their allies, enabling them to harass the sea trade without fear of a sudden attack by land.
In spite of various alliances against Omiš pirates, including the Pope, Venice, Split and Dubrovnik, it was not until 1444 that Venice managed to capture the old pirate town. It happened owing to the approaching Turkish force that made the amber way dangerous, almost impossible. It also meant the decline of the power of the pirates. Deprived of their prey, they lost their strength and the reason for existence. The danger from the Turks became more and more serious. Yet, despite the fact that they conquered the nearby hinterland, Omiš had never fallen into their hands.
Due to permanent threats from the land, as well as from the sea, the existing fortress “Starigrad” (Fortica), with military crew in it, and supporting tower “Visec” in Cetina River canyon, were not enough for town defense, so, already in Middle Ages, Omis was encircled by walls, fortified with strongholds on the eastern land side, and fortress “Peovica” (Mirabella) on the north-western side. 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

Fortress Mirabella (Peovica) - Romanesque fortress, built in XIII. century above the town. Mirabela or Peovica was a reliable hideout for the Omis pirates who used to retreat into the safety of the Cetina gorge. There is an interesting story about Mirabella. In 1537, during an attack by the Turks, the defenders of Omis confused the attackers with their shouting and shots so much that the Turks overestimated the number of defenders and fled. A favorably chosen position on the tower will multiply any sound with echo, which will be aided by the river, making it impossible to locate the source of the sound.
Mirabela can be reached by climbing up the stairs from Subic Street and passing by the small church of the Holy Spirit. The trip takes approximately 15 minutes.

Fortress Starigrad (Fortica) - coming down from the Mosor, the wind called bura grew wild in gorges of Peruna and Dovnja, stirring the Cetina into frothing frenzy and tearing the flag on the battlements of Fortica. Guards, huddled around a fire, concluded: “Not even the Satan would ever attack in a storm like this.”
“I'll go the rounds anyway”, said Frano. He struggled to open the door and got to the edge of the tower. He watched attentively until on Prirovo he saw the candlelight he was expecting. Mihaela had lit a candle in the window. They didn't meet in public because the girl was from the prominent Didic family, while Frano was a young Vlach, merely a scout. Leaping forward, Frano came down to the Cetina across the sandbank of Planova. He found a boat under a willow tree, jumped in and started rowing. A blast of bura turned the boat over, and the river swallowed the young man. Tomorrow, people in Starigrad started saying that Frano had run away to the Turks, but Mihaela recognized the boat at the Cetina estuary and kept silent about the big secret. The stings of remorse never left her for as long as she lived, and she could be seen wandering along the Prika bank, watching the river eddying below Starigrad.
Starigrad can be reached by car up to Baucic, and then there is a twenty-minute walk along a marked path.

Church of Sv. Mihovil (St. Michael) - The church of Sv.Mihovil (St. Michael), as parish and the main church replaced the medieval church which was too small for citizens of Omis, so they had decided, in year 1604, to renew the old one and to built the new, aisled, more spacious church with presbytery. The construction of belfry, which is rising above the rock behind the main parish church, had started in 1720, and was completed in 1724. Parish church of Sv.Mihovil (St.Michael) is one of the Omiš's most important architectural heritage. It is a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, while portal, as one of the most interesting art achievements in Dalmatia in that time is an expression of folk mannerism.
Among the plenty of artistically shaped and valuable objects, the most valuable and the most famous are four altar pale: Descent of the Holy Ghost, Sv. Stjepan Prvomucenik (St. Stephan), Our Lady of Ružarje and Our Lady with Child, Sv. Juraj (St.George) and Sv. Jelena (St. Helena). of them were made and brought to Omis during the construction and decoration of the church. They were made by Venetian artist Palmo junior’s group. The Crucifix on the altar of St. Cross, made by sculptor Juraj Petrovic, as well as altars of Our Lady and Sv.Mihovil (St. Michael), made by sculptor Ivan Rendic are also very valuable artifacts.

Church of Sv. Duh (Holy Ghost) - at the end of the main street is a small church of the Holy Spirit from the 16th century; the Renaissance wooden altar features the painting Descent of the Holy Spirit by the Venetian painter J. Palma the Younger. The church was built in 1585., on the remains of the older, gothical church.

Church of Sv. Petar (St. Peter) - Church of Sv. Petar (St. Peter) in Omiš.
Church St. Petar at Priko – the one of the rare Pre-Romanesque buildings in Croatia, built in X. century and well preserved until now days. Located on the right bank of the Cetina river, it is first mentioned in the documents in the year 1074., during the reign of the king Slavac.

THE PIRATE NIGHT IN THE CANYON OF THE CETINA RIVER - Hundreds-of-years-old pirate tradition has made Omiš a recognizable tourist pearl, placed in the heart of Dalmatia, between Split and the Makarska riviera.Recollecting memories of the rich pirate history dating from the XII, XIII and XIV centuries, we reach the masters of Omiš, the noble Kačić family, who were paid a tribute for a safe and in that way the only possible navigation on that part of the Adriatic.The main pirate base was the Cetina river with its island in front of Kaštil Slanica, where the final part of the pirate night with a rich programme and a pirate dinner will take place.

CETINA RIVER RIDE - This excursion includes sight-seeing of the old part of the town, rich with culture inheritance, pirate tradition, monuments and features of interest and driving by small boats through the canon of the Cetina river, from its mouth to the excursion resort Radmanove mlinice. In the resort itself you can enjoy good food, untouched nature surrounding the Cetina river, have a walk or swim in the crystalline clear river. Then follows the return to the town of Omiš. The magnificent canon of the Cetina river makes an unforgettable atmosphere to each visitor.

RAFTING ON THE CETINA RIVER - We organize coming down the Cetina river on rafts from Slime to the excursion resort Radmanove mlinice daily. Coming down the river lasts about 3 to 4 hours in the length of some 10 km. This is the best way to get to know the canon of the Cetina river, waterfalls and rich vegetation, surrounding it. Those entire keen on adventure and untouched nature are going to enjoy this. Our experienced leaders are with you all the time.

ISLAND OF BRAČ - We organize boat excursions to the nearby island of Brač. The boat leaves from the town port each day. A sweeping view of small island places, accompanied with pleasant notes of Dalmatian songs, grilled fish and home-made vine remind the passengers of the ancient pirate tradition. In the desired place, you have time for sight-seeing, sunbathing and swimming.