Christmas in Omis

Preparations for holiday start by giving presents on the 6Th December ( St. Nicholas Day ) and on the 13Th of December ( St. Lucy Day ). This tradition dates back to the 11Th century.

One of traditions that is still followed today is to sow Christmas Wheat that stands for life and fertility. This tradition does not exist in Protestant communities and in most of Europe, only in Croatia, Portugal and southern Italy. Until Christmas, the wheat grows in a water filled container, decorates the table on Christmas tree or in a corner of the room. The wheat is trimmed and wrapped with a red, white and blue ribbon. After Christmas, the wheat is given to birds since nothing from Christmas time should be thrown away.

Until 1850. people in Croatia didn't decorate Christmas trees, it is interesting that the first Christmas trees had been deciduous and that coniferous trees were only used after intensive afforestation. Trees were decorates with oranges, apples, walnuts, hazelnuts,...

The creche, that is places under the decorated tree is reminder on the event that is being celebrated and that is the birth of Christ. According the documents the first creche was made by St.Francis in 1223., now you can fin them in every home in Croatia.

Before people started decorated the trees in Croatia we used to do this every Christmas. Today, this tradition you can only find in Croatia villages. Three larger tree-stumps was brought into the house on Christmas Eve, placed into the fireplace and used ti light all of the candles in the house, symbolize the Holy Trinity. Christmas food and wine are also added to the fire because it was believed that the largest tree-stump fire would bring good to whole member oh the household.

The Straw tradition was followed much longer than tree-stump tradition. The moment when the head of the household brought the Straw into the house, that was a moment for Christmas celebrations to begin. The majority of the Straw was spread on the floor under the table, after the dinner all members of the family sit on the Straw and chat unit the time for Church. In some regions people used to sleep on Straw on Christmas Eve.

It is tradition to fast on Christmas Eve and to stay awake until the midnight, when is time to go in Church. People had to finish all of their household chores and prepare food and desert before the evening bells rang on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day there was always meat and cookies, even in the poorest families.

I present you one of traditional Omis Christmas recipes cold "fritule":

1. 1/2kg of flour
2. 2 eggs
3. 2-3 dg of yeast
4. a little of rakija (Brandy)
5. a little bit of grated lemon peal
6. a little bit of salt
7. a spoon of sugar
   
8. water if necessary

-mix the ingredients into a mixture twice as thick as pancake mix and leave on the side until it grows to twice its size, afterwards, use a spoon to take some of the mixture out and fry in hot oil, once finished, cover "fritule" with vanilla sugar

Omis Fortresses

Fortress Mirabella (Peovica)

Mirabella, Romanesque fortress built in XII. century above the town. Mirabella or Peovica was a reliable hideout for the Omis pirates who used to retreat into the safety of the Cetina gorge. It is possible to see whole town of Omis from Mirabella. There are 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 overstimated the number of defenders and fled. A favourably 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. Mirabella can be reached by climbing up the stairs from Subic Street and passing by the small church if the Holy Spirit. The trip takes approximately 15 minutes.

Fortress Starigrad (Fortica)
Situated at the top of the of the hill, from where you can enjoy the magnificent view. You can see islands of Brac, Hvar, Solta, as well as Middle Poljica and the mouth of Cetina River. It can be reached climbing uphill for about 20 minutes (step mountain path). First it serve like a shelter, but in case town was souranded by enemies plan was to throw big rocks from tower down on town and enemies. In that case the enemies will be destroyed but also the town of Omis. So we have to be proud and thank the Lord that that didn't happened, because if it did happened today Omis probably will be forgotten.

Omis Riviera

Omis Riviera is one of the most beautiful parts of Croatia's Adratic Coast. Situated in the heart of Dalmatia, Omis Riviera is the perfect place to escape the daily routine and enjoy the sandy and pebble beaches, the rich vegetation, the fresh air and crystal blue sea. This is the ideal sport to discover the true Mediterranean spirit.

Omis Riviera:

• Duce
• Stanici
• Ruskamen
• Lokva Rogoznica
• Medici
• Mimice
• Marusici
• Pisak

Duce, is one of twenty villages in Poljica, the area at the foot of the Mosor mountainous chain. It belonged in the past to the famous Poljica Republic ruled by the Grand Duke according to the decrees of the Poljica Statue. It is situated near Omis with beautiful 3km long sandy beach cold Copacabana. It is 2km away from the mouth of the Cetina River and the river canyon takes you in the hinterland discovering a famous tourist resort Radmanove Mlinice and the river Mala and Velika Gubavica falls. You can find accommodation in private apartments and in camps.


Stanici, nice, quiet place with sandy and pebble beaches with shallow waters, ideal for children's play. This place is ideal for a peaceful family vacation. The most popular beaches are Tice, Zavode, Rape and Vela Luka. It is situated 5km south of the town of Omis and 40km south of the Split. Beautiful landscape: numerous beaches which you can rich only by walking, Biokovo Mountain, Cetina River canyon. You can find accommodation in a hotel and private apartments.





Ruskamen, village of Lokva Rogoznica situated 7km southeast of Omis. It has far- stretching pebble beaches. It is connected to the city by a regular daily bus line. There you can find modern tourist complex surrounded by ancient pine forest and a beautiful 600meter long pebble beach. On a prominent location there is a villa built in citadel-style, formerly the property of the Draskovic family.



Lokva Rogoznica, situated 10km south from Omis. There are pebble and partly sandy beaches, ideal for children. Besides crystal clear water and splendid beaches, Lokva Rogoznica offers plenty of shade in bays surrounded by pine trees. This small place is ideal for a family holiday. The "Fisherman's Evenings" are one of the most popular mainfestations here, and they are kept in August every year.



Medici, small place situated in the hearth of Omis Riviera. It is peaceful and ideal for family holiday. Beautiful pebble beaches and hospitality of local people always brings you back to this quit little village. Accommodation you can find in private houses and apartments. It is also popular for famous restaurants located by the sea.








Mimice,village and small harbour 11km south of Omis. It is situated on both sides of Adriatic Highway. It is pearl of Omis Riviera and it has long tourism tradition. Chief occupation are farming, fishing and of course tourism. In the vicinity of Mimice are several nice coves with beaches. It is also famous for beautiful boarding houses.




Marusici, beautiful quiet place situated 15km south of the town of Omis. There are sandy and pebble beaches ideal for children's play, sunbath at leisure. There you can visit ancient olive plantation and vineyards. Spending your summer holiday in Marusici means you will be able to benefit from the numerous Marusici attractions.
More info about Marusici.




Pisak, the largest settlement of Omis Riviera, situated few km south of Omis. It is authentic Mediterranean paradise, with long touristy tradition. Pisak lies in a bay and has sandy,pebble and rocky beaches. There are many things you can enjoy on your summer holiday in Pisak, like diving, sailing and surfing, also you can rent a boat. You will definitely enjoy the restaurants of the are, which offer Mediterranean specialties. And if you are in Pisak, make sure to visit Vrulje springs.

Omis- a small piece of paradise

Croatia is country of exceptional beauty and with a rich cultural heritage. In this amazing part of the world, a small town of Omis stands as a symbol of perfection, courage and strenght. The exact location of Omis is where the river Cetina meets Adriatic Sea.

Historic names for Omis: Onaion, Holm, Nestos, Onemu, Olmisi, Olmissium, Almivssium, Almissa.

Omis was born as a Roman settlement; afterwards, it was ruled by Croatian Princes and it even was under Venetian rule in the year of 1444. This city is the perfect place to start the exploration of Dalamtia, the extraordinary islands situated nearby, its proud history and natural beauties.

The town-port of Omis was well known in the past because of the pirates, who built powerful ships (Sagittas) for attack and fast return into the mouth of Cetina River. Today, while you wander the narrow streets of Omis you still get the feeling that a pirate might appear every time you turn around the corner.

A beautiful Renaissance palace (HOUSE OF A HAPPY MAN) stands as one of the main attractions of the city, famous for the inscription on the lintel: "GRATIAS AGO TIBI DOMINE QUIA FUI IN HOC MUNDO" ("Thanks be to Thee o Lord, that I have lived on this Earth").

Evidence of proud and turbulent Omis history can be found on every corner of the city. The most important building in Omis is St. Peter's Church, built in the 10Th century, in 18th century it was used as Glagolithic seminary for novice priests.It is situated on the right bank of the Cetina River in the Priko neighborhood. Omis is a city full of history and the traveler cannot
stop to wonder how is it that some of fortifications (Southern town gate, a fortress and a tower) are still there.

Omis have 8 churches;

1. Church of Sv. Mihovil ( St. Michael )
2. Church of Sv. Duh ( Holy Ghost )
3. Church of Sv. Petar ( St. Peter )
4. Church of Sv. Rok ( St. Roch )
5. Church of Sv. Luka ( St. Luke )
6. Church of Sv. Marije ( St. Mary )
7. Curch of Sv. Stjepan ( St. Stephen )
8. Franciscan Monastery with Curch of Gospe od Kramela ( of our Lady of Mt. Carmel )

-and also remains of Ivan church ( St. Johns) in Borak

(the main street in Omis, street named " Fosal " leads from southern gate toward the Cetina River, on the main square you can sea parish church from 17th century( St. Michael ) with nice portal from 1621. and beautiful bell tower, also there are two paintings by the Matteo Ingoli, famous painter from Ravenna in Italy, and a Gothic wooden cross from 15Th century.
Close to the church is local museum where you can find archaeological, cultural, historical, ethnographic exhibits from the region of Omis and nearby Poljica Principality ( Poljicki Constitution ), at the end of the main street in old part of the town is Church of Holy Spirit from 16Th century, in that Church we have Renaissance wooden altar with amazing painting of Holy Spirit by Venetian painter J. Palma the Younger, next to the Church is clock tower and stairway to the upper part of the town.
Along River Cetina there is Radman family house with stone fragments from ancient times, Gothic and Renaissance, also historical artefact's).

Active Holiday and the call of Cetina

The smell of the river Cetina with its high crabs, clear water and intact nature is a truly paradise on earth and a call for active tourists, who search unforgettable adventures.
Ecological tourism and extreme sports are unique and part of the tourist offer of the Cetina Region.

Rafting In Omis , a 3-4 hour adventure on the river Cetina with experienced skipper could make your vacation unforgettable, and those who try descending down the river and passing of the canyons with kayak, they always want to return to Croatia's most beautiful river. Children aged 10 and up can also participate but only accompanied by their parents. You don't have to be in top form but you have to paddle. You will sea many waterfalls and lakes, crabs high 170 m, unique waterfall Gubavica... Swimming and going throught tunnels is also possible. Route is 9 km long which ends in a restaurant called Radmanove Mlinice.

Free Climbing In Omis, more and more popular at the river Cetina. There are several paths for climbers in the crags and therefore Omis became the second center for this sport in Croatia after the National Park Paklenica. Over 40 routs with 7 climbing sites, in close proximity to the town.

Fishing In Omis, Croatia's rivers and lakes are amongst the cleanest in the world and as a consequence are well stocked with trout and course fish. Cetina river is very beautiful, so if you haven't had a lucky day fishing, you will at least have had a very plea sen day out.





Canyoning in Omis, for thousands of years Cetina river has shaped the canyon creating wondrous shapes in the rocks of its basin. A clear and clean river pleasant for bathing, cliffs up to one hundred and eighty metres in height, waterfalls, underwater tunnels, lakes, the fifty metre high Gubavica waterfall and the humming of the river which becomes louder and louder will allow you to experience the true power and beauty of nature.

Canoeing in Omis , be a participant of an exciting and attractive meeting with Cetina river. Because of its wild nature and constant rearing, this river was called Horse River in the Ilirian time. Immerse yourself in the charms of that beautiful and unpredictable Dalmatian river. Canoeing route is around 8 km long and passes through the deeply cut-in canyon, with numerous rapids and small waterfalls in an untouched virgin landscape.

River Cetina

(It is the biggest river in middle Dalmatia and 105 km long. It sources in the village with the same name, 7 km, away from the city Vrlilka. It flows below the mountain Dinara, along the field of Sinj, and more lively cross the town picturesque Trilj, the Dalmatian country side zagora, and flows very restless in the Adriatic Sea at the city Omis. The surrounding is very clear and non polluted and therefore the river Cetina is popular among the lovers of adventure tourism. rafting, canyoning, climbing on crags, driving bicycle. Those who enjoy to walk and to discover natural beauties such as very picturesque waterfall Gubavica (48m high) will be completely satisfied).

The Cetina managed it, although it is a karts river, to interrupt at the grey rocks the mountains Dinara and Mosor and create an impressive canyon on its way. You should climb on the top of the Canyons to look on the Cetina and the sea and to wish to return. The town Omis owes its river everything what it was, what it is and what it will be: once it was a secure shelter for pirate ships and today it is a tourist pearl. A big amount of drinking water and the wealth of plants attracted the people already in the old times to settle here. The rocks, which can't be conquered, have been an ideal place for the building of numerous fortresses which defended the town, but about them little bit later.

Omis Pirates

Since the time of the Roman Oneum to the pirates on the "Adratic way" the town lived with an intensive life.
The wars and the trade determined the centuries and influenced the destiny of the population.
After the break of the Medieval Croatian State the pirate hood experienced a new development and the inhabitants of Omis got their bad reputation, which will follow them for a long time.
The historical documents are full of quotes about pirates.
The Popes, Venetians and the citizens of Split upraised against the pirates, but for a long time without success.
Omis pirates were extremely dangerous, especially under rule of powerful Omis rulers - dukes Kacic.
In that time Omis was known as dangerous nest of the pirates, as they were Saracens on Mediterranean Sea or Tatars on Black Sea.

About Omis

Omis is enchanting little town, distinguished by interesting history and peculiar position, situated at the very mouth of the gorgeous Cetina River, gives a unique feeling to each traveller.
Beside famed Mediterranean charm that attracts people since ancient times, which is typical for all small Dalmatian towns, here one can also sense continental spirit brought out by the river.
This blending of the sea and river, the blue and green, wild and pleasant, makes Omis is so unique and interesting to visitors.
We believe that there are only a few people who were on their way from Split to Makarska or Dubrovnik, who resided in Omis and didn't wish to return.
It impresses everybody with its specialties: the powerful rocks, which surrounded it like wings andquard it since centuries, and the old town which is pressed below it is unique historical treasure.