Omis - Peovica (Mirabela) Fortress

Omis, a picturesque coastal town and port in central Dalmatia, lies at the mouth of the Cetina River as it flows into the Adriatic Sea. It is located about 20 km southeast of Split and is part of Split-Dalmatia County. Above the town rises the Omis Dinara mountain range, whose highest peak is Kula.

In the past, Omis was known as a refuge of the Omis pirates, who in the 12th and 13th centuries controlled maritime traffic and plundered merchant ships with their fast vessels. Today, Omis is a popular tourist destination offering a rich historical heritage, beautiful beaches, stunning views, and numerous opportunities for active recreation, such as rafting on the Cetina River, hiking, and climbing. The town is divided into the old town center and a newer area. The main tourist attractions include the Peovica Fortress (Mirabela), the Fortica Fortress (Starigrad), the Parish Church of St. Michael, the town clock, the churches of St. Roch and the Holy Spirit, the monument to Homeland War veterans, the pillory, the old Omis cemetery, the southern town gate, the Franciscan monastery, the House of the Dalmatian Klapa Festival, the Cetina River, the Dinara mountain, and others. The Peovica Fortress, also known as Mirabela, is considered the oldest stone fortification in Omis. Although the name Mirabela is of Italian origin, it has become firmly established among the local population as well.

It was built by the Omis pirates in the 13th century and is located just above the old part of the town, where it complements the picturesque panorama of Omis. In the past, the fortress played a key role in defending the town from attackers, as it was the first line of defense against enemy incursions. It can be reached by climbing the steps next to the parish church. Due to its accessibility and magnificent views of the old town center, the sea channel, and the island of Brac, Peovica is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Omis. The fortification was built on six interconnected levels on the steep cliffs of the Omis Dinara that descend toward the Cetina River. Its area is dominated by a tall Romanesque-Gothic tower from the 13th century, called Peovica, which has a secret exit at the rear. Although very little remains of the fortress interior, important buildings once stood here, including the residence of Prince Simon Jurjevic Kacic, one of the medieval rulers of Omis.

The main tower was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion, but the fortress has preserved its historical charm and remains one of the most visited sites in Omis. In addition to Mirabela, another fortress rises above the town – Fortica, which offers an even more extensive panoramic view of the surrounding area.