Experience the vivid presentation of pirate battles on the Adriatic Sea
Omis is completely different from all destinations we have visited so far. It is situated at the Cetina river mouth, with steep cliffs arching over the town like big walls which make Omis look like it was carved into a mountain. In part, this has something to do with its turbulent past which is famous for piracy and a need to create a good shelter when fleeing the enemies.
Omis pirates caused fear and panic all over the Adriatic Sea and they often attacked papal galleys and trading ships of Venice, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split and many other. After they were defeated during the Second Crusade in the 1286 in a war led by Venice, piracy started to die out. Omis pirates used the so called Omis arrows, superior ships with oars. One of their most important characteristics was shallow draught which enabled them to retreat to shallow Cetina river. Omis pirates built an underwater wall at the place where Cetina flows into the sea, which was invisible from the sea. The wall had a narrow entrance where only Omis ships could pass, and it was closed with a chain after they entered. In case an enemy ship tried to pursue Omis ships to Cetina river, they would soon come upon a big surprise and get stuck in the shallows which would make them an easy target for pirates.
Today, many years ago, this stories are only used in touristic purpose. You can enjoy in the battles of the pirates that will show you how it looks like in the past and how they defended their city.
Definitely, vivid presentation in which you will surely enjoy. Do not miss this “battle” if you find yourself near Omis.
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