Starigrad Fortress

Starigrad Fortress, locally known as Tvrđava Starigrad but also as Fortica, lies above the town of Omiš, in the county of Split-Dalmatia in Croatia. The name 'Starigrad' translates back to 'Old castle'.

In the 15th century, during the Croatian-Ottoman Wars, Starigrad Fortress was built by the Kingdom of Croatia as a primary defense for the inhabitants of Omiš against Ottoman attacks. It was built on a lower summit of the steep mountain range behind Omiš at a height of 262 m.

Inside the fortress, there are 2 small baileys, ending in a 2-storey square tower that served as a keep. The fortress' entrance is through an outer barbican, protected by a bastion.

I could not find any historical information about the fortress, but I guess it did play a part during the Ottoman-Venetian Wars, which played out from the 15th to the 18th century, during which the Ottomans never managed to conquer Omiš.

Starigrad Fortress can be visited for a small fee, payable only in cash. A beautiful fortification offering stunning views of the coast to the island of Brač. It is, however, only reachable on foot. There are 2 hiking routes; a shorter but difficult one and a longer but slightly easier one. Both require sturdy footwear. I took the longer one, which took me about an hour, starting from the lovely historic town center of Omiš. In the town itself is also a small ruined 13th castle; Mirabela Castle. So, with 2 fortifications and a historic town center, I recommend a visit to Omiš.

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