Omiš, a small town in the heart of Dalmatia, and at the mouth of the Cetina River has for 44 years been a host to the best a cappella singing groups ('Klape') that preserve and promote indigenous Dalmatian music and songs through a cappella singing.
Croatian 'Klape' have the status of intangible cultural property, and have in recent years undergone a real renaissance thanks to the numerous festivals which spread the popularity of folk songs far beyond Dalmatia. One of such festivals is the Omiš Festival of Dalmatian Klape which has promoted the traditional sound of the Croatian coast and islands since 1967. This year the festival will last throughout the monthy of July. Omis is situated about 20 kilometers southeast of the biggest Dalmatian town, Split, with which it is very well connected. The history of this small town, which was first mentioned in the tenth century, is long and interesting as evidenced by a multitude of cultural and historical monuments, churches dating from tenth to eighteenth century, numerous monuments, fortresses, museums and other.
The favorable position of town at the mouth of Cetina enabled it to defend itself in the past, and today Omiš is a unique curiosity of the Adriatic coast. The imposing stone gates through which the clear Cetina flows into the sea are a geological symbol of this old town and the river is at the same time the only way inland from the river Jadro to Vrulja.
The historic city center is situated on the eastern coast of Cetina.
Citizens of Omiš were well known pirates, which was made easy by the location of the town as well as their light and fast boats. The biggest feats of the Omiš pirates were led by Counts Kačić for as long as two centuries when they attacked the pope's galleons and merchant ships from mighty Venice, Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor ...
Numerous monuments hold witness to the rich cultural heritage of Omiš. The history of pirates is vividly depicted in the forts Mirabella (Peovica) and Starigrad (Fortica). Omis was protected by walls on three sides, and its north side was shielded by a mountain. This arrangement remained until the 19th century when the walls were largely destroyed.
Omiš riviera, spans over about 30 kilometers and is known for its variety of beaches and small fishing villages where one can find peace and escape the city noise. Those who want an active holiday are also in the right place as rafting on the river Cetina, free climbing, paragliding, scuba diving, sailing, volleyball, tennis and many other sporting activities on land, water and air will be at their fingertips.
Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatian County
www.dalmatia.hr
Tourist Office of Omiš
www.tz-omis.hr
Festival of Dalmatian Klapa
www.fdk.hr