A view from port
on St.Marco's belltower
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kacic's monument
on the main city square
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A view from St.Peter peninsula

          Together with its surroundings this town is not rich in cultural and historical monuments (like Split or Dubrovnik), but it is an area of fascinating natural beauty. It would be very difficult to choose which part of this area, which extends from its littoral, with beaches surrounded by pine-woods, to the peaks of Biokovo mountain rising above the town and the whole riviera, is the most attractive one. The mountain Biokovo, park of nature, will surely be a discovery for lovers of alpinism, mountaineering, even speleology. With its hunting area rich with game like mouflons and chamois this mountain attracts hunters from all over the world into new adventures. Visitors with strong conformity can reach the peaks of Biokovo mountain within an hour's drive by car. There is an asphalt road which leads to the mountain peak of St.Jure (1762 m above sea level), the highest peak along all of the Mediterranean littoral, where from one can enjoy the view over the Biokovo mountain inland. Descending the mountain those curious ones will discover that even nowadays the villages on the mountain slopes are inhabited. Long time ago forgotten scents and flavours of home-made cheese, smoked ham, wine and herb-brandy are hidden within these old stone-made houses.
          Makarska is situated along the road between two large centres of the Croatian part of the Adriatic coastline, the town of Split (65 km north) and the town of Dubrovnik (120 km south), linked by the Adriatic highway, but also not far from the shrine of Our Lady in Medjugorje. Makarska has always inevitably been involved in the tourist trade. Together with other nearby villages (Brela, Baska Voda, Tucepi, Podgora ...) it forms the famous Makarska Riviera. Makarska's tourist offer consists of accommodations in hotels with a number of 2.500 beds, a camping site, as well as accommodation in private houses with about 15.000 beds. Attractive restaurants with a rich variety of tasty dishes, as well as a large number of cafés become easily the favourite meeting points of all tourists. Young people, as well as those feeling young, will certainly enjoy the evenings in night clubs and disco clubs, while live music on hotel and restaurants terraces will undoubtedly attract romantic souls. Makarska Sports Centre with football grounds and athletic tracks, as well as number of additional playgrounds, can be used by sportsmen for professional training and recreation. There is also a Tennis Centre with 10 open and 2 indoor tennis courts. Being situated in a natural bay enclosed by two promontories (St.Peter and Osejava) the marina of Makarska offers a well-protected anchorage for boats, together with other facilities.
          The earliest period of the historical background of Makarska is still obscure. Rare archeological finds from ancient times give additional support to the legends about this area, on the cross-roads of mainland and sea routes. There are a few important buildings and institutions which date back from a more recent history of Makarska. In the main town square stands out St.Mark's church, which was constructed in the 18th century. In the very centre of the square there is a beautiful monument dedicated to Fr.Andrija Kacic Miosic, a monk and a national poet who lived in the 18th century. The statue was created by Ivan Rendic and there is a copy of this monument Zagreb. Next to the church is situated a Venetian fountain, also dating from the 18th century, decorated by the oldest town's coat-of-arms. In the town centre stands the church of St.Philip Neri. It is also an 18th century building with a beautiful baroque interior. In the eastern part of the harbour, the Franciscan monastery is situated. It was founded in the year 1518 and its present appearance dates back from the year 1614. There is an old and a new church of Our Lady of the Assumption within the same monastery. The monastery treasures a value library, an archive and a collection of pieces of art and incunabulas. Next to the monastery is the Malacological Museum which was founded by Fr.Jure Radic in 1963. as well as the "Mountain and Sea" institute. St.Peter's church, which most probably dates back from 15th century, is situated on the promontory of St.Peter. It was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1962 and it has recently been reconstructed. The western entrance into the town is marked by "Napoleon's monument", dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Lovers of fine arts have the opportunity to visit the "Antun Gojak" art gallery, with a permanent exposition of the works of this artist from Makarska. In the "Dragicevic" art gallery, the graphic artist Igor Dragicevic offers you beautiful paintings inspired by scenes from Makarska.
          Makarska is famous more for its natural beauties then for its cultural sights, but the real value of this town lies in its cheerful and open-hearted people.
          Already, your first visit to this town promises a return.