Duće
Duce is situated in the middle of Dalmatia on the Omis Riviera along the Adriatic Highway. It is approximately 20 km from Split on the way to Makarska. Directly opposite is the island of Brac.
A superb touristic oasis Duce stretches along the coast between the towns of Omis and Dugi Rat. It boasts of breathtaking sandy beaches 4 km long, encircled by rich mediteranean vegetation.
Its situated only 2 km from the mouth of the Cetina River on the very doors of a natural pathway. The river leads through the canyons inland discovering the incomparable Picnic Area “Radmanove Mlinice” and further on the well-known “Mala and Velika Gubavica” Waterfalls near Zadvarje.
To the North, Duce is bordered by the Mosor Mountains situated 400 m above sea lavel. These mountains lead down to the mouth of the Cetina River and are encircled by thick pine forests which come right down to the sea and can be found on the countless sandy beaches farmed by the Cetina River.
Omiš (distance 3 km)
Omiš is an old town. The first time Omiš was mentioned is more than 2000 years old, as a settlement called Oneum. Through the history it was famous by being the city of – pirates!
Through XII and XIII century, Omiš pirates ruled the Adriatic sea on the area between Split and Dubrovnik. Sailing through their area required a payment. If you decided to skip the payment you were sentenced to a combat – a real pirate combat, and your chances were not good because Omiš pirates were good in what they did. The whole two centuries pirates attacked trade ships of Venetian republic, Dubrovnik republic and other trade giants.
Their power grew over time. Few wars against them were made, but few were successfull. Finally, in XV century, they were defeated. Dukes Kacic ran, and Omiš became the part of Venetian republic, and became administrative and military center. Because of that, it got defensive walls around the city, walls that limited building area, so Omiš got its architecture – small houses and narrow streats.
After the Venetian republic collapsed, the walls didn’t have the purposa anymore, and the residents of Omiš demolsih them to expand the city. Today, only leftovers of the city walls can be seen as city gates in the eastern part of the town, and a forteress Turun in Fošal street.
In XIX century, Omiš became the part of Austro-Hungarian monarchy, then part of Napoleon’s France, in XX century it was part of two Yugoslavias, and finally a part of Croatia.
Today, Omiš is mainly a turist town. It can offer its rich cultural herritage, great gastro offer (many great restaurants in narrow Omiš streets) and rich cultural life such as dalmatian accapella singing – Klape.
Split (distance 25 km)
The story of Split begins 1700 years ago, when the Roman emperor Diocletian built his vacation house on the area of ancient Greek settlement, which later became the cultural, tourist and social center of today’s Split.
Split had rough history. From the XV to XVIII century, it was under Venetians. Later it became a part of Austro Hungarian monarchy, and was, briefly under France occupation. Later on, it became the part of Yugoslavia, and finally, after the Croatian-Serb war, it became part of Republic of Croatia.
Split had political, cultural and trade impact. It was one of the most important ports in Adriatic Sea.
Today, Split remained culturally rich city. Perfectly preserved Diocletian’s palace (cellars, Peristil, st. Duje’s cathedral, Jupiters shrine) is a part of UNESCO’s heritage. Split displays its cultural and ethnical history through many museums (archeological, ethnographic, naval and city museum), art galleries (Meštrovic’s gallery, Art gallery) and cultural events (Splitsko ljeto, music festival).
Split is also known for its gastro offer. The center of the city is full of great restaurants with broad offer of typical Dalmatian food and exotic meals, and with a big offer of great local wines.
Split is also entertainment and party location. Split waterfront (Riva) is a popular place for morning coffee, and in the evening, it is one of the top spots to go out for drinks. There is also an option going to one of many music clubs. Besides the world known Ultra Europe festival, Split is hosting many other smaller festivals of electronic music, as well as concerts of big music stars.