 Makarska is a town, port and tourist centre in a large cove, enclosed by Cape Osejava in the south-east, and the Sveti Petar (St. Peter) Peninsula, at the foot of Biokovo, in the north-west. To the north-west is a nice park and a forest of pine, which encloses a 1,500-m long beach in Donja Luka. Makarska is the tourist centre of the riviera of the same name. The town developed in the form of an amphitheatre, on the coast and at the foot of Biokovo. It consists of the old town core of Mediterranean type and the new part with hotels, restaurants, shops etc.
Biokovo Mountain has very interesting geomorphological forms and endemic plant species. High game (moufflons and chamois) is amply represented here. Very pleasant are walks along the port and public beaches, and mountain lovers may go by one of the mountain trails to the peaks of Biokovo, which offer a nice view on the surroundings, fresh air and quietness. Cultural and entertainment programs are an integral part of the life of Makarska, especially during the tourist season. The traditional Makarska Cultural Summer takes place in July and August, offering a rich drama and concert program, performances of Dalmatian harmony-singing groups, art exhibitions, recitals and folk music performances. The most popular events are the Fishermen's Night and the Night of Kalelarga (night of the town). 
Heritage On the coast are the Baroque church of St. Philip Neri and the building of a former monastery of the St. Philip monks, which retained its original aspect. A circular way around the Sveti Petar (St. Peter) Peninsula (lighthouse, foundations of the St. Peter's church from the 15th c. and the restored church of St. Peter, 1993) begins on the northern side of the King Zvonimir Coast (Obala kralja Zvonimira). South of the pier is Marineta, with a line of trees, stretching to the afforested Cape Osejava. Close to it is a Franciscan monastery from 1400 (restored in 1540, today's aspect since 1614), with a cloister. The old monastery one-nave church, with a Baroque bell tower from 1715, has been converted into an art gallery (The Assumption of Mary by Pieter de Coster from 1760). The monastery cloister houses the Malacological Collection. From the pier, the centre of Makarska may be reached by the stairway to Kacic Square, with a monument to the poet Andrija Kacic Miosic (1889, work by Ivan Rendic); on the upper side of the Square is the Baroque parish, until 1828 bishop's, church of St. Mark (1700-1776). The church features the silver altar of Our Lady of the Rosary (1818) and the marble incrusted main altar (a Venetian work from the 18th c.). Along the southern side of the church is a Baroque fountain from 1775. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 September 2007 )
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