It would be very difficult to choose which much of this area, which extends from the littoral, with beaches surrounded by pine-woods, towards the peaks of Biokovo mountain rising over the town and the whole riviera, is the most attractive one.
The mountain Biokovo, park of nature, will truly be a discovery for lovers of alpinism, mountaineering, even speleology. Featuring its hunting area rich with game like mouflons and chamois this mountain attracts hunters coming from all over the world into new adventures.
Visitors with strong conformity can attain the peaks of Biokovo mountain in the hour’s drive by car. It has 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 can enjoy the view over the Biokovo mountain inland.
Descending the mountain those curious ones will find 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) as well as the town of Dubrovnik (120 km south), linked through the Adriatic highway, but also not far from the shrine in our Lady in Medjugorje. Makarska has always inevitably been in the tourist trade. As well as other nearby villages (Brela, Baska Voda, Tucepi, Podgora …) it forms the famous Makarska Riviera. Makarska’s tourist offer includes accommodations in hotels which has a number of 2.500 beds, an outdoor camping site, as well as accommodation in private houses about 15.000 beds and you’ll rent apartments Makarska at every turn. Attractive restaurants which has a rich variety of tasty dishes, and a large number of cafés become easily the widely used meeting points of all tourists. Young people, as well as those feeling young, will certainly enjoy the evenings in golf equipment and disco clubs, while live music on hotel and restaurants terraces will definitely attract romantic souls. Makarska Sports Centre with football grounds and athletic tracks, and also 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 located within a natural bay enclosed by two promontories (St.Peter and Osejava) the marina of Makarska supplies a well-protected anchorage for boats, together with other facilities.
The earliest time period of the historical background of Makarska remains to be obscure. Rare archeological finds from medieval times give additional support towards the legends about this area, on the cross-roads of mainland and sea routes. There are some 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 has been constructed in the 18th century. Within the very centre of the square there exists a beautiful monument dedicated to Fr.Andrija Kacic Miosic, a monk along with a national poet who lived inside 18th century. The statue was made by Ivan Rendic and there is a copy on this monument Zagreb. Next to the church is situated a Venetian fountain, also dating in the 18th century, decorated by the oldest town’s coat-of-arms. Within the town centre stands the church of St.Philip Neri. It’s also an 18th century building which has a beautiful baroque interior. In the eastern area of the harbour, the Franciscan monastery is situated. It absolutely was founded in the year 1518 and its present appearance goes from the year 1614. There is an old along with a new church of Our Lady of the Assumption within the same monastery. The monastery treasures something library, an archive and a assortment of pieces of art and incunabulas. Next to the monastery will be the Malacological Museum which was founded by Fr.Jure Radic in 1963. along with the “Mountain and Sea” institute. St.Peter’s church, which almost certainly dates back from 15th century, is situated on the promontory of St.Peter. It absolutely was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1962 possesses recently been reconstructed. The western entrance to the town is marked by “Napoleon’s monument”, dating right from the start of the 19th century. Lovers of a good arts have the opportunity to visit the “Antun Gojak” art gallery, with a permanent exposition of the works on this artist from Makarska. In the “Dragicevic” art gallery, the graphic artist Igor Dragicevic gives you beautiful paintings inspired by scenes from Makarska.
Makarska is famous more for its natural beauties then due to the 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 coming back, writes tagza.