MAKARSKA
Makarska (population 15,000) lies as the foot of Biokovo, in a natural harbour closed by the Osejava promontory from the south-east, and by St. Petar peninsula on the north-west. Makarska is an economic, cultural and tourist centre of the Makarska Littoral. There is a ferry landing pier for the destination Sumartion on Brač island in the port. It consists of the old core of the Mediterranean type and a newer part with hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. It has a beautiful 1,500 m long beach in a pine wood and numerous sandy coves.
It developed from Makar, a settlement at the foot of Biokovo which was mentioned as Muccurum in the documents of the council in ancient Salona on 4th May, 533. We find the name Makarska only in the beginning of the 16th century in Turkish, Croatian and Latin sources.
The monument of the poet Andrija Kačić Miošić (the work of Ivan Rendić, 1889.) rises on a big steep town square named after him, as well as St. Marko church from the 17th century, in which valuable sculptural and painting works of art are kept, as well as applied art works. The most beautiful altar in the church is the work of the Venetian sculptor Pietro Onighi. In front of the church is a drinking-fountain from the 18th century. On the peninsula of St. Petar there is a church with the same name dating back to the 9th century, demolished by the earthquake of 1962, and renewed in 1992. In the Franciscan monastery of St. Marija from the 16th century there are very rich library, a malacological museum with one of the richest collections of seashells in the world and the collection of the Baroque church painting. On the coast, the late Baroque church of St. Filip Neri and the Town Museum are situated. The monument in the form of a slender pyramid, raised in 1808 in honour of the French marshal Marmont is situated ate the entrance to the town.
Close to Makarska, there is Veprci, the sanctuary of Gospa Lurdska. Due to its natural beauty and conecrated athmosphere, it is a widely known place of pilgrimage.
At the foothill of Biokovo, as protectors of Makarska, the villages Veliko Brdo, Puharići, Makar and Kotišina are situated, with a Biokovo botanical garden in the latter. Those places have kept the beauty of original popular architecture, so that thay are attractive excursion targets today.
The City Sport Center and the Tennis Center, as well as many sport clubs in city, offer many possibilities for sports and recreation. And the specialized hotel "Biokovka" offers possibilities of highly developed health-and-recreation programs to all who find it attractive.
