Starigrad Fortress, Medieval fortress on a hilltop near Omiš, Croatia
Starigrad Fortress is a medieval stone fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the Cetina River valley near Omiš, Croatia. It features thick limestone walls arranged around a square central tower, with a barbican entrance that once controlled access to the inner grounds.
This fortress was built to defend the coastal region as Ottoman forces moved closer to Dalmatian territory in the 15th century. It served as a military stronghold during a time when regional powers fought to control the Adriatic coast and river access.
The fortress reflects how medieval rulers commanded both the river valley and sea routes to protect their lands. Walking through it today, you see the layout was designed so people could defend different levels if attackers broke through lower walls.
The climb is steep and takes effort, though gentler paths exist from nearby villages if you prefer a longer walk. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the exposed hilltop offers little shade on sunny days.
The fortress was designed with a clever tiered defense system where defenders could fall back to higher positions as lower sections came under attack. This retreat strategy made it far harder for attackers to claim complete control of the structure.
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