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.

Starigrad Fortress was built in the 15th century during Venetian rule as a defence against the Ottoman Empire. Its walls follow the mountain ridge above Omiš, and it was meant to shelter the town's inhabitants and let them resist the Turks. No such siege ever took place.

The name Fortica, used locally alongside Starigrad, comes from the word for a small fort. The two walled courtyards at different rock levels are linked by a stone stairway once guarded by its own wall and gate. The fort never actually sheltered Omiš residents during an attack, as no such siege occurred.

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.