The Church of St. Rocco holds a special place in the religious and social fabric of Omiš as the spiritual home of the eponymous brotherhood dedicated to this beloved saint. Built in the 16th century, this church represents the important tradition of confraternal religious organizations that played crucial roles in medieval and early modern European communities, providing not only spiritual guidance but also social support, charitable works, and cultural activities for their members.
The church’s most treasured artistic possession is the magnificent altarpiece painted by Francesco Negri, titled “Virgin Mary with Jesus, St. Rocco and St. Sebastian.” This remarkable work of religious art showcases the sophisticated artistic patronage that characterized the religious brotherhoods of the period, who often commissioned high-quality artwork to beautify their churches and demonstrate their devotion. The altarpiece’s iconography reflects the particular concerns of the St. Rocco brotherhood, featuring saints who were invoked for protection against plague and other diseases that frequently threatened medieval and early modern communities.
Of particular historical significance is the altar that bears the coat of arms of the powerful Kačić Dukes, the noble family whose maritime exploits and political influence shaped the history of Omiš for centuries. The presence of the Kačić coat of arms in this religious context demonstrates the deep integration of secular and spiritual authority that characterized medieval society, where noble families often served as patrons of religious institutions and their heraldic symbols appeared in sacred spaces as testament to their piety and social prominence. The Kačić family’s association with this church also reflects their role as protectors and benefactors of the local community, even as their reputation as formidable pirates spread throughout the Adriatic.
